Heaps of studies point to the positive effect that music has on kids’ brains. If you want to go beyond just playing JACK FM in the car on the way to the grocery store, here’s one possibility. Seattle Symphony’s Soundbridge Music Discovery Center offers its Symphony Kids classes starting in January.
Soundbridge, located in Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle, is the education arm of the Seattle Symphony. Its goal is to expose children and families to symphonic music and inspire life-long listening, appreciation and even playing. Starting this fall, Soundbridge expanded its class offerings, designed to engage little ones in music through listening, movement, games and the exploration of musical instruments.
Three different weekly classes cater to children up to age 1, ages 1 to 2, and ages 3 to 5. Teaching artists lead students in highly interactive sessions that promise to “enhance your child’s physical, emotional, cognitive and social development skills.” (JACK FM probably can’t say the same, eh?)
In addition to Symphony Kids classes, Soundbridge offers a variety of other programs, including musical story time (there are free sessions on Fridays), a drop-in drum circle on Saturdays, a class for home-schooled elementary-age students, and private birthday parties.
Where and when:
Symphony Kids classes meet at Soundbridge in downtown Seattle. Classes begin January 8 and take place on Tuesdays. Registration is for one month at a time. Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars (ages 0-12 months) meets from 9 to 9:45 a.m.; Twinkle Twinkle Bigger Stars (ages 1-2) meets from 10 to 10:45 a.m.; and Musical Storytelling Around the World (ages 3-5) meets from 1 to 1:45 p.m.
Cost:
$55 per month, plus fee to register online.
To enroll:
Enrollments accepted each new month. Call 206-336-6600 with questions (note: Soundbridge’s office is closed through January 3). See program details and register online here.
Photo credit: Tracey Marshall Photography
About the author: Nancy Chaney is a freelance writer, ParentMap's Camps & Classes editor, and the Seattle mom of a three-year-old son.
