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MYC Music for Young Children

Joanne Peterson

Stony Plain, Alberta

BIO

Hi! I'm Joanne Peterson. Thanks for visiting my web page. I'm excited to teach music to children in Stony Plain through the MYC program because it's such a great foundation for not only learning to play the piano but also becoming a well-rounded musician.  All learning styles are used and there's lot of movement and "hands-on" activities. The group atmosphere really makes it fun to take music lessons -- not only that, beginners also benefit greatly from learning to play piano in ensemble with each other.  MYC makes it easy for piano teachers to provide a complete music education.  September 2023 will mark my 18th year of teaching Music for Young Children.

Laying an early foundation in music not only nurtures musical ability, but also helps children's brains develop to their fullest potential.   Isn't it wonderful that something as fun as learning music is also good for you?

The 36-week keyboard programs for beginners 4 years old (Sunshine 1) or 5-to 7-years old (Sunbeams 1) run from September to early June each year.   Each parent-child program includes keyboard work, as well as singing, ear training, theory and composing -- all in a fun small group atmosphere.  The venue is my music studio at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 5010 52 Ave. Stony Plain.

The 2023-24 keyboard classes begin the week of September 5, 2023.  For more information about the Sunbeams 1 program for 5 - 7 year old beginners, please contact me at sparkle7@telus.net

I regret that I'm not able to offer the Sunshine 1 program this year.  I will also have to hold off on teaching the Sunrise and Music Class (formerly Music Pups) programs for a while.

Here is video footage of part of a Sunbeams 1 class -- it is lesson 33 of 36, so you get a good idea of what 5-, 6- and 7- year old beginners learn during the course of their first year in MYC.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjBUr6aQFXqaRq7pSbH14Fg

I have taught private piano lessons since 1989. Before that, I was a veterinarian. Quite the career change! I have my grade 10 piano certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music, my grade 9 voice certificate from Conservatory Canada and I've also taken pop/jazz piano courses at Grant MacEwan College.  I'm active in church music, playing both organ and piano for the worship service and directing the choir, and I enjoy accompanying choirs, singers and instrumentalists.

 

"Thank you so much for all your support, love and laughter through Laine's MYC years.  I can't imagine a better experience for both of us!  I have learned so much, and I'm a better parent for the time we've spent making music together.  So grateful to have you in our 'village' -- Arleigh Stockwell

"Thank you so much for teaching 4 years worth of piano.  You are caring and an incredible teacher.  You have made a wonderful difference in my life" -- Laine Stockwell

"Thank you so much for this wonderful class.  I really enjoyed being able to spend special time with Claire learning music together" -- Tannis Magnus

"Thank you for teaching me music.  When I needed help, you helped me and when I was confused, you made me understand.  Thank you for encouraging me.  You are a great music teacher" -- Claire Magnus

"Thanks again for a great year and all your hard work, working around the restrictions – you truly made it a great experience!" -- Tristan Miller

"Thank you so much for the last four years of musical fun.  Justus just adored MYC.  He learned so much, not just piano playing and theory, but the importance of hard work, patience and a love for music.  I still remember finding your MYC profile one night and attending a 'try it' class the next day.  I feel like it was 'God-led'.  Kris and I are so very grateful for you and for the love you have poured over Justus over the years."  --  Sarah Bautista

"Thank you for your patience, kind heart, and teaching of music. "  Rosanne Plamondon

"Thank you so much for all of the work and time that you put into making music such a fun learning environment for Rhys and I.  We BOTH learned so much.  We can't wait for next year."  -- Lindsay Pohl

"Thank you for all the love, patience and enthusiasm that you provided for the class.  Ashley's skills have grown so much thanks to your tutelage."  -- Michael Struhan

"We appreciate all the time, effort and love you put into everything you do!  You make your students feel seen and special. " -- Jenn LaRoy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levels Taught

  • Sunbeams 1
  • Sunbeams 3
  • Moonbeams 3

Rates and Prices

Payments may be made by cash, cheque (payable to Joanne Peterson) or e-transfer.

Sunshine 1 and Sunbeams 1: Materials and tuition are payable separately. Annual tuition for 2023-24 is $875, payable in installments. The first tuition installment ($275) is due at the first class. The first installment of the materials fee (= registration fee) is due prior to the first class. Materials include:

The student manual (published in 3 parts). This includes the ensembles, homework, listening pages, songs and keyboard pieces.

The student activity book -- for keeping track of practicing and attendance, as well as parent education and miscellaneous information for students.

The tin sheet and magnets -- for theory work.

A castanet -- for practicing rhythm ensembles at home.

A durable cloth bag to hold everything.

For Sunbeams 1, the cost for the above materials is $225.05, including GST, shipping and handling ($7.00) and classroom supplies ($10.00).

For Sunshine 1, the cost for the materials is $222.95, including GST, shipping and handling ($7.00) and classroom supplies ($8.00).

There are also optional Sunbeams 1 audio downloads.  One of them contains all the material in the student manual that has lyrics (all of the songs and some of the keyboard and ensemble pieces)  It costs $20.54 including GST.  The other optional download contains all of the songs and some of the ensemble pieces, but no keyboard pieces.  That download costs $5.51 including GST.

The Sunshine 1 audio download includes all of the songs and ensembles without any keyboard pieces.   It costs $5.51 including GST.

So  the grand total for Sunbeams 1 materials without the download is $225.05.  With the larger download, the total is $245.60.  With the smaller download, the total is $230.56.

The grand total for Sunshine 1 materials without the download is $222.95.  With the download, the cost is $228.46.

Payment for materials may be made in 3 installments, payable before the first class, then again in November and February. Details provided upon request.

Siblings registered in the same program may pay a reduced materials fee, which includes only the student manuals and activity book, without the bag, tin sheet and castanet.

Other (Policies, descriptions)

STUDIO POLICIES

·   MYC parents are important people!  Your presence in class is an indispensable part of the program, not only to help your child but also so you know what’s expected (free music lessons for grown-ups, too!)

·   PRACTICE IS ESSENTIAL to success in MYC.  Students will be well-prepared with a regular practice schedule of 5 days/week.  Less than that and they will fall behind.  It’s important for a parent to sit with the child during practice time:  lots of praise and gentle help are all that’s required. Sunbeams 1 students start the year needing only a few minutes of piano time/day (+ written work) but by December, 15 minutes/day of piano work is necessary.  Sunshine 1 students need about 5 minutes of piano practice 5 days/week. Gradually parents can decrease the amount of time they spend in the practice session as the child becomes more independent.

·   Because young children tend to be a distraction in class, it’s best if only the MYC student attends with the parent.  Siblings who are old enough to stay alone on the other side of the studio room (behind the divider wall) are welcome to come along.  (Sometimes emergencies arise and young siblings may occasionally sit in).

·   There are 36 lessons plus two recitals (spring and year-end) during the teaching term.  The studio follows Parkland School Division holidays for fall, Christmas and spring breaks.

·   Please be on time for class.  When you’re late, your child misses out and it disrupts the entire class.  It’s actually helpful if you can arrive 5-10 minutes before class starts so we can mark the homework.

·   Yearly tuition is $875, payable in installments if desired.  Payment may be made with cash, cheque (payable to Joanne Peterson) or e-transfer to sparkle7@telus.net.  $275 (first installment) is due at the first class.

·   If you are unable to come to class in person, please let me know as soon as possible.  You are welcome to join the class in real time via Zoom or I will record the class and send you the link to the cloud recording the day after the class.

·   If I need to cancel a class, I will make every effort to re-schedule to a time suitable for all.  If that’s not possible, I will refund the lesson fee at the end of the year.

·   Once a child is registered, I expect attendance through the whole year except in cases of moving or extended illness.  Your child’s spot has been reserved for the whole year:  no one else can take their place.  The first $275 tuition is non-refundable.  It takes time to get into the “happy habit of making music”!  At the beginning of the term, you may feel overwhelmed while you’re getting used to the practice routine.  If you persevere, you will be very impressed with how much the students learn during the course of the year.  If you or your child is discouraged, please let me know!  There’s a good chance we can work through any problems together.

·   Please feel free to communicate with me by phone or email about ANYTHING!  I truly value your input, especially if you’re concerned about something.  Suggestions for improvement are always welcome.

·   No food, drinks or gum in class.  Water bottles are fine.  It’s important your child isn’t hungry or thirsty during class.  A snack or meal beforehand is a good plan.

·   Outdoor footwear may be left at the upstairs door of the church OR at the entrance to the studio.  It’s a good idea to bring indoor footwear along to wear during class.

·  CLEAN HANDS please (feel free to use the washroom before class)

The study of music is a life-enhancing skill well worth the effort.  

 You are doing a good thing for your child!  Thank you for choosing Music for Young Children®.

 

 


Studio Address and Contact

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Stony Plain

7809630817

My MYC studio is at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in downtown Stony Plain.  It's a bright, spacious room  configured into separate work stations for each family. There is comfortable carpeting with chairs (for parents) and stools (for children) to sit on.

My studio features:

Yamaha acoustic piano

Heintzman acoustic piano

Kawai digital piano

Clavinova digital piano

Yamaha touch-sensitive keyboards

Various rhythm instruments such as tambourines, triangles, bells and cylinders

Jr. hand bells

Large cloth staff and keyboard for "hands-on" theory work

Large HEPA air purifier

Studio Location:

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (5010 52 Ave Stony Plain, Alberta)

Joanne Peterson

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@JPeterson

Active 4 weeks ago