Registration for a youth music class in Bragg Creek has started up in hopes of teaching local kids the importance of music.
“I just find that with kids, and myself as well, it is more fun and motivating to be in a band or learn in groups,” said Robin Herbert, the instructor of the class. “This is the only prep program that is studied extensively in universities because it includes so many different foundational parts of music.”
According to Herbert, the Music for Young Children program is a preparatory class that will kick off next fall. Students who graduate from the program are then able to get into the Royal Conservatory Elementary Piano program if they connect with and enjoy what they have learned.
“They are set when they graduate from my program to pursue any instrument they want,” she said.
Herbert has been teaching piano for the last 10 years. She said she really wants to spread the love of music around the hamlet and hopefully get children to really connect with the program.
“My biggest want out of this is to provide that love and excitement about music that lasts a lifetime,” she said. “Their first teacher and program are really the most important exposure they will have. It has to be fun, and it has to be exciting.”
According to Herbert, having a group music program provides a separate outlet for youth who may not be into sports or other extracurricular activities.
“Band was my team,” she said. “It was good for my confidence and I hope we can provide that for the youth who get involved.”
The group class is currently held online due to COVID-19 restrictions. Once a week, Herbert holds classes that are an hour long. She said every week, kids are taught between five and six different musical concepts.
The classes also include a number of games and singing exercises.
“We are up at the piano probably three to four times within the hour learning different things,” she said. “They are learning about chording, which is a huge deal because you don’t necessarily learn that from private lessons. They can easily transition between genres after learning things like that.”
The program will start in September and run through May 2022. Herbert said throughout that time, the kids also take part in three recitals, including a Christmas performance.
“We get everybody to sing quietly along with the pianist, so they get used to that,” she said. “It is really touching and brings some tear-inducing moments.”
Herbert said the program costs $25 per one-hour session, though she added a program is available for families concerned about the cost.
For those interested, the program takes in pupils aged four to 10. For more information and to register, visit myc.com
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
