Music Programs : Act I

In Act I, children ages 4 up to those entering fourth grade are enrolled with no audition or interview required. Taught by specially trained and highly qualified music educators, the CCM Act I methodology is the same proven methodology used since 1976 in CCM’s Conservatory program.

Children learn quickly and easily in all CCM programs, which utilize a play-based and whole-brain multi-hybrid of the highly acclaimed Kodály approach to music education, modified by Gordon Music Learning Theory, and further extended by adaptations by CCM’s founder, Dr. Betty Bertaux.

Children ages 4 – 6 attend Crickets™ Classes once per week. Children from the first through fourth grade attend Harmony I and Harmony II classes twice a week. School concerts allow the students to demonstrate to friends and families their progress and achievements.

For young children, ages 4 to 6, we offer our Crickets™ classes, meeting weekly for 45 minutes. All CCM classes allow children to learn through play, and the Crickets™ Classes are no exception. Children are led through a variety of games and activities that provide them with a foundation in all the basic elements of music. Parents may be included in classes from time to time, not only to observe their child’s music development, but also to participate in shared musical experiences with their child. Crickets™ present a very informal demonstration of their activities and achievements to parents and older students at the end of the school year.

Children entering the first and second grade attend Harmony I (formerly known as Apples) musicianship classes. Meeting twice weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 – 6 PM, Harmony I students learn the fundamentals of music through play in a structured setting. Students learn solfá (do, re, mi, etc.), rhythm concepts and beginning sight reading. Students enjoy progressively more challenging musical games and activities that reinforce their advancing music skills. Harmony I students present an informal concert and demonstration of their activities and achievements to friends and families at the end of the each semester.

Children entering the third and fourth grade attend Harmony II (formerly known as Bananas) musicianship classes. Meeting twice weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 – 7 PM, Harmony II students learn the fundamentals of music through play in a structured setting. Students enjoy progressively more challenging musical games and activities that reinforce their advancing music skills. At the completion of the CCM Act 1 Program, students are prepared for more advanced training in music reading, writing and thinking. Harmony II students present an informal concert and demonstration of their activities and achievements to friends and families at the end of the each semester.