Early Childhood - Department of Music

Welcome to the Early Childhood Music page at the UNC Community Music School!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no Early Childhood Music classes offered in the Fall 2020 semester. Please check back in December for Spring 2021 possibilities.

Classes are limited to six students and meet in Room 2030 of the Kenan Music Building on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. If you have any questions regarding class content, please reach out to Inessa Fishbeyn-Reeve at ifish4@me.com.

“The quality of civilization can be measured through its music, dance, drama, architecture, visual art, and literature. We must give our children knowledge and understanding of civilization’s most profound works.” — Ernest L. Boyer

The early childhood music program at the UNC Community Music School program is based on the pedagogical systems developed by Zoltán Kodaly, Edwin E. Gordon, and John M. Feierabend.

We believe that music communicates the essence of the human spirit. This premise fuels our desire to provide a place within the community where families, guest artists, and UNC music students can communicate musical ideas and have immense fun doing it! Parents are included in classes not only to observe, but also to participate and share the musical experiences with their child.

Classes are thoughtfully structured with respect for the individual child’s current needs. During class, children will absorb, imitate, and model developmentally appropriate musical behaviors. Through vocal play, singing, chanting, listening, moving, playing handheld instruments, children and parents will learn the joys of making music together.

Children will be gently encouraged to explore the voice as their first true instrument, eventually differentiating between their speaking and singing voice. Repertoire consists of chants and rhymes, call-and-response/ action/ simple songs, musical games, beat motion activities, lullabies, etc. Repertoire is based on folk or traditional songs, and includes a classical music component; perfect for movement and exploration! Listening will be a key component to the curriculum and music theory and notation will be introduced gradually.

The early years of life are crucial for establishing a foundation for lifelong music development and appreciation. The UNC Community Music School seeks to nurture your child’s innate gifts by creating a light-hearted and joyful learning experience.