Imagine my delight when I discovered my hometown has such a treasure, a music-learning center called Alley Bell Music, that has stepped up during the “shelter and social distancing” COVID-19 protocols to provide online classes for babies through kindergarten. They also offer recorder and piano lessons for ages 5 and up, voice for 10 and up, and ukulele classes for ages 7–12. There is a popular Rhythm Kids curriculum for post-mixed-age classes.
Teresa Wippel, editor and publisher of the My Neighborhood News Network, which did a feature story on Alley Bell Music last November, has attended classes with her grandson Reese since he was one year old (her first birthday present to him) and stopped when COVID shut things down (he was three). | Teresa shared that Reese's preschool teachers have been amazed at how musical he is compared to his peers and she attributes it to his early exposure via Alley Bell Music. Teresa is looking forward to outdoor classes with her granddaughter this spring. |
| In the first 1-minute interview video, Piper tells why she likes Rhythm Kids and that her favorite activity there is conducting. In the second 1-minute video, Piper shares how much she likes her fun teacher, Ms. Ashley. She tells about her online friends in who live in Canada. Piper was invited to a Zoom birthday party for one of her friends from Rhythm Kids who lives in Canada! |
While the pandemic remains a concern, what better time to bring the delights of music into our children’s lives to lift their spirits and develop another skill?
Music Together® is an international program that is interactive for children from birth through kindergarten with parents and caregivers actively participating. There are mixed-age classes as well, so the whole family can enjoy music-making.
An unexpected silver lining due to the pandemic and having events available via Zoom is the opportunity for people across the world to participate when previously only locals could attend or those fortunate enough to travel. How grand for the Alley Bell Music classes to be conveniently accessible wherever we are, as well as in our own community!