Heart and Soul Music Studio

A little about my musical philosophy and background -

Putting my heart and soul into music came early for me. I started playing piano at a young age and could plunk out just about any tune that hit my ear! This was much to the chagrin of my early piano teachers. Playing by ear is a gift; however, learning to read music enhances that gift. Between piano and voice lessons, music became my passion. To truly create beautiful music and present it passionately has afforded me many opportunities to accompany soloists and groups, sing with symphonies, be a soloist, create and develop my skills in music.

I have studied voice for many years, taking 15+ years of private voice lessons from various instructors. I began performing fairly young in my teens and sang for 8 years with two major symphony choruses, including Elgin Symphony Chorus and Mormon Youth Symphony Chorus on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.

With piano, I have played for as long as I can remember! I can be found doing accompany work on a weekly basis for church congregations, and have played for small ensembles and soloists in many different settings.

The Musikgarten program came into my business 2 years ago after a visit to a local music store offering the program.  It intrigued me and I researched to obtain training and qualifications through Wheaton College in Illinois.  I have been teaching babies and toddlers for two years now and am looking forward to future classes!

 Musikgarten, is a curriculum written by internationally respected early childhood music educator, Dr. Lorna Lutz Heyge, (also the founder of Kindermusik.) Research has shown that we are all born with an aptitude for music, but that musical aptitude diminishes if it is not actively nurtured between the ages of birth and nine. Studies have also shown music is a key component in a child's educational success. Classes nurture this musical aptitude by engaging babies, toddlers, children and their families in singing and movement activities which help attune the ear, refine the voice, and develop a rhythmic body through which music can be expressed. For 30-40 minutes we sing songs of contrasting tonalities, moods and meters. We do finger plays, body awareness songs and bouncing songs to experience the joy of playing together. We move to allow children to feel the flow, beat, meter and phrase of music. Rhythm instruments, instruments and basic concepts such as fast/slow, high/low, steady beat are explored. Patterns continue as part of every class to shape listening skills and acquaint the child with rhythms of music. Dancing with scarves & hiding games are part of the fun!

The babies class promotes musical play and bonding between parent and child. We will do songs for body awareness, for wiggling and tickling. We will experience contrast in songs of various meters and tonalities and moods. You will learn rocking songs to soothe your baby, and active songs that elicit a sensory-motor response and various kinds of movement. Patterns are included to shape listening skills and oral language development.

Classes are forming for January! Winter semester starts January 14, 2008. Free trial at anytime for Classes for new students. Discount available for more than one sibling enrolled. Classes are based on a 14 week semester starting the week of January 14, 2008. Registration fee of $30 is required to hold your child’s place in class. This fee will be applied towards materials and is in addition to tuition. Tuition can be made in three payments. Children may enter class at any time during the session; tuition will be pro-rated.

Please visit www.heartnsoulmusic.com for details, tuition, and class location.  Please feel free to send me an e-mail or call regarding classes.  I can be reached at (847)230-9163 or at musicmaker@heartnsoulmusic.com.  I look forward to hearing from you!