Parent Orientation Sessions

Musical Parenting Orientation Sessions are organized for parents, caregivers and extended family. Make it a priority to attend. Informed parents make a huge difference in a child’s learning process.

Location: Musicalia, 2284 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria
Schedule: Next scheduled session: September 8, 2011 from 7-8 pm.
Cost: No extra cost. Parent Orientation Sessions are included in your child’s tuition. If you have not yet registered, please feel welcome to join us and learn more about bringing music into your child's life in a creative and playful way!

Q: What is Musicalia?
A: The Musicalia studio is an exciting workshop where practical application of current research in music, movement and creativity with children takes place “live” every day. Susan is passionate about the lifelong benefits of music & movement and has studied with some of the world’s specialists in these areas.

She loves to share her knowledge with parents.

Questions that parents ask …

Q: How can we nurture our child’s natural love of music & learning?
A: It depends on the age of the child. There are many suggestions you will be able to implement once you’ve attended a musical parenting session.

Q: Do classes really have a noticeable impact on such young children? What can you really “teach” a very young child?
A: Absolutely the impact is noticeable in young children’s behaviour. Most of the effect appears several weeks to months after the initial experience with children under the age of 2. That shifts as children grow older. Pre-school teachers have mentioned to me that they can often tell when a child has attended classes at Musicalia in babyhood because the child is so alive and aware, seem to connect with the teacher more easily and are obviously musical.

Q: Isn’t listening to Mozart enough?
A: What do you mean “enough”? It is great to listen to music with your child and to have it playing in your home but there is so much more you can do that your child will love and you will have fun with too. What is your vision for your child? Are you leaving their musical, spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional development to chance? Attend a musical parenting talk to find out more.

Q: We’re expecting a baby. Do pre-natal music experiences make a noticeable difference?
A: Yes. There are significant advantages in early language development, memory, emotional attachment and musical development for babies who were sung to, spoken to and read to in the womb. Learn how to involve both parents (and extended family if you choose) in creating a healthy, musically rich in utero experience for your baby.

Q: When is the best time to start private instrumental lessons?
A: It depends on the child and it depends on the parent. It’s a process and you can learn more about this at a musical parenting talk for parents of older children.

Q: Is there anything I shouldn’t do?
A: Yes. It changes at different ages and stages. Find out more at a musical parenting talk. One thing...please don't use headphones on your baby! The natural sound of the parent's voice is the most beneficial musical singing experience for your child.

Q: Is it ok for my baby to listen to rock music?
A: It depends and there are other resources available at Musicalia if you’d like to expand your listening library.

Q: Should we be practicing every day?
A: Practice is a term for older people. At Musicalia programs are organized to support natural play and “practice” will grow out of this at the right time for each child.

Q: Do toddlers & pre-schoolers practice?
A: No. It is considered inappropriate for the age.

Q: How do I know if I’m doing too much with my child?
A: Great question. The most important connection your child has is their emotional attachment to the parent. If your main focus is your child’s emotional well-being then that will always come first. Every child is different and every family is different. Stay connected and involved with your child’s class and teacher to make the most balanced and nurturing decisions about their learning experiences. Every parent has a different vision for their child’s education. I see it as my job to support you and your family to get where you intend to go.

Q: Is there anything else I should be aware of?
A: If your desire is to participate with your child in music & movement to enhance their early learning experiences then attend a Musical Parenting talk first.

If you have a vision for your child and you see them playing an instrument, dancing, loving the arts & participating in artistic pursuits throughout their life then attending a Musical Parenting talk should be a priority.

Call Susan at Musicalia 250-595-1040.

Musical Parenting sessions are included in your tuition and are free to those not yet registered in a class or private lesson.