By Lisa Carolin
The idea that getting children involved in music at an early age can prime them for an aptitude for music their whole lives, and this is one of the reasons that Music Together classes are growing in Chelsea.
The research-based program presents music in a non-performance, playful setting that allows children to achieve some basic music abilities.
“Music class also gives kids confidence and builds their self esteem as well as developing a sense of community-sharing, taking turns, making music together,” said Robin Robinson, who owns the Robinsongs For Kids center in Ann Arbor and runs the Music Together classes in Chelsea.
Robinson’s center, located on Zeeb Road, offers classes for babies 8 months and under, for big kids, ages 5-7 years, and a Guitar for Grownups class for the parents of enrolled kids.
The Music Together classes, which were formerly taught at the Chelsea Center for the Arts, are now held at the Washington Street Education Center.
“Because research shows that kids learn best in a mixed age setting, most classes in Music Together are mixed age, for kids 5 and under,” said Robinson. “In class we sing, do small and large movement, do chants, and play small musical instruments. Emphasis is absolutely on having fun, so all songs have a bit of silliness.”
Classes last 45 minutes and include both small movement like tapping knees and clapping and large movement like jumping, stomping and twirling. Props include balls, rhythm sticks, resonator bells, tambourines, drums and more.
In addition to Robinson, Tara Vesprini also teaches some of the classes. She holds a degree in cello performance and music education from the University of Michigan and is in her seventh year as a Music Together instructor.
The fall session lasts 10 weeks and begins the week of Sept. 29. Classes are offered Mondays at 10 a.m., Wednesdays at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. The cost is $195 for the first child and $130 for siblings.
Robinson invites anyone interested to visit a free demo class Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Washington Street Education Center. For more information, click here.
