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Category Archives: Classes for Kids

Getting into a Rhythm- New City School of Music

Posted on November 8, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

As you may already have read (A) has begun drum lessons at New City School of Music.  We knew that he was musical- he has a general love with it.  Sleeps old school with his radio on listening all night, and asked for a record player for Christmas last year.  We just weren’t sure which instrument he would choose.   In fact, we have tried several instruments to see which was the right fit.  He chose drums.  I thought I would provide you with some insight as to what the Music School is truly about. 

He’s already loving it 2 months in.  I’ve raved about Andrew his teacher before and I will touch on that again but first I want to let you know about some great behind the scenes going on at New City School of Music.  (A) was welcomed with a sign at the entrance when he began which made him feel super special.  He was then welcomed in the online and print newsletters <3

New City School of Music is INVOLVED in their students, its not just a once a week relationship.  The school ran Halloween contests with students to post hashtags on photos of them in costume for the prize of an amazon gift card.  They have a special reward program for students as they progress (I will tell you more at another time), and there’s more.

I received emails regarding optional (free) professional photos of the kids playing (be still my photo crazy heart), and an upcoming recital that we could sign up for.  My first instinct was that it was waaaay too soon for (A) to be performing, he simply doesn’t know that much yet.  But after speaking to Andrew we decided to do it.  NOT because the school makes money off of participants and/or the families that watch them, the performance and the tickets to attend are FREE.

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What about his skill level?  Could he possibly play at such an early stage?  Yep.  Andrew encouraged him to so that he could get used to performing in front of people.  THEN HE LET HIM HAVE INPUT IN HIS PIECE!!!!  He asked about songs that (A) likes to listen to.  He mentioned one and Andrew said it was a perfect fit.  The only problem is that its SUPER repetitive and could get boring if it was just the drum part….. So what did Andrew do?  He composed three similar parts that fit the song perfectly, but will provide the audience with the change that they will be craving during the piece.  It teaches (A) some super valuable lessons about playing as well.  He is to practice all three lines along with the music and without in addition to his other “homework” each week.

Recital Prep 1

Andrew always makes lessons fun, (A) looks forward to them weekly, never complaining that he wants to stay home.  He practices nightly and loves calling us in to show us what he can do.  It also helps him to get out some of his energy in the evenings.  Needing to concentrate so hard on the music and movements plus keeping time exhausts him.  I can see his passion for music and for playing developing every day.  Its exactly what Andrew said was going to happen.  He said he wanted to nurture that love of music and turn it into passion for playing.  He certainly has.

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(A) is beyond excited he can’t wait to show everyone what he can do at their concert.  The family has been notified and we are all ready to attend.  It’s going to be a BLAST!!

Progress Report with Swim Like a Fish

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Main Page, Uncategorized .

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

By: Ashley

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This summer we took full advantage of the convenience of having swim lessons at home. I found the boys were more comfortable in their own space, which I truly believe contributed to their growth as swimmers over the past few months.

As a Mom of 3, I am always looking for ways to make life slightly less hectic.  Having Zach come to our home instead of packing the swim bag, and all the kids and the snacks into the car to get to swim class on time made a HUGE difference.

As the weather warmed up the is past spring and we opened the pool, the boys were so excited to have Zach come to their pool for swim lessons. The boys love swim class. They are always excited to go, and sad when the lesson was over. I always saw progress from week to week with each of them – gradually learning the basic strokes and breathing.  But that all changed when we started lessons at home.

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The progress was AMAZING! I could see huge differences within the one-hour lessons! I really believe having the boys comfortable in their own surroundings made a huge impact on their progress. They were confident, and seemed more willing to try new things. Zach is fantastic.  He is patient, and fun but is also firm on his expectations for the lessons.

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They began this summer each having a 30 minute lessons and continuing to learn the swim strokes. They finished the summer at one-hour lessons, DIVING and continuing to PERFECT technique. I am still in shock! Zach even talked to (S) about joining a swim team next year.

 Check out S diving for the first time!

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Now that the pool is closed, we decided to take a small break to settle into the school year. But, the boys will be back in the pool this winter and little man will be starting mommy and me swim as well!  I can’t wait to see what this year brings!


CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE
LifePlex Health Club

18 College Rd
Monsey, NY 10952
Private or Semi-private lessons for 6-months to Adult!
Water Comfort, Learn to Swim, Swim Team Readiness, Stroke and Turn Technique, Lifeguard Skills

sched
www.Likeafishswim.com
Any questions contact Stephanie
swimlikeafishny@gmail.com or 845-570-1289

Another note to keep in mind for summer:  Lifeguards for parties!
My family hosted 2 large family pool parties this summer with TONS of children. Naturally, we were nervous having so many children in the pool at once. I reached out to Stephanie ( who was on vacation at the time!) hoping she could help. Within minutes she called me back and we were set! Catherine was WONDERFUL! She was very professional, focused on the pool and didn’t hesitate to step in if the kids were rough housing etc.  Catherine even got in the pool to play with the younger kids. Such a relief knowing there were extra eyes!

Going Swimmingly

Posted on June 15, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Health and Wellness, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are our own.

One of the things that is nicest to have occur with this site, is when someone is genuinely happy with a recommendation. Which happens so often here.  It makes all of the work that we put into the site totally worth it. I recently had one such experience and I just had to share it with you all.

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As you know, my children have been swimming with Condors for 3 years now.  First (A) and now (E), have learned, thrived, and enjoyed every moment.  Well, it was after seeing the constant posts for my children at Condors, that a friend (and phenomenal directory photographer) Jennifer Tesker signed up her older daughter who was looking for a fun activity, and the peace of mind  that comes with knowing that your children can swim safely at a town pool, family pool, birthday party, at the beach, anywhere really.  Jennifer was kind enough to take some photos at one of our most recent classes (so you all don’t have to see my bad ones).

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Back in November she signed her up and her progress is nothing short of Amazing.  In the short time that she has been with the Condors she has improved from being a beginner swimmer to just before being selected for pre-team (the development program for the Condors competitive team).

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In fact, she enjoys it so much that her little sister, who was originally uninterested, decided that she wanted to swim and is a swimmer now.

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If that wasn’t enough, they have also referred friends who are now loving the program as well.  I caught up with the girls after class and asked them what was their favorite part… They said “everything”, when pushed they said learning new things, new ways to swim.

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Condors are holding registration for summer sessions now, and since the Felix Festa Pool will be under construction they are holding all classes at: 44 Henry Kaufman Road Orangeburg NY 10972.  The schedule is below:

condors summer schedule 2017

You can head over to their website to register- remember there is a discount if you are a resident, and an additional one if you refer a friend.

Jump Right In!- Condors Swimming

Posted on January 9, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Health and Wellness, Reviews .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

We have been attending Condors Swimming LTS program now between my two children for 3 years.  I love it when I learn something new, something I didn’t realize before.  

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In addition to the great instruction the kids receive in a super small ratio, one of the things I really adore is the commitment to pool safety that the Condors has.  I often report that a favorite part of each swim session is at the end when the kids jump into the pool.  In 3 years though I never realized why before, I thought it was just for fun.  It turns out that they practice jumping in for SAFETY reasons. 

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I had a conversation with Ashley about it last week.  I realized that after (E) jumped into the pool, her instructor took the time to explain how to better jump into the pool safely.  She told (E) to jump more OUT than UP, then practiced it a few more times.

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I went up to Ashley to say that I realized its value and thanked her (both grandmothers have pools).  Then she explained another safety aspect, they jump in to learn how to turn and swim to the side.  This is so that in the case of an accidental falling in, the children don’t panic, they have done it before a million times.  Instead, they turn and swim to the side.

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I had no words.  My children are learning to swim and properly, with safety in mind at all times.  I couldn’t be happier.  Here is their current schedule if you want to try a class (you won’t be sorry).

condors-schedule-jan-2017

For more information you can use the online chat http://joincondors.com/ or email Ashley: contact@condors.org or call- 845-638-4381.  As always- Hope to see you there!!!

Moon River Mother and Child – Rockland County’s Home for Music Together!

Posted on January 1, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

Moon River Mother and Child
201-247-0052
director@moonrivermotherandchild.com
www.MoonRiverMotherAndChild.com

Music is a universal language. It transcends boundaries and reaches beyond culture to touch the depths of our souls, express our common emotions, and inspire us all. Now serving more than 3,000 communities in over 40 countries, Music Together connects families and communities across the globe as they express and explore our basic human instinct for making music. Are you ready to make some music together?

All Children Are Musical!

moon-river-composite-photo

Music Together® is an innovative music and movement program for children ages newborn to age five years and their parents or caregivers that is based on the belief that all children are inherently musical. Originally offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement.

Rockland County based Moon River Mother and Child, which has been offering Mixed-Age Music Together classes locally for the past decade in Nyack, Nanuet and Sparkill, is now offering classes once again in Suffern.  Florence Labaze, “Ms. Flo”, will be teaching classes in Suffern on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am and Thursday afternoons at 4:00 pm starting in January while Samantha and Catherine will continue teaching their fun and wildly popular classes in the other villages. To celebrate the Grand Opening of our new location, we will offer 2 free trial classes at Rockland Dance and Fitness, 74 Lafayette Ave. in Suffern on Thursday, January 5th at 4:00 pm and Tuesday, January 10th at 10:00 am. To RSVP either call Ms. Flo at 845-535-1129 or send an email to director@moonrivermotherandchild.com

Florence fell in love with Music Together while taking her toddler to classes and immediately decided to register for training as a Music Together teacher.  With a strong background in vocal performance, choral singing and a life-long love of music and movement, she completed her training in the fall and now she is thrilled to offer the joy of Music Together to other families in Rockland County.

Additionally, Ms. Catherine will offer a special Babies Music Together Demo Class on Saturday January 7th at 11:30 am at Gagliardi Studio, 39 Hudson Ave. in Nyack. To RSVP call Catherine at 201-247-0052 or send an email to director@moonrivermotherandchild.com

At Music Together, we believe that music ability is as basic to life as walking or talking, and that it is every child’s birthright to participate with pleasure and confidence in the music of our culture. We introduce children to the joys of making music instead of passively receiving it from cd’s and television.   Our Music Together classes build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement. Through our classes, your child will develop the basic musical skills needed to enjoy school and social musical activities, and to study an instrument should he or she choose to do so. Because very young children instinctively respond to and imitate their loved ones, the active participation of parents and caregivers, regardless of their musical ability, is an essential part of the rich musical environment we create. Music Together parents discover what a powerful role model they are for their child just by having fun with the music themselves! And by providing cd’s and songbooks to take home, along with access our innovative “Hello Everybody” app, we hope to inspire music-making in your everyday family life.

 

 

A Musical Treasure in Nyack

Posted on December 13, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2016, Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

-By: RNYD

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Most people who read this blog know that I am a HUGE music fan.  I listen to it, I play it, and I talk about it.  I’m an unashamed addict.  What most people don’t know about me is that I price for a living.  For the past 17 years, I have gone to work every day, and spent my whole day deciding what a company should charge for their product or services.  So, I consider myself an expert at spotting a “deal”.  I use facts, data, and analysis to determine the inherent value of, for example music lessons.   Ultimately, you want a teacher with a high competency and a fair price.  It is VERY rare that the choice is so simple, that it presents itself and almost smacks you over the head, this is one such instance.

RYNYM asked me if I would take our son (A) to a guitar lesson.  When she sent me the teacher’s information I saw the logo was a frog playing bass.  Bass is my primary instrument.  Unlike the old jokes, I am not a failed guitar player.  I truly love the instrument.  So when I saw there was a chance to turn this into a bass lesson I jumped at the chance.

(A) and I arrived at Adam’s studio in the heart of Nyack.  Parking was easy, and there were a ton of  open spaces right around the corner.  We went down to Adam’s studio, and to say I was impressed was an understatement.  There were several instruments, and amplifiers, and a couch for parents to relax on while your student takes a lesson.  The location is convenient and centrally located if a parent wanted to do some shopping, or just get a cup of coffee while their child worked with Adam.

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For me, it is always interesting to sit and listen to a lesson.  As a player, I’m curious to hear what a teacher has to say when they present the information.  I strongly believe that the way a teacher presents the information, immediately effects how the student receives it.  I could tell that Adam was comfortable in the teachers chair and that he had a great deal of experience teaching children.  I noticed right away that Adam’s depth of knowledge and the ease at which he presented it to (A), made him a standout among the teachers that I have met.

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He controlled the lesson well, and was able to connect with (A) on his level.  (A) is a VERY curious kid, and loves to learn so he can get distracted if there are questions to ask that might not fall into the day’s lesson.  Adam recognized that and brought him back to the lesson well.  (A) had a great time and was excited going home that he was learning new things, and playing bass just like his Dad.  Adam even let (A) play his double bass, which is something I can’t do…so (A) was especially grateful for that.

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After seeing first-hand the quality of Adam’s lessons, and recognizing the depth of his knowledge I could not believe the value of his holiday special.  I have been looking to take music lessons to improve my playing for a few years.  I have never found a teacher with Adam’s resume and ability, along with the quality of his lessons.  The schedule for lessons is flexible, and could meet most people’s hectic calendar with ease.  Adam’s holiday special is a steal!  If you are buying a guitar or bass for the holidays and you are looking to start music education for someone on your shopping list, this is the place to go.  Centrally located, with easy parking, and access to all that Nyack has to offer allows fun for students AND parents.  The quality of these lessons, especially at the holiday special price, really makes starting lessons with Adam a no brainer.   It is such a good value, I’m looking into starting lessons myself!  Don’t delay, the one thing that my professional career has taught me, deal like this don’t last long.  These lessons are worth every penny!!

ludwig-holiday-sale

 

Following in his Footsteps- Condors Swimming Review!

Posted on October 5, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post- all opinions expressed are my own.

Poor little (E) has been watching her brother swim for almost 2 years now.  Every time we go to Condors Swimming, she says “me too?”.  I know from our exploits in their grandmother’s backyard that she has a true love for the water and really has wanted terribly to be a big girl and get to learn to swim with him.

Well the time has finally come!  (E) is now 3 and completely potty trained, and she wasted no time getting in the pool with her brother.  She is so proud to wear her “guppy” rubber bracelet that we had to have two so that we could wear one while we were out and about.

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What I love…

  1. This is FINALLY an activity that I can bring BOTH kids to at THE SAME time and know that they are well taken care of and engaged.
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  2. BOTH of my kids are getting sound instruction so that they will be safe in the water (this if of utmost importance to me since both grandmothers have pools).
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  3. THEY LOVE GOING!!! I NEVER have to poke and pry to get them into the car to go to “swim class” they get ready and run out the door on their very own.
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  4. There are lots of options of days and times so that we were able to pick days and times that really worked for us.
  5. It tends to be LESS CROWDED in the fall and winter months as swimming falls off of many people’s radars so they get even more specialized attention (even more than usual with their small instructor to student ratio).
  6. My kids feel safe in the water... this is even more important to me.  If you recall, (A) had a bad experience elsewhere when he was 2 an wouldn’t get into the water for 2 years with an instructor.  Determined not to repeat this mistake I made sure this was (E)’s first experience and she jumps right in (seriously, sometimes she has to be told sternly to sit on the side and wait her turn she is so excited).
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The current session is two months- but if you are interested contact Ashley and she can make arrangements for you to try a lesson and register.  Otherwise keep your eye out for the upcoming schedule.

For more information you can use the online chat http://joincondors.com/ or email Ashley: contact@condors.org or call- 845-638-4381.  As always- Hope to see you there!!!

1 Comment .

Here Comes the Fun!- Review

Posted on September 8, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, Things to Do! .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

NCMusicRocklandMomLogo

When you hear the name New City School of Music what probably comes to mind is the slew of individual (and a few group) music lessons that they offer children and adults who would like to pursue learning how to play an instrument.  You may have heard that they were chosen as  the Top Music lessons for kids.  You are probably also thinking that you need to
wait until your child is 5 or 6 and ready to start these lessons.

Well- you don’t have to wait.  What you probably didn’t realize is that they also offer an Introduction to Music class for children ages 3-5.  This class although super fun and engaging, is NOT just another music and movement class.  It focuses on teaching REAL music theory to children in this age range, without the children realizing it.

(E) and I were fortunate enough to attend an introduction to music class recently and I was beyond impressed.  A lover of music myself, I am always interested in the kids learning more and fostering their love as well.  As an educator and coach, I am always interested in seeing techniques that others use to engage students, how they teach their skills to those of varying abilities and personalities.

I left this half hour class impressed.  All learning types are taken into account, and all instructional goals reinforced in concrete and understandable ways.  Ms. Geraldine is great with the kids, she is sweet and they want to please her immediately.  Her goal of fostering a love for music at an early age while still teaching fundamentals is not only clear, but achieved through her various techniques.

There is a set routine that the kids learn to follow which is a great foundation.  The class starts with an introduction song where the kids sing, move and learn each other’s names.

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They then went on to meet her friends “Forte Fox” and “Piano Penguin”.  Ms. Geraldine used these adorable animals and their names to teach the terminology for Loud and Soft, then reinforced the ideas with rhythm sticks.  The students practiced playing the sticks loud when they saw the fox and quietly when they saw the penguin. They were also asked to repeat the names and what they mean and also remind her which was which when she produced the different photos.

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This proper terminology was used throughout the lesson.  When students would touch something and call it something incorrect they were gently reminded of the proper musical name and asked to repeat it.  This is the same technique I use in my Math class when teaching students to use the proper vocabulary for mathematical terms.  One specific time that stuck out in my mind is when (E) picked up a triangle and called the accompanying piece a “stick”- she was reminded that it was a “Mallet” and asked to repeat that.

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The students were then shown cards with notes on them and introduced to whole and half notes as well as a rest.  They repeated what they were (ta, ti-ti, and shh), and were then allowed to create their own pattern with them.  The class then went over the patterns together reinforcing the beats.

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When they moved to the keyboard and started learning some of the notes do, ray, me (think sound of music) I was really floored.  Ms. Geraldine played the note and sang it using its name (do)- at the same time she used a hand gesture called Curwen Hand Signs.  Each note has a specific sign.  The students then tried the singing and signs.  She did this a few times helping the students to remember.

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Moving back to the floor Ms. Geraldine used literacy (a cute picture book) to introduce the woodwind instruments (flute, clarinet and oboe).  Not only did she read from the book and show them a picture, but they then listened to a sample of each as well.

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I LOVED what they did next and so did (E) since it’s one of her favorite things to do.  Ms. Geraldine played a piece of a song and asked the students to draw on a piece of paper what they heard, or what it reminded them of.  At this age group they really don’t “draw” exceptionally well, but they did draw through the piece, and then discuss what they “drew”.  This I thought was a really creative and great way to get the students to not just “hear” but to listen to the music and develop associations with it.

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When this portion was over the students were able to pick a song from Ms. Geraldine’s bag to sing together. At this point the class was over- the class came together and sang the good bye song and departed.

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(E) really enjoyed herself and so did I.  It was refreshing to see how much ACTUAL THEORY Ms. Geraldine was able to teach the class despite their ages (3 and 4).  She did it in many different ways that the children responded to very well.

If you are interested music education for your child this is a class worth trying.  As always, FREE TRIALS are available to check out this class, but schedule quickly, this class runs only 2x a week and optimal class size is only 4-5 students.

To schedule your free trial you can call 845-499-2137, email office@newcitymusicschool.com or stop in at  12 North Main Street New City, NY 10956.

Condors Swimming- New Season- New Updates!!

Posted on August 30, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

While most people are thinking that they are done with swim lessons since the “season” is over, I am feverishly rubbing my hands together in anticipation.  This is the start to my favorite swim season.  This is when little (A) gets to hone his skills with the Condors Swimming Learn to Swim Program– whats even better?  This year (E) can finally join him- yep I am on my way to puddle-jumper-less summers!

This summer I told you all about their new Learn to Swim (LTS) program with Levels (READ HERE).   Now they have made even more improvements!!

Condors LTS Flyer Fall 2016

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(Click above for larger PDF)

They have a NEW (mobile friendly) WEBSITE (click here) that is SUPER CLEAR and easy to navigate- including ONLINE CHAT with ASHLEY the LTS Coordinator will walk you through choosing which group to register for and any other questions you may have.

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The mobile page with chat at the BOTTOM.

condors live chat computerThe desktop version with chat on the BOTTOM RIGHT.

The newest schedule (bi-monthly for the fall) is out and ready for swimmers.  I CANNOT wait to record the kids’ progress for you this year.

Condors Schedule sept oct 2016

For more information you can use the online chat http://joincondors.com/ or email Ashley: contact@condors.org or call- 845-638-4381.  As always- Hope to see you there!!!

Rock and Roll with R&R Music School

Posted on May 3, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

My kids love music.  They are a direct product of their parents who were once in a classic rock band together, and grandparents who played in bands (some who still do), and great grandparents who were professional musicians.  Although my singing was just for fun, RNYD still plays (in the house) and has actually been recorded.  This love of music has absolutely rubbed off on the kids.  We enjoy listening to records together (yes records) and discuss different types of music frequently.

When R&R Music School joined our directory we were excited to offer our readers another excellent music program in the county.  Once I read their bios (see here) I was even more excited to try it out.  We went as a family and I learned a lot about how they operate.

“We believe that music provides a sense of community and is an integral part of life. Our mission is to provide quality education in traditional methods and theories while fostering creativity and passion for the art.”  – R&R

As an educator, I know the value in “differentiating” for the varying learning types of my students, I was so glad to see that Ryan and Ryan (R&R) do too, and they incorporated it into our lesson. 

Inside their studio is a fantastic space with several rooms available for lessons, a comfortable waiting couch, a kitchenette, nice (clean) bathroom, recording studio, and instruments EVERYWHERE.

We spent the first 10 minutes of our visit just walking around and looking at the instruments and allowing the kids to ask questions. Once they had been given a chance to look around the kids split up and had separate lessons.

(A) went into the room next door and practiced drums with Ryan (M).  He LOVED this.  When I went in and watched he was actually keeping time with snares, cymbals, and the base drum.  It was awesome- he looked so very proud!!!  He is currently obsessed with the song “We Will Rock You” so Ryan made sure to teach him that.  (A) didn’t even realize that he was learning while Ryan was counting and helping him keep time.  Ryan picked up a guitar and played along- they were jamming!

You can see (A) counting as he keeps time in this one.

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Ryan and (A) rock out!

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I can’t get over the proud look on this face.

aidan jamming

In the other room little (E) was learning about the different sounds in the string instruments she got to strum and listen to a banjo, a ukulele, a guitar, and a bass.  She and Ryan (T) discussed the high versus low sounds.  Then Ryan showed her where to find the corresponding low and high sounds on the piano.

(E) learns about different instruments and their sounds.

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Ryan takes (E) to the piano to transfer her new knowledge about high and low.

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The kids switched rooms and (E) was given a chance to play drums while (A) came into the room with Ryan (M).  He wanted to do some piano and I was very nervous.  (A) is a typical 5 year old and doesn’t sit well for long periods of time.

(E) hits some drums. She will rock you!

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To my surprise, his approach was completely different.  Instead of lecturing (A) on posture and finger position, he taught him where middle c was, and then showed him where it was on a simple sheet of music.  He showed him the relationship between the keys, the alphabet, and the sheet music.  Then they played the song…. They played it a few times with reminders and by the end (A) was playing a song on his own.  What a sense of accomplishment!!!

Ryan shows (A) how to read some music.

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(A) plays a song on the piano.

aidan piano 2

When they were done with their individual lessons we all got together and “jammed” in a group lesson where the kids were allowed to showcase what they had learned in a band atmosphere.  They even invited RNYD to play with them.  The kids got to play the drums (another reprisal of “We Will Rock You” ensued).  At first, (A) played the drums and then,  (A) “played” his own bass that he had brought along, as the kids took turns singing and playing other percussion instruments.

All together now!

band

RNYD gets in on it!

daddy in on it

We really had a blast during our lesson.  I loved that (A) felt such a sense of accomplishment plus was able to have such a great time.  When we got home he said “I can’t believe I had my first Rock and Roll Lesson today”.  That’s great.  Learning in a different way really had him wanting more (he went home and showed his grandfather who plays keyboard immediately).

Music is wonderful.  The value in learning how to play and having music in your life has been proven time and time again to be beneficial.  I love the divergence from a “once size fits all” theory behind learning music.  The basics are all there, but they are hidden in an experiential approach where students leave feeling accomplished, and are somewhat unaware that they have learned something.  When I am in the classroom, I often utilize similar techniques, and they work.

For some video of our lesson visit our YouTube Channel~  Click here!

To inquire about lessons contact Ryan and Ryan at:

16 North Route 9W
Congers, NY 10920
Phone: (845) 267 – 3311

RnRmusicschool@gmail.com 

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