Contact now to EOI for a Baby or Preschool Music Class in Term 4!
About Little Maestros
...our philosophy...
At Little Maestros we believe that there is a secret musical place within every child -at every age. Given the chance, a child can grasp onto their musicality and use it as a tool for communication and self expression at a time in life when the words don't come as easily.
...about the classes...
Little Maestros classes are child and parent/carer centered. Children are given the chance to explore a range of percussion instruments while improving:
- their foundations of music
- socialisation
- language development
- fine/gross motor skills
- emotional regulation
- executive function (planning, remembering instructions, focus attention, self control, organisation and multitasking)
- self confidence
- enjoyment of group activities
Children learn about the beat, rhythm, dynamics, stopping/starting, packing away, melody and pitch while being introduced to a rich scope of language through nursery rhymes, traditionals, world music and some modern songs.
...parents and carers...
... hold a safe space for their children to learn, play and sing. What is created through close physical activities
-such as lap rhymes, bounces, tickles and games - is a lovely time of bonding and strengthening of relationship between child and their grown up. It is hoped that grown ups will continue these activities at home..
...children experience...
- Success at every stage throughout the lesson because a variety of activities are offered that can be adapted to their needs or interests by the teacher in the moment.
- Increased self-confidence
- Music making as a social interaction. This involves interacting with other children musically and playfully, sharing in free play, taking turns and learning the joy of 'musicking' with others.
...structure...
Singing is a constant, and all activities are accompanied by a mix of recorded media, guitar, ukulele, keyboard and drums. Props such as scarves, rainbow dancing streamers, puppet eyes, puppets, various toys, parachutes and hobby horses are used when appropriate to the activity. Each lesson's end is signified by a song tale (book) and a repeat of the hello/goodbye song.
The lesson's structure stays the same but the content changes sequentially. Songs are made available to parents/carers to play for their children throughout the week, however, grown ups are highly encouraged to memorise songs in class and sing unaccompanied to children outside of class.
Unaccompanied singing, directed towards a child, is the most beneficial.
About Cassandra
Cassandra has been teaching and performing music for 20 years and plays piano, guitar, ukulele, bass guitar, alto sax, and various percussion instruments. She’s also learning violin and hopes to add the clarinet and cello to her repertoire.
After 11 years of being a high school music teacher Cassandra had a little boy and fell in love with his world and the music in it. Having discovered a passion for Early Childhood music education and its benefits; Cassandra has obsessively worked and studied towards her goals. Intent on providing a holistic musical experience for 0-5's, Cassandra integrates all her experience as a musician, lover of languages, traveller, mother and teacher.
Cassandra has travelled extensively and has taught music around NSW, London and Italy. While in Italy she taught English as a second language through music, theatre and play.
Cassandra has a Bachelor of Music in Composition, a Masters of Teaching Music and the Australian Kodály Certificate in Early Childhood Music Education for 0-3 years. Committed to continuous professional development; she is currently studying Konnakol and Rhythmic Neuro Gymnastics. Cassandra is planning on doing another Masters in Music Therapy (specialising in early intervention) when her two small children start school.
You can also find Cassandra at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music where she teaches the after school ChiME program. She also teaches Stage 1 Music at Tarrawanna Public School through the WollCon's current Music Schools Program.
