Music for Young Children

Keyboard-based music education classes for children ages 5 and up

West Chester Academy of Music and Dance is proud to offer one of the world's finest music education programs: Music for Young Children! Founded in 1980, Music for Young Children (MYC) is one of the world's leading music-learning systems — the only child-centered program of its kind to integrate keyboard, creative movement, rhythm, ear training, sight reading, music theory, and composition.

As an MYC student, your child will learn standard piano repertoire, ear training, music theory and history, composition, listening, sight reading, and music vocabulary. Classes meet once a week for 55 minutes at a time that's convenient for you and your child. Our professionally-trained MYC instructors provide a stress free, interactive, and fun musical environment.

MYC presents musical concepts and theories to children with a multi-sensory approach to learning, which has been proven to increase absorption and retention. Each class also includes games (with an educational purpose). After completing the most advanced level of the program, generally in 4 to 5 years, students are well prepared to continue with intermediate piano studies and/or pursue a second instrument or area of music study.

Parent participation in the classroom is integral to the Music for Young Children program. By being present, you become aware of your child's learning styles, strengths, and interests; thus enabling you to serve as an informed guide in directing your child's musical path.

MYC's unique group environment provides an important opportunity for increased motivation, ensemble skills, and performance practice, and for a fun atmosphere in which to learn with friends of similar ages and abilities. Class sizes are intentionally small to allow for individual attention as well as invaluable ensemble activities. Students work on Yamaha Clavinovas, which are digital keyboards with the same weighted action and sound of acoustic pianos. The 55 minute weekly lesson format provides adequate time to polish material already learned, preview new material, and study the theory concepts behind the music. Piano study, which has often been a rather lonely experience for many, becomes an enjoyable learning experience with social benefits.

Music for Young Children is offered at age appropriate levels of study: Sunbeams – ages 5-8, and Moonbeams – ages 8 and up. We will help you determine your child's (or children's) appropriate class level at the time of registration. New classes begin in September and run through June. However, new classes can be started at any time with sufficient enrollment.

For even more information on Music for Young Children, visit the Music for Young Children website.