Early childhood music program?

[Pleye]

I'm a stay-at-home dad who is probably a bit premature at looking into homeschooling but my 3 year old daughter is enjoys learning and I'd like to take advantage of her inquisitiveness.

What I'm specifically looking for at this time is a method for teaching music. I'm sure there are many out there but I'd like to match something with her level as well as introduce her to some familiarity with notes.

Her level - she's 3 years 3 months, can play melody to about 5 songs consistently including the Barney song, Jingle Bells, etc, can play simple harmony like two note chords and the song chopsticks, is able to play with most fingers on both hands, can count time in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 5/4 including subdivisions of the beat up to "1-ee-and-ah". She can also imitate some complex rhythms with the keyboard drum sounds.

Are there any systems or books that we can jump into to keep her moving and motivated? I didn't want to enroll her in group music right now because I'm afraid it might be a step backward.

[WenC]

Have you thought about music lessons? It sounds like you've been working hard at this, so there might be some teachers willing to take her at three.

You might also want to check for elementary school music teachers and see if they give private lessons.

Other than that, I don't know of any programs specifically. Good luck

[Pleye]

Thank you Wen, I just noticed your reply today.

In my research I have found a software program called "Soft way to Mozart" which I will look into further.

I'll also look into the music teachers here. The reluctance so far has been:

1) one music teacher we talked to said "she's just too young" which I disagree with. Like everything else it is a matter of interest and ability not age (or height, or weight, etc).

2) In Canada many teachers follow the Royal Conservatory of Music books which teach reading quite well I understand but seem to lack in creativity. To me that is like learning to read a story but not being able to understand what it means, describe how it is put together or being able to write a final chapter of your own.

My daughter has amazed me this month so I should probably pick up my pace! She doesn't really like to listen to anyone at this age but she has a good ear and is a good imitator.

Thanks for your response. I'm going to check out teachers again this month coming up and hopefully I can find one who will take her in for an assessment at least.

[springfield]

Look for another music teacher, or a music school. We have a number here that specialize, or have specialized classes with lessons for kids that age and level. That's when I started to play. There are group classes and individual lessons for instruments as well as more general music classes. Plenty of kids start playing an instrument at that age - if you're not doing piano, the instrument will be very wee, but cute, heh.

[OnTheHorizon]

[QUOTE=Pleye;324105]
1) one music teacher we talked to said "she's just too young" which I disagree with. Like everything else it is a matter of interest and ability not age (or height, or weight, etc).


I agree with this. When my son was 7 he loved the computer and was very interested in computer programming. He would check out the computer books from the library and follow the directions. It was really a natural talent.
I have looked up and down over the years for a class to put him in but there was nothing available for his age group.

I think if you can do private lessons for voice and/or an instrument it would be great for her. Young kids also like classes on dance and movement. It must be a rhythm thing.:)