Music Classes

Now that summer break is almost over, it’s once again time to sign up the kids for fall classes. One thing my kids really enjoy are music programs. They love to sing and dance to the music and play the different instruments offered. We’ve tried a few different classes around Marin and the North Bay, and really like the Kindermusik programs offered here in Novato by Music with Melissa and the Mary Ann Hall's Music for Children. Regardless of which program you choose, there is a music class for every child from newborn to grade school.

If you’re thinking of getting your child involved in a music class, then now’s the time to sign up. Many classes have begun or resume their sessions in the next few weeks. Here’s an updated list we’ve put together of a variety of local music programs and classes. If we’ve left out your favorite class then please let us know, or, better yet, leave a comment and tell everyone why you and your kids love it!

Kindermusik

• Classes in Novato
  Ages: infant to 4 years
  Piano lessons for ages 5 to 9
  www.musicwithmelissa.com
• Classes in Mill Valley
  Ages: newborn to 3 years
  www.babybirdsmusic.com

Little Music Makers

• Classes in San Rafael, at the Parent's Center (inside Heller's for Children)
  Ages: infant to 2 years
  www.theparentscenter.com

Mary Ann Hall’s Music For Children

• Classes in Mill Valley, Novato, Ross, San Rafael
  For ages toddler to 7 years
  www.musicforchildrenca.com/

The Marin Music Chest has launched its annual scholarship audition program in its ongoing effort to provide financial support to Marin County students studying classical music. Students studying wind and string instruments, piano and voice are encouraged to appl, and all scholarship applicants must be residents of Marin County for a minimum of two years and have at least two years of music study prior to the audition.

Junior Division instrumentalists must be between 10 and 13 years old and vocalists between 14 and 16. The Junior Division application deadline is February 12, 2010, and auditions will be held March 13, 2010. Senior Division instrumentalists must be between 14 and 19 years of age and vocalists between 17 and 24. The Senior Division application deadline is February 26, 2010 and auditions will be held on March 27, 2010.

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In our second in a series of interviews with Bay Area children's musicians, we talk to singer and instrumentalist Betsy Stern, who's  jazz- and world-influenced music for children and families can be heard at live venues throughout the area, such as Novato's Playtime Safari, and in her new CD Foyo. In fact, we're giving away a free copy of Foyo, courtesy of Betsy Stern, to one lucky visitor to this site. To enter the drawing, send an email to contests@marinmommies.com with the word "Foyo" in the subject line by midnight on Sunday, June 1, 2008. We'll select one winner at random on Monday, June 2. 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your new CD. read more »

Are you looking for a fun music class for your child? One popular music class is Music Together of Marin, a family music education program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families and caregivers. Beth Crespan, a former preschool teacher, started her business 10 years ago, and offers ongoing classes in Ross, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, and San Anselmo. One of Beth’s goals is for students to bring the music home that they learned in class and share it with their families.
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