Larisse Kelly

Pre-school Music Classes

Sunday, July 29, 2018 by Larisse Kelly | Uncategorized

Care for Kindies preschool music classes

On Monday mornings, I teach up to 4 pre-schools and 45+ children 3.5 - 6 years old and I love it. Care for Kindies pre-school has 4 centres located in Leppington, Belmore and Belfield. If a  pre-school age child attends on a Monday, they are lucky enough to get to participate in the free classes (fees absorbed by the centre)  I run. Click HERE for an article on Care For Kindies and the benefits of learning music at such a young age. If you are located nearby, it is well worth investigating this program and many other great programs run at these centers. 

Details of the music program

small groups of 3-6 or sometimes the full class for interactive instruction, followed by 1 on 1 with the teacher to play the set piece for the week. 

Pieces/songs are usually played on an electric keyboard, occasionally hand bells, other percussion or a new instrument is introduced as a special event. Every week students sing, included actions/movement and learn to sign the different pitches using solfege.

Every effort is made to coincide songs with upcoming events or topics such as Easter, Christmas, Mother/Father's day or any other unit the preschool is working on can be catered for (with notice). 

Students not only learn about music skills such as singing, playing an instrument, Pitch, Dynamics, duration, rhythms etc, but they also learn fine motor skills, reading, counting, science of sound, co-ordination and more! 

Music Classes in Hornsby and surrounds

I am hoping to begin new classes in the Hornsby area as this is my local area. So if you are interested, please talk to your pre-school and pass on my details. I am happy to discuss options with the preschool director. 

Adult Piano Lessons

Sunday, July 29, 2018 by Larisse Kelly | Uncategorized

Ever wanted to learn piano and never did? Or maybe you did learn piano and then stopped and wish to pick it up again. For whatever reason, more and more adults are taking piano lessons later in life. I currently have 10 adult piano students ranging from in their early 20's to in their 70's! Levels vary from complete beginner to 7th grade. 

Great reasons to take up piano lessons:

* personal development/enrichment

* make use of the piano you have had sitting in your home for years

* be able to assist your children who are learning piano

* improve your motor skills and co-ordination

* improve memory skills

* keep your brain sharp

* for the enjoyment of music itself!

Have a read of the article below by the National Geographic:

Your Aging Brain Will Be in Better Shape If You've Taken Music Lessons

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/1/140103-music-lessons-brain-aging-cognitive-neuroscience/

Here is a scholarly article on Effects of music learning and piano practice on cognitive function, mood and quality of life in older adults