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  Little Mozarts
Little Mozarts ™ Classes

Beethoven Bear says 'Come learn to play piano with me' This Course is just too adorable—complete with stuffed animals! Students follow the 
adventures of Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse from the playroom to the recital stage 
as they learn about music. The main, full-color characters come alive with real stuffed 
animals available with this Course. This Course truly integrates age-appropriate piano 
instruction with musicianship activities that promote overall musical development. There 
are 4 levels in this series and 3 books constitute each level: Music Lesson Books, Music 
Discovery Books, Music Workbooks. When all three books are used, a wonderful 
balance is created between the discipline necessary for playing the piano and the 
enjoyment one gets from the process of making music.
 
Music for Little Mozarts was written to provide appropriate piano instruction for four 
and a half to six-year olds while simultaneously developing listening skills. The series 
was designed to provide a balance between the discipline necessary for playing the 
instrument and the enjoyment one gets from the process of music-making while catering 
to their energy level. The course centers around the story of Beethoven Bear and Mozart 
Mouse as they learn about music. Thanks to Alfred Publishing Company & Capital 
Music for this description of the Little Mozart Program.

Questions and Answers about Music Study for Young Beginners

Why should my child study music at a young age?

Recent studies suggest that playing and listening to music at a young age improves 
learning, memory, reasoning ability and general creativity. Research also supports the 
theory that young children who are exposed to music develop enhanced cognitive skills. 
Music teachers are aware that influences of music go far beyond the intellectual and 
physical development of the child. Studying music contributes to the growth of a well-
balanced child in sensitivity, expressiveness and the spirit essential for functioning in a 
complicated world.

How many levels are contained in Music for Little Mozarts? What materials are 
included in each level?

The time required for completion of each of the four levels 
will vary from class to class. On average, each level can be 
completed in 18-22 weeks. Three books at each level guide 
children through a comprehensive approach to musical learning. 
The Music Lesson Books introduce musical concepts and contain 
keyboard performance music. The Music Workbooks include 
coloring and ear training activities to reinforce musical 
concepts. The Music Discovery Books feature singing, listening, 
music appreciation, movement and rhythm activities. Other 
materials at each level include compact disc recordings, 
interactive Music Tutoring disks, magnetic note/dry erase 
board, and stuffed animals Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse.

What will my child learn in the course?

Music for Little Mozarts combines general musicianship activities with those that 
develop performance skills at the piano. Skills taught in the course focus on keyboard 
performance, listening, pitch matching, keyboard technique, singing, rhythm, movement 
and music appreciation. Children will play pieces at the piano throughout each level.

What is my role as a parent in music study?

Parents play a very important role in music lessons for young children. Lessons are a total 
partnership between the child and the parents. Parents are required to attend lessons and 
share in the learning process at home. Parents must supervise practice and read directions 
to the student. In addition to practice sessions at the piano, parents should discuss the 
pictures in the books with the child, read the story in the Music Lesson Book to him/her, 
and listen to the compact discs together as a family.

Should my child study privately or in a group?

Historically, pre-school music instruction has been conducted in groups often with 
parents attending and assisting students in the lessons. This approach is very effective as 
young students enjoy the interaction with peers. Parents enjoy the opportunity to share 
these experiences with their children. 

What types of things can I expect to happen in the lesson?

Each lesson will include a variety of activities chosen from keyboard performance, 
singing, music appreciation, coloring, movement, activities with magnetic/dry erase 
board, listening and rhythm activities. The activities that occur in the lesson are 
structured to take into consideration the young child's small hands and limited attention 
span.

How often and how long should my child practice?

After each lesson, your child will get an assignment for the week. Children should 
practice daily for 10-15 minutes as an "in-between-lessons practice partner" at a specific 
time with no interference from the TV, computer or other family members. It is wise to 
practice as early in the day as possible, keep a record of practice time and establish a 
reward system for effective practice. Two brief practice times are preferable to one longer 
session. The parent should sit near the child during the practice time so that the child 
doesn't feel isolated.

How often should my child listen to the compact discs

Students and parents should listen to the compact discs on a daily basis. Some days you 
will listen to specific examples from the child's assignment. Other days you should 
simply listen to the entire CD as background music. Children absorb the music on the CD 
and it will motivate them to excel in music study. 

What is unique about Music for Little Mozarts?

The entire Music for Little Mozarts series was designed to develop creativity in the 
young child. The story of Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse continues through the 
entire series and the use of the stuffed animals in the actual piano instruction brings the 
story to life. The integration of the three books and the other materials is necessary to 
gain the most from the course. The Music Discovery Books offer the most opportunities 
for self-expression. These books move beyond piano performance through materials for 
singing, listening, music appreciation, movement, and rhythm activities. Unlike other 
courses that focus entirely on keyboard performance activities (often beyond the natural 
technical skills and musical understanding of the child), Music for Little Mozarts offers a 
variety of activities to lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

What is the cost of this program?

There is a one-time materials fee of $75.00

Tuition is $85 per month for private lessons.
Tuition is $50 per month for group lessons. What type of instrument do I need before my child can begin piano lessons? Mozart Mouse says 'Piano playing is fun!' Statistics overwhelmingly support the fact that students' motivation is much higher and progress is faster when they practice on an adequate instrument; therefore, our program requires that students must have a digital or acoustic piano with 88 keys and a hammer action for home practice. If you're concerned about the student's commitment or interest in music before making an investment in the right instrument, for about the same cost as an inexpensive keyboard you can rent an instrument . We recommend a digital piano as the ideal instrument to learn to play the piano on. Acoustic pianos should be tuned before your first lesson and at least once every six months thereafter. Your piano should be placed in a well-lit, central part of your home. Digital pianos should have headphones readily available. Neither pianos in poor condition nor keyboards are sufficient for this piano program.
Copyright © 2005, Debra Wilson. All rights reserved.  "Ah, music. A magic beyond all we do here!" - J. K. Rowling