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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS or COMMENTS:

Martha, what is your music and education background?

My university degrees focused on both psychology and education. After completing them, I went on to study Early Childhood Music at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Along with this education I sang professionally to adult audiences, as well as children. I am as comfortable singing in clubs or churches as I am in Music Shows, day cares, libraries, public schools or bookstores. My academic background and experiences as a singer/songwriter, teacher, and mother, enabled me to write the curriculum for this program. It reflects not only my child development and music knowledge, but also my love for children and fun. Students in my classes will experience music learning through both gross and fine motor movement. The movement we do recognizes and works with a child's passion for mobility. It also reflects my belief that the large group muscles are a strong inroad for comprehension and retention in music education. I should also add that watching the children come up with their own physical interpretations of a song has been a wonderful learning experience for me!

My child is not participating to the extent that I had hoped considering how much he engages with music at home.

It is not unusual for children to respond to music more fully at home than in the class context. Depending on the child there are a number of possible explanations for this. Sometimes it has to do with their comfort level in a setting with children and adults they're not familiar with. It can also be a reflection of their learning style. Someone who is more visual or auditory in how they learn may be less apt to participate actively. Another cognitive factor to be aware of in young children is that their multi-tasking abilities are quite undeveloped. When we are doing an action song, they may sing or do the actions, but not necessarily both. In light of all this, keep in mind as the children watch and listen during class that parent participation is extremely important. It will not only fuel their motivation to participate, it will fast track your retention of the songs so they can be done at home.

What is the advantage of starting music classes as early as 4 months?

The brain is only partially developed at birth. The first two years are called a "neurological critical window" for brain development. Most of that brain growth happens through experience not genetics. Experience such as hugs, songs, books, tickles, and movement are all examples of input that is like food to a developing brain. Singing to your child is a fabulous medium for communicating your love and giving them a feeling of worth and security. Along with that, music is a great vehicle for altering moods. Have you ever seen a baby respond with joy to a fun song or calm down from a soothing lullaby?

What music program do you recommend after my child leaves ODM?

There are a number of wonderful music schools in the Hamilton area. The first consideration, however, is discerning the natural next step for your child by asking questions like.....

  1. What are the main features of the class experience and the length of class time?
  2. Is the age range of the class you are interested in developmentally appropriate?
  3. Does your child show an interest in a particular instrument?
  4. Are you able to preview a class to see how the teacher relates to the children? Does the teacher enjoy children as well as music?
  5. Does the curriculum and teaching method suit your child's learning style and personality? Related to that, would your child learn best in a group or one-on-one context?
  6. If they offer group classes, what is the maximum number of children per class?
  7. What kind of homework expectations are there?

Many of the ODM graduates have gone on to programs such as: Avalon Music, Music for Young Children, Music Makers, Suzuki School of Music, and Performance School of Music.

Where do you purchase your instruments and products?

My instruments for the most part are purchased from a company in Vancouver called "Empire Music". Their prices are quite reasonable and there are no shipping charges. You can order on-line through the web site: www.empire-music.com or call 1-800-663-5979.

The animal puppets I use are made by "Folkmanis". Their full line of products can be seen at: www.puppetdream.com . Local stores that carry them include: Turtle Pond Toys, Chapters and "Affiliated Services for Children & Youth" (ASCY) , 526 Upper Paradise, 905-574-6876.

The doll puppet, Ginger, is made by a Hamilton-based company, Image Puppets.

Props such as the scarves, finger puppets and bubble maker are Gymboree products. The bubble makers can be purchased at the Gymboree clothing stores (Limeridge or Mapleview Malls).