The programs at the Center for Young Musicians utilize an early start with the Early Childhood Music (ECM) Program. The Early Childhood Music Program develops early competency of rhythm and melody in both parents and children. Even the finest education has the potential to be lost on a child if it is not spirited. While every lesson provides meaningful musical instruction, lessons are presented in a social and playful manner. The early exposure of patterns and skills facilitates an easier mastery of a more complex musical study.
A long term curriculum and sequential learning based on skill acquisition produce the aural, oral, and written components necessary for creating a community of students with a life-long love of music.
Music Literacy is a pillar of CYM's curriculum, alongside Performance Training. Faculty members in all programs expand upon the work presented in the ECM classes, further developing fundamental themes with more complex musical assignments and objectives. Students will begin to read music and, ultimately, synthesize aural, oral and written skills to develop a thorough comprehension of musical elements. CYM believes that instrumental training must be accompanied by rigorous musical literacy training.
We recognize that the most successful students have considerable parent involvement. It is because of this that there must exist a mutual understanding and commitment between the family and school, where the musical education of the student is the core.
The Center for Young Musicians is proud to have an expert faculty. Teachers of exceptional backgrounds work together with students and parents to create an environment of inspired learning.
Some of our students do not aim for instrumental excellence; yet, from the ECM Program on up, every aspect of the CYM experience emanates a joyfulness that establishes a positive association with music for all students regardless of their ability. In addition, all programs share the same faculty members so that there is consistency in curriculum and teaching methods. Students gain instrumental and performance preparation from the unique individual and group instruction. Performance ability is nurtured with carefully prepared, high-quality performance opportunities.
The Early Childhood Music Program offers a significant learning opportunity for children from two to five years of age. Research and experience indicate that the younger a child begins her musical study, the more aptitude for success she acquires. This heightened potential can enhance academic skills as well as musical abilities. It makes sense to teach children the language of music before they study the mechanics of an instrument. At CYM young students learn to sing in tune, demonstrate a steady beat, develop motor skills and polish the listening and collaborative skills needed to play in an ensemble.
Small, structured classes, Babies (six months - 2 years), Toddlers (2 - 3½ years) and Twinklers (3½ - 5 years), ensure that musical objectives are age appropriate and that each student receives individual attention. Thorough preparation of rhythmic and melodic fundamentals through the ECM program is a prerequisite for participation in the Classical Program and is highly recommended for the Popular Program.
CYM's Performance Training is founded upon Suzuki method principles. This highly acclaimed method of talent training is designed for children who have had a minimum of two years experience in the ECM Program. Parents participate fully in their child's education by attending each technique lesson and learning to play the instrument along with their child. Additionally, parents are taught how to reinforce the skills they learn at school so that they can make the most of their practice time at home. These students share a long-term learning relationship with their parents which positively affects many areas of the child's development.
Classical students have three formal recitals each year, as well as numerous opportunities to perform in Community and Outreach Concerts. All students may perform at Community and Outreach Concerts. CYM's Outreach Concert program introduces CYM's vision for its students to a wide audience and contributes to the greater community. Young performers build confidence by performing polished pieces, and develop concentration by playing in new settings with a wide range of variables. The audience hears music presented by young people and enjoys a refreshing exchange in their accustomed environment. CYM Community Concert performance opportunities are held at various times throughout the year. Faculty members perform and arrange their student performances individually. These performances are held at CYM facilities, at local churches or centers, and in CYM families' homes.
A CYM Classical student participates in a Group Class and Technique Class each week. The Group Class teaches listening and collaborative skills and provides important music theory instruction. Students learn to support one another and have fun while making music.
The Suzuki Method relies on a sequential series of pieces. The Suzuki Literature is consistent throughout the world, affording students the advantages of a shared repertoire and experience. A unique attribute, studying the same literature and philosophy allows Classical students to easily create music together at Suzuki summer institutes held across the globe.
The performance skills of a Classical student will likely grow so quickly that they outpace the student's music comprehension and reading skills. Our faculty is attentive to cognitive musical development, and sensitive to the process in which these skills catch up to the student's physical prowess. Motivated CYM Classical students become advanced performers at a very early age and excellent readers soon afterward.
This program is designed for families who want a more "child-driven" approach to their music education, as opposed to the Classical Program's emphasis on parent leadership and role modeling. Students use written materials to structure their progress, however, a heavy emphasis on aural mastery of the material is an important feature of our Legends Program. For these reasons, Music Literacy training is fundamental to the Legends Program.
Throughout their studies, American Legends students visit the four pillars of the American music tradition: Movies and Musicals; American folk and blues; Rock and Country; and Jazz. Each year a different genre is used to introduce the student to the unique characteristics and styles.
Students may choose from a wide range of literature under the guidance of their teacher. Repertoire choices are tailored to suit the student's preference. Students in the Legends Program are welcome to incorporate the Suzuki Literature and Philosophy, but they are not limited to it. The Legends Program student participates in an Ensemble Class with other Legends students.
Students age 9 and up may join the Connections Program wherein they take a private technique lesson and a Music Literacy/Group class each week. This program is open to beginners as well as students transferring from other programs or private instructors. Concerts and special events provide additional performance opportunities for students in this program. Connections class gives older beginners an introductory course in Music Literacy and Instrument Set-up and facilitates their joining either the Legends or Classical Section with their peers.
Connections class gives older beginners an introductory course in Music Literacy and Instrument Set-up, and facilitates their joining either the Legends or Classical Section with their peers.
Connections provides learning materials for a cognitive and appreciative understanding of American styles, while making allowances for various performance abilities. Students learn to read, identify, and work with the unique, stylistic components of historically significant genres.