Music Basics for Kids is a general music program designed for elementary school-age children, Kindergarten through sixth grade. The classes are sponsored by the Department of Music at the University of Stony Brook and are a part of the Pre-College Saturday morning program. The curriculum is based on a well-established musical pedagogy known as Dalcroze Eurhythmics.

What is Dalcroze Eurhythmics?
Eurhythmics was developed during the early part of the twentieth century by Emile Jacques-Dalcroze, a Swiss composer and teacher. His unique pedagogical approach, based on physical movement, ear-training, and improvisation, was designed to develop coordination between ear, mind, and body. Originally taught to students at the Geneva Conservatory, Eurhythmics is now taught at music schools and conservatories all over the world to musicians of all ages.

What happens in a Music Basics for Kids Class?
In class, students experience music through games and exercises that allow them to use physical movement as they learn the basics of pitch, rhythm and notation. By developing their musicianship - the ability to hear, think, read and feel music more deeply - they are able to approach their instruments with new understanding and skill. The idea that students experience music physically before they wrestle with symbols and theoretical abstraction is at the heart of Dalcroze work.

When do classes begin?
The first day of class is Saturday, September 8, 2007. The schedule is as follows:

Level one: Kindergarten, 9:30 AM
Level two: first through third grades, 10:30 AM
Level three: fourth through sixth grades*, 11:30 AM