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Have you ever done an activity with your child that was both fun and helped her build a couple skills? Playdough, for example, is so much fun–and it is a great activity to develop senses and creativity. Puzzles are a fun way to develop spatial awareness and problem solving. Many of the things that help our children develop the most are things that, on the surface, appear to be simple and fun. Music is no different.

Music classes are fun and engaging while providing experiences that help nurture the emotional, physical, and intellectual resources children need to deal with life’s challenges while they are young. They help children develop as a whole person and improve specific characteristics including attention span, language or verbal development, creativity, motor skills, and self control.

What better way to learn about music than through natural means and experiences? Consider this for a moment: We learn language by being immersed in it. From infancy to childhood to adulthood, we learn to speak as a natural result of the communication taking place with and around us. Despite our innate capacity to develop lingually, we still teach English in school so we can learn to read, spell, write, create, and communicate in more ways than just vocally. The same is true with music. Our informal experiences with music are the building blocks of more structured learning opportunities. In other words, they are paramount for success in structured learning environments.

Children benefit more from music classes when such experiences are in conjunction with spontaneously occurring opportunities to interact with music without coercion or expectation. This is why we include nature sounds in our foundational classes: to assist children in hearing the music around them so informal experiences can occur naturally. We want to help them learn to recognize the language of music.

We know how informal experience lays the foundation for formal study, so at Harmony Arts we incorporate these naturally occurring interactions into our lessons. We also seek to help our families participate musically together in simple ways so small informal experiences can take place stress-free in the home. Some easy ways to incorporate informal music experiences include humming while washing the dishes, whistling while taking out the trash, clapping and tapping on your laps in the car, and naming different nature sounds you hear while out on a walk.

Tell us about one of your informal music moments in the comments below!

— written by Maree Zollinger

Would you like to meet the person behind the screen? Tori Jones takes care of our social media and does an outstanding job! She is thoughtful, considerate, hard-working, innovative, and compassionate – all qualities important to HAMA, especially in a Social Media Specialist.

When she’s not posting and sharing and thinking about the next post, she loves to drive around to explore new places, sing songs around the campfire, and eat creme brulee!

Tori doesn’t teach music but she loves to hear music, especially songs with brass instruments. And she has a small collection of instruments that includes piano, guitar, native flute, small djembe drum, kalimba (thumb piano), and pan flute. If you’re looking for Tori you can probably find her in the kitchen, visiting with friends, studying the Bible, or … you guessed it – on social media! Tori’s family has been part of Harmony Arts and Music Academy since 2013. And as always, she loves to hear from you! Anytime you have something to share, just send a Facebook message to Harmony Arts and Music Academy and you’ll be in the best hands with Tori!

En garde! Four boys wielding toy swords circle their recently disarmed father. Looking for the gap in their ranks, Dad’s eyes quickly travel over the faces of each of his boys. He sees their determination and knows his time is running out. He fakes a break for the door, then turns and scoops up one of his boys, draping him over one shoulder, and takes off running… This is just a tiny peek into the home life interactions one of our awesome drumming teachers, Josh Millsap, has with his sons.

Josh is one of the newest members of HAMA staff, and we’re so excited to have him! In addition to bringing 19 years of drumming experience to the table, he is a devoted husband and father of four boys who has learned how to balance his involvement in sports and the arts. From gliding down the ice in his Jr. Yetis hockey uniform to music and poetry. From family hikes to dance, Josh enjoys being active, involved, and living life to the fullest. 

Josh is one of the teachers of the World Drumming class. Enjoy this selection as Josh shows us how much fun it is to drum! Thanks for being part of Harmony Arts and Music Academy, Josh!

Click here to listen to Josh play the drums: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PP81mjysYg9QAmuy9

As parents, we want the best for our children. We want them to learn quickly, to be a good friend, to have good friends, to overcome their fears and make a difference in the world. With unconditional love that’s difficult to express, we just want so deeply for our little ones to be truly happy.

We see their remarkable potential and want to help them fulfill it. Yet somehow, despite the very best of intentions, our help often doesn’t seem to be as helpful as we hoped…

Does this sound familiar? Perhaps you or someone you know has a strong-willed little one with his own agenda. He simply will not do anything against his will–and it seems that many of the good things his sincere parents want for him is against his will. How can we as parents still be a part of our children’s journey while respecting their agency? Child-led, parent-guided progression may be a helpful approach to try out. Here are 3 keys to child-led, parent-guided learning: 

1. Provide options and let the child choose. 
2. Respect the child’s decision. 
3. Respect the child’s timing.

Provide Options

Children thrive in environments where they feel safe and trusted. When we provide options, we can generally limit those options without causing the child to feel limited. Allowing him to choose respects his agency. It helps him feel safe (because he gets to choose what’s most comfortable for him) and trusted (because letting him choose shows belief that he’ll make a good choice). It may also be helpful to look for opportunities when it may be appropriate to provide your child with a less desirable option that has an unpleasant consequence–one you can live with and that won’t cause deep or lasting harm. This is a simple way to create a safe, trusting environment in which children can thrive.

Respect the Child’s Decision

Serving as a sounding board as children make their own choices will help them learn about the connection between choices and results. At times, this may help them think long-term and avoid undesirable outcomes. Other times, it may be necessary to allow the child to experience those outcomes for himself.

It’s natural to want to shield our children from pain and disappointment, but letting them experience the consequences of poor choices in a safe, controlled environment gives them the chance to learn by experience, which can further validate the lessons you are teaching. It is better that they learn from their mistakes now while they are young and the consequences aren’t as expensive, long-lasting, or painful.

You may even find that sometimes, after trying out different options, your child will come to the decision you hoped he would. The difference is that he’s far more inclined to share your perspective in the future if you give him the space to think for himself now. Efforts to control tend to damage relationships and push children in the opposite direction we are trying to lead them. Respecting their choices shows them they are safe to want something different and that we trust them to want something good.

Respect the Child’s Timing

No two children progress at an identical rate. This is true for physical, mental, and emotional developments. Some things are skills that are learned over time, but some are things beyond the child’s control. Though a youth may increase his speed by learning appropriate running form and other helpful tricks, he cannot control his height and the effect it has on this skill.

Children are incredibly in-tune with themselves. They often know far better than we do of their own readiness or lack thereof. Encouragement and support enhance a child’s progress far more than insistence or force. He wants to succeed. Interfering with the natural timing of his growth unintentionally indicates that he is not improving fast enough. The resulting pressure and disappointment compound over time and can result in greater resistance in the future. However, if he is allowed the time and space to try when he is ready, we will often find that his learning curve will steepen as his experience and confidence increase.

Please keep in mind that it is impossible to account for every scenario. Child-led, parent-guided progression is not a “one-size fits all” solution. However, we hope that this approach will add to your parenting tool belt and aid you in increasing your parent-child relationship. Providing options, respecting choices, and respecting timing can help create the safe environment in which children thrive.

At Harmony Arts, WE LOVE DRUMMING! Especially when we can drum with friends on our authentic African Djembes!

Check out these fun pictures from a Drum Circle we had at the Athenian Academy…

DESCRIPTION: Great for kids, attend as a FAMILY, or, make it a DATE!!! (Ask about our family rate.) Have fun improving rhythm skills and focus! Enjoy rhythm, cooperation and ensemble skills with a group of friends. Explore different drums and styles, improvise, and build coordination! Enjoy drumming with a community of drummers! Also, there is a Box Elder County Fair Parade performance opportunity! 60-minute class.

Students do not need to own their own drum, but drums are available for purchase if you desire one. All our drums are hand-made from authentic materials from Africa, and proceeds from their purchase help build and equip schools in the villages they are made in.

Come and join us! See CLASS INFO>CLASS DESCRIPTIONS for dates and times.

Photo credit: All Things ShelleyRachelle

We are so excited to have Stephanie DeFilippis on board as our new Art Teacher! She has some FUN things planned for our summer art classes, “Stroke of Paint!”

Enrollment is available (until it’s full!!) for children, teens, and adults.

You can attend a single class, or, add as many more classes as you like for only $5 per student, per class!

Come as an individual, or as a family (call/text 435-452-2697 for family rate), or, enjoy the class together with a DATE, parent-child date, or with a friend!

REGISTER HERE: http://www.harmonyarts.net/class-descriptions/

DESCRIPTION: Paint, paint, paint! Complete several pieces (one piece per class, with a possible second piece) and enjoy a more in-depth opportunity to hone your painting skills. Working with acrylic paints, we will explore, learn and create in a safe and fun environment while making new friendships! Enjoy meeting and observing a local artist. ARTISTS KIT (see below) INCLUDED!

FORMAT: 90-min class

MATERIALS INCLUDED: Artist’s Kit includes…
… 3 different brushes,
… heavyweight, 30-page, 9 X 12 pad,
… 1 canvas,
… 7 bottles of acrylic paint.
This kit will last you through the summer!

See this fun time-lapse video of Miss Stephanie doing a project!

Here are the projects we will be doing…

MONDAY, JULY 13 … 2:00-3:30pm – WATERMELON and/or MIDNIGHT MOUNTAIN LAKE

MONDAY, JULY 13 … 4:00-5:30pm – CUPCAKE and/or AMERICAN FLAG SKY

MONDAY, JULY 13 … 6:00-7:30pm – AMERICAN FLAG SKY and/or PARENT-CHILD BEARS

TUESDAY, JULY 28 … 9:00-10:30am – CUPCAKE, and/or, A FRIEND IN NEED

TUESDAY, JULY 28 … 6:00-7:30pm – PINEAPPLE and/or DAISY

THURSDAY, JULY 30 … 2:00-3:30pm – CRAB and/or OCTOPUS

THURSDAY, JULY 30 … 4:00-5:30pm – ROCKET and/or HULK HAND

THURSDAY, JULY 30 … 6:00-7:30pm – SEASONS TREE and/or A FRIEND IN NEED

Kierste Carter keeps the books running smoothly for us here at Harmony Arts. It is her friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you have billing questions.

We appreciate Kierste’s dependability, her willingness and creativity for solving problems, and her encouragement to us in providing a sounding board for ideas. Many good things that have been done in the studio have come about because of her input. Kierste is a team player and she works very hard to make sure things are done to the best of her ability.  We are all so grateful for her.

Kierste earned her Bachelor’s degree from USU, majoring in Family, Consumer and Human Development with an emphasis in Family Finance (financial counseling and education). Prior to working for Harmony Arts, Kierste worked for Intermountain Healthcare as a Patient Service Representative, where she also did billing, coding, audits, and processed financial assistance applications. Kierste is married to Trent Carter and they are the parents of three boys.

Kierste, Thanks for everything you do for us here at Harmony Arts!

By Shelby Hansen

We’ve all been there. Dreaded practice time. Your kids or even you went kicking and screaming, literally or figuratively, to practice. 

I was the prime example of this. I had been in piano lessons for a little over two years and I hit the infamous rut in the learning curve. I knew enough to play, but not enough to sight read or play really well. I firmly believed that piano was a waste of time. As a 10 year old, obviously I didn’t really know what I was talking about. I would sit down at the piano and play songs I knew really well instead of the new material and goof around until my dreaded 15 minute time period was over. The problem was that I wasn’t getting any better at piano, and I hated it because I wasn’t making progress. Here are a few ideas that I have implemented since then to make my practice a success.

Idea 1: Reward rather than Punish

Instead of taking away things, promote positivity by giving rather than taking. I’m not saying buy your kid a car if he plays for a week, but do choose reasonable rewards and fulfill them. For example, if he had a week of dedicated 15 minute a day practice, you could go get an ice-cream cone together. If we reward more, your kid will more likely want to play, plus he will progress in his piece and as a musician.

Idea 2: Set a Reasonable Goal for Practice

Goals are so important. They keep us motivated, and they bring a sense of accomplishment and pride. His teacher will usually help him set weekly goals, but your job as a parent is to help him manage daily goals that will keep him motivated to practice. For example: 15 minutes of practice 4 days a week. Practicing regularly will keep him moving forward and continuing to enjoy his instrument.

Idea 3: Try to Keep a Regular Playing Time

Try to practice at the same time everyday. In my family, we will have a 30 minute break after school and then we practice. Try having your musician grab a snack and watch his favorite show and then practice. He is already exhausted from school and may need a minute to let his patience fill back up. Waiting until later in the day is often harder as activities usually happen later. Be flexible! Find a time that works for you and your child.

Idea 4: Start with New Material

New material is hard and it can be really hard for a student to stay motivated. An idea is to do the warm up then start with new material and learn it. Then, have your child play his favorite song at the end. Who knows? Maybe he’ll find a new piece he loves to play.

Idea 5: Be His Biggest Fan

Always encourage your child and point out good things that he did. Learning an instrument is hard. It sometimes will feel like an uphill battle, but in the end, it is worth it. If you hear something you like, then clap. He’ll feel good and want to continue. Sometimes just sit and listen for a minute to show that you care about him and his progress. This can also help with performance anxiety. Don’t be overbearing, though. Give him space to express himself and have fun.

I hope this helps you and your child. Happy practicing!

Right now we’re all experiencing some upheaval because of COVID-19. With changes in school, routines, and activities, children can become anxious — even afraid they are in danger. In times like these, music can be a great strength.

Stories and songs about great people and events from the past and present can comfort and inspire us and our children. Pull your kids close and use songs and stories about our land and people to give them hope, a sense of belonging, and a greater purpose. For more on this topic, we love the following article written in the wake of 9/11:

In Times of Tragedy …

The events of September 11, 2001 will long be remembered as a day pivotal to world and American history. The final outcome of this day, however, has yet to be determined, and teachers and parents are hearing advice — important advice — about how to care for children during these turbulent times. Many of us are working to establish stronger links with one another — simply because we need the love and security that family and friends provide. 

In considering how we might establish a more secure environment for our children, we can turn to what we know to be most basic about childhood development. We know that children make connections to their world based upon the bond that exists between the child and primary caregiver. Thus, it is a time for emphasizing family ties, especially those one-on-one relationships that thrive within the immediate family. Through the ages, music has been used to enhance family bonds; so now is a time to sing and hold our children close, using music’s power to comfort and console. We also know that children need order in their lives. This includes times of daily quiet that feature rest or relaxation with very little chatter or activity. Listening to soothing music during this time will provide a nonverbal reminder of the beauty and order that exist in our world. 

We can also talk to children in a need-to-know manner, discussing issues according to what the child is asking. This does not mean glossing over our children’s questions, but it also does not mean giving them details that they are not seeking. Notably, talking to children is much preferred to having a television commentator explain to your children how you (or they) are feeling. In considering television use, experts advise that preschool children not see any disturbing news reports and that primary-aged children only view such reports with a caring adult and on a very limited basis. September 11’s horrific and baffling pictures greatly affected the psyche of us all, with the impact on children being especially detrimental. By contrast, the conversations parents and teachers have with children can be designed to be calming and reassuring. 

Finally, it is important for children to realize that they are part of a larger world and that there are many good people in their world. Patriotic songs express a connection between the self and a larger body, while often conveying a common ideal. This might help explain some of the emotions felt when singing such songs — or when hearing stories about the courageous actions of men and women. Such stories and songs are what epics are made of and are central to the storytelling process of days gone by. Through song and story, children learned about the greatness of their ancestors and pondered their own place in their communities. Perhaps it is time to retell such stories and to craft new stories that will inspire today’s children. 

Children are moved by events both tragic and heroic, by deeds both great and small, and they need to find expression for such thoughts and feelings. We can set a good example for our children by telling heroic stories of our own (representing our own families, communities, and beyond) and by singing and making us songs that convey what words alone cannot express. Music can help our children — and us– through these times. Keep the songs and stories coming!

— Early Childhood Connections, Foundation for Music-Based Learning, Greensboro, NC, published in the Fall 2001 ECC Leadership Bulletin and authorized for photocopy and redistribution. 

Makala has been playing the guitar for 8 years. She has played guitar in the Bear River High School jazz band for four years this year. Along with playing the guitar, Makala loves dancing, teaching, and learning new things. Makala is excited to be part of the Harmony Arts and Music Academy team and we are so excited to have her! Click this link to watch a video of Mikala on guitar! https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=qn3KfwBmq-A