In Rhythm Kids®, children ages 4-8 dig deeper and gain a richer understanding of how music works. These classes are intended as a parent & child class, until age 6, however drop-off before age 6 may be considered at the discretion of the parent and teacher.
The Voice, the Body & the Drum
Although we typically play African djembe drums in class, Rhythm Kids® is way more than just a drumming class, as our main focus is to develop rhythm using the voice, the body and the instrument. Classes include singing, movement, rhythm activities, games, improvisation, and drumming patterns. Children learn and experience the drum patterns in chant form first, and then transfer that learning into drumming and movement, some of which is based on traditional folk dance. Classes include activities and instrument play that allow children to create and express themselves through music and movement, multicultural rhythm patterns, songs from around the world, and music-based games and activities.
Drums will be provided for the class each week.
In each weekly music class, we drum, sing, move, and play to rhythms inspired by musical traditions around the world, from West African Gahu, to Japanese Taiko, to Brazilian Samba, just to name a few.
Students learn to compose, choreograph, and conduct as they play—and play with!—a variety of musical instruments: West African djembe drums, percussion instruments, and, the most important instruments of all, their voices and their bodies. As your big kid learns to think and create like a musician, they’ll also build musical connections to the global community. Classes include:
- immersion in the musical language of many cultures
- playful music games with rules
- opportunities to lead, balanced with opportunities to collaborate
- deep exposure to complex, fun, and groovin' music
- many chances to solo, improvise, and work in ensembles
- rich, creative experimentation and expression, improvisation, and innovation
