Where Does My Child Go Now?
Many of you have written to ask that question. The beautiful and most important fact about the Animal Note method for early music training, unlike some other early music training methods, is that it leads to understanding and being able to play standard music notation. The Animal Note Flash cards and the word clues associated with each note enable the child to become comfortable with standard music with the first note learned. How a parent or teacher progresses depends on the student’s age, dedication, and temperament.
Children ages three and four need to progress more slowly. They love the Note Reading book, and they usually progress through it in six months to a year, loving every minute of it. The Timing book needs to be taken more slowly. Word clues here help the child learn how long to hold the note. Don’t be too strict on conventional methods of counting as it can be difficult at their tender years. If they must count a measure containing two quarter notes and a half not; one, one, one-two, let them. They will change to standard counting as they mature, and the important lesson of ear and sight training will develop properly. Let them play in the fun books, even if the tempo is not exact. They are encouraged because everyone likes to play something they know, and others enjoy hearing. Remember to review the notes and word clues learned with the Flash Cards every lesson.
The 5 and 6 year old group learn more quickly than the younger children, but they need the security that the Animal Note Method gives them. They will move relatively quickly through the Note Reading Book and their studies in the Timing Book will possibly be smoother. They will really enjoy the Fun Song and Christmas books, taking good advantage of their knowledge of the songs to improve their timing skills. The time you spend with them reviewing the Animal Note Flash Cards and word clues will pay big dividends.
For beginning students 7, 8 and 9, the Animal Note Method makes beginning music fun and creates a solid, firm foundation for their future music education. Again the Animal Note Flash Cards and word clues allow them to identify the standard notes with little difficulty. I strongly suggest you use both the Note Reading Book and the Timing Book for this group before moving on. Being able to study timing without the struggles of learning standard music notation gives the children a chance to become proficient in rhythm and beat. The Fun Song and Christmas books make learning more enjoyable and add variety to their music studies. Early music education is a lifetime gift.
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