Can Music Lessons Make Your Child Smarter?

This is an interesting article on the benefits of music for your young child. We though it might be informative and that you would enjoy it! More information id available from the website that we borrowed this from at  http://www.raisesmartkid.com/all-ages/1-articles/16-the-effect-of-music-on-childrens-intelligence


Studies after studies are showing that learning music can make kids smart.  When your child learns to play a musical instrument, not only does he learn how to make tunes, but he also enhances other capabilities of his brain as well:

• A 10 year study involving 25,000 students show that music-making improves test scores in standardized tests, as well as in reading proficiency exams (Source: James Catterall, UCLA, 1997). 
• High school music students score higher on the math and verbal portion of SAT, compared to their peers (Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by Music Educators Conference, 2001). 
• The IQ’s of young students who had nine months of weekly training in piano or voice rose nearly three points more than their untrained peers (Study by E. Glenn Schellenberg, of the University of Toronto at Mississauga, 2004.)
• Piano students can understand mathematical and scientific concepts more readily.  Children who received piano training performed 34 percent higher on tests measuring proportional reasoning – ratios, fractions, proportions, and thinking in space and time (Neurological Research, 1997). 
• Pattern recognition and mental representation scores improved significantly in students who were given a 3-year piano instruction (Dr. Eugenia Costa-Giomi study presented at the meeting of the Music Educators National Conference, Phoenix, AZ, 1998).
• Music students received more academic honors and awards than non-music students.  These music students also have more A and B grades compared to non-music students (National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 First Follow-Up, U.S. Department of Education). 
• More music majors who applied for medical school were admitted compared to those in other majors including English, biology, chemistry and math. (“The Comparative Academic Abilites of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University,” Peter H. Wood, ERIC Document No. ED327480; “The Case for Music in Schools”, Phi Delta Kappan, 1994)
• Another study has found that music lessons for kids make their minds sharper when they grow older. According to study researcher Brenda Hanna-Pladdy, a neurologist at the Emory University School of Medicine,"Musical activity throughout life may serve as a challenging cognitive exercise, making your brain fitter and more capable of accommodating the challenges of aging. Since studying an instrument requires years of practice and learning, it may create alternate connections in the brain that could compensate for cognitive declines as we get older."

Why A Boys Program?

WHY SELECT A BOYS DEVELOPMENTAL TUMBLING PROGRAM OVER OTHER SPORTS PROGRAMS?
Because it is a fact:

1.Tumbling and dance provide a variety of physical challenges that encourage the development of agility, flexibilty,balance and coordination.

2.Tumbling and dance are based upon control of the body, as well as the timing, positioning, balance and coordination of movement that defies gravity.

3.In tumbling and dance, the motor and sensory systems in the body are provided an excellany opportunity to develop basic functional relationships that carry throughout adulthood.

4.Tumbling and dance students are more aware of their body as an extension of their minds.

5.Tumbling and dance training allows for basic movement sequences to develop and be stored for later activities such as competitive sports. Competitive sports programs do not take the time to perfect movement sequences with every child. This is why some will always sit the bench while other play.

6. Tumbling and dance allows for motor programming of two or more muscles at a time giving the athlete simultaneous control of two or more actions. Tumbling and dance ARE athletic and are considered sports.

7. The motor programming that a person receives up to age 10 years is the level that most experts believe is carried throughout adulthood. How well they balance on a log at age 10 years will be the how well they can balance on a log in adulthood. More balance is obtained after age 10 years, but as we age and start loosing balance skills, some kinetic specialists believe you only loose back down to age 10 years.

8. Today, athletes study dance as part of their training for several sports. Over the years, dance forms have been adapted and integrated into training for a variety of sports. Dance has been an important part of gymnastics and figure skating for years, but in the 1980's, football, basketball, skiing and diving teams began to study dance disciplines and to recognize them as an important part of training programs.

9. Professional dance companies have featured popular sports stars in their productions. World-class athletes such as Olympic gold medalist diver Greg Louganis, basketball star, Michael Jordan, professional football players such as Heisman trophy winner Herschel Walker and former Chicago Bears player Willie Gault have studied and been featured with professional dance companies.

10. In the past two years, a collegiate study was conducted in California as to who was stronger. Athletes or dancers? Dancers each time stood out as the strongest in being measured up against collegiate athletes.

The facts state the obvious. Developmental tumbling and dance training beats ALL OTHER sports programs hands down for children ages 2-12 years of age. Development specialists state that a program offering skipping, jumping, hopping, balancing, throwing and rhythmic movements should be chosen over competitive programs for ages 2-10 years of age.

Want to give your child an edge over the other athletes later or just in life general? Then highly consider registering into a dance and or tumbling program right away.

 

No Back Rows

“ No Back Rows”

 What do we mean when we say we are a“no back rows studio and facility”? Can you ever remember a time that you found yourself sitting at the back of the class room or the bottom of a bench in your favorite sport? How about just feeling like you were invisible to your teachers? Not a good feeling, right?

 

When we say that we offer “no back rows”, what we are really saying is that all students in our programs are recognized for their efforts. Our classes are intentionally small so that we can give that special effort to every student in our classes. No one is ever sent to the back row or end of the bench for making a mistake or not being the right height or size. And waiting in line to take your turn is held to a very small amount of time.

 

No back rows in dance classes means that we actually teach our dance students how to use the dance floor by learning floor positions and terminology. So you will see our dancers moving around the stage in different positions or entering and exiting with music. Dance was never meant to be taught standing in a straight lines for more than a few counts. To everyone's amazement, you will even see 2 and 3 yr old dancers breaking out of standard lines and moving around the dance floor.

 

No back rows in our tumbling, gymnastic and cheer classes means that students enjoy different stations of learning to work on their skills on their own and then moving to the skill station that the teacher/coach are located at to assist them in the new skill. This method thus allows students to learn self confidence and reliance and to not be dependent on the teacher/coach for every skill.

 

No back rows in in our art and music programs means that students are allowed to explore their full potential and classes can be altered easily to be assured of personal success. Teachers are willing and happy to give positive critiques and direction so that a student leave class saying “I knew I could do it!”

 

No back rows in our Move-N-Learn Academy means that young students are allowed to explore and work with project based learning and outcomes. No back rows in preschool education means that we go the extra mile to teach “out of the box” of typical preschool and pre-k education systems by offering more such as foreign language, computers, dance, art music, gymnastics and more.

 

No back rows for all of our students means that teachers are kind and caring and they never allow bullying or put downs. It also means that when correction is needed, it is done in an way that turns into a positive learning experience.

 

No back rows is how every student deserves to learn, no matter what the class. A no back rows atmosphere in an arts based learning facility means success for every student, no matter how big or small, is celebrated! No back rows when a student or teacher does make a mistake is a high celebration of the fact that the student or teacher had the courage to take a risk at something, and although not completed correctly, it is celebrated because they tried.

 

We hope you will join us in class and experience “No Back Rows”.

 

 Academy of Fine Arts

609 Main Street,Woodward, OK 73801

800 w Broadway, Enid, OK 73703                                                                                 580-256-3262 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting

New To Dance Classes?

New to dance classes?You will find very helpful information in this article. If your questions are not fully answered, then please call our office or visit our FAQ page. You have our promise we will answer all of your questions!

5 Things Every Parent Should Know
 Before Choosing A Dance School

If most dance studios and schools have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children and a big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll at? Yes. There are four very important things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassels that must be dealt with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are fou things that every parent should consider before deciding on a studio for their child.
1. The type of dance floor used.
  Dance is a very physical activity that requires alot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide enough cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place alot of pressure on the knees and back of the dancer.The best wayto prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional "floating floor". A floating floor rests on a system of high density foam to absorb the shock of jumping.
 The top layer of the floor is also important. A specialized vinyl composite "marley type" floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. A marley floor allows dancers to slide, with a degree of controlled slip, but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. Very few studios offer a marley floor due to the expense and opt for tiled floors instead.
At our facility, the dance floors are of the highest quality and rest on closed cell foam that allows the floors to actually move with the student. Thus lessening the possibility of injuries to growing dancers. 
2.Size of Class
   If a dance class has fewer students in it, then each child will receive more personalized attention, learn more and have more fun. With younger students, it is easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instruction. This also allows teachers to spot incorrect technique faster so that it can be corrected before bad habits, that can cause injury, are developed.   Our school offers classes that are limited in size for better instruction of your children. Classes for ages 6 years and up are limited to only 12 to a class. For our very young students of ages 2 to 5 years, the class is limited to 6 per class.
3.Organized And Well Planned Events
    We understand how busy families are these days. That is why we offer well organized recitals, open house, students appreciation days and bring a friend weeks. Paretns receive newsletters via their email address so that they alwayd know what is going on. The website offers a student page with a calendar and other special notices so that parents can plan well in advanced. We attempt to meet all of a families information needs through our website, courteous office staff and student mail boxes in the school.4. A Well Designed Curriculum In PlaceMovement instruction is technical from the very beginning. A well designed curriculum should be challenging and inspire the student to move further through the training. The balance between a challenging and insiring program must contain proper technique, sequence and terminology at all levels. The mixture of fun, creativity, energy and the proper music are also factors when determining if a program has been designed for optimal learning and enjoyment.
Our school offers a class schedule with a broad range of movement instruction for ages 2 years and up and at all levels. We offer a specific curriculum designed to create and capture a students attention and enthusiasm while emphasizing proper technique, sequence and terminology. 5. The Ability To Get Immediate Assistance
In many studios, the teacher conducts classes and does the administrative work as well. Sometimes at the same time the classes are being conducted. By trying to do two jobs at one, the quality of the classes may suffer while the teacher is conducting customer service. To have a good experience, it is wise to choose a facility that can offer customer assistance when you need it.    We offer a variety of ways that busy parents can contact us for information. Office staff is available to assist with questions and needs on a daily basis. Our office opens at 10:00 am Monday through Friday and not just when classes start. Information about classes and events are always being updated on the website, and e-postcards and newsletters are sent directly to our parents email addresses. E-notices are filtered to the classes so that when a parent receives information it is for their child's classes purposes.     

Are You Creative Enough To Win A Scholarship ?

THIS SATURDAY IS NATIONAL DANCE DAY!
SO WE ARE DOING SOMETHING FUN!
 

 If you would like to win a scholarship for a second FREE class this year, follow the link and learn the dance for NATIONAL DANCE DAY.... Then video tape yourself (or your child) doing the dance PLUS a short video of dancing to your choice of music and moves, PLUS a short video of you (or your child) telling us why you want to win the scholarship for a second class (or it could be used for a third class if already enrolled for a second class) and EMAIL THE VIDEO to us at scholarship@academyoffineartsok.com                 

 

Here is the link to learn the NATIONAL DANCE DAY dance: http://dizzyfeetfoundation.org/national-dance-day                       

 

Be creative and fun with this. Costumes are great but not needed. You can add family members, but please no friends so we do not become confused when selecting the winners. Be sure that the music and moves that you select for your second part of the video( your own dance moves) is age appropriate and please watch the language. Those not considered appropriate will not be considered for the scholarship.

 

ONE MORE THING BEFORE SENDING IN THE VIDEO---->>>>

 

You must pre-register for FALL CLASSES through your parent portal or our website at www.academyoffineartsok.com . Don't worry about getting in the wrong class, because we can always transfer you to the correct one----->>> so if unsure, just register in the one you were in last year. (Registration fees will be processed for you to be considered pre-registered).                   

 

VIDEOS ARE DUE JULY 29th! So you have one week to get it done and emailed to us! If you have questions, just give us a call at 580-256-3262 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 

 

 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting HAVE FUN!!!

 

PS Although this post mentions the Woodward phone number, we are working up a version for our Enid location too! So watch the Facebook page tomorrow for more information!

Music Fun Time Program Is A Great Start!

Music Fun Time is a great program for your child ages 18 months to 7 years! Each class is broken down into ages groups of 18 moths to 3 yrs. , 3-5 yrs. and 5-7 yrs.

Music Fun Time is a licensed program that uses the research of how the brain uses connections  between music and math to teach your child to play instruments, learn rhythms and patterns, and understand the symbols of reading music. You can find out more about the benefits of music by going to this link on the national website for Music Fun Time. http://www.musicfuntime.org/home/benefits/

Music Fun Time at Academy of Fine Arts is taught by teachers that understand the very young child and how their focus patterns work. Thus, this thirsty minute class changes every few minutes to include even a craft project, keeping your child learning and entertained.

Music Fun Time also has progressive levels, so that the learning progresses. Eight levels also give the child time to learn on many different instruments such as rhythm instruments, harmonica, flutophone, piano, drums and guitars.

Class sizes are small so that your child has an opportunity to learn and enjoy class.
18 months-3 yrs.      Limited to 4
3-5 yrs.                     Limited to 6
5-6 yrs.                     Limited to 8

For more information about our classes offered, you can visit the national Music Fun Time website at
 http://www.musicfuntime.org/schedules-and-fees/oklahoma/    or our website at www.academyoffineartsok.com

NOW ACCEPTING RESUMES FOR TEACHING POSITIONS

We are currently accepting resumes for teaching positions. Applicants must be able to pass a background check and be at least 18 years of age. Positions available are mostly part time but we do offer the ability to cross over into other departments to bring you closer to full time.
Positions are open in our Woodward and Enid locations.

Positions now open are:

Piano Teacher                                          Guitar Teacher                        Band Instrument Teacher
Drum Teacher                               Mom & Me Music Teacher               Music Fun Time Teacher
Ballet Teacher                                         Tap Teacher                             Jazz/ Hip Hop Teacher
Lyrical Teacher                               Contemporary Teacher                    Acrobatic Teacher
Gymnastics Coach                       Cheerleading/Tumbling Coach           Art Teacher
Academic Preschool Teacher         Academic Pre-K Teacher                 Learning Coaches

Resumes can be emailed to teacherapplications2000-enid@yahoo.com
                                            teacherapplications2000-woodward@yahoo.com

Wanting To Perform A Solo At Recital This Next Spring?

 If you are needing a solo dance for pageant, competition or even to perform next spring in recital, now is the time to stop in and get your application for in our Woodward location. Solo work is for ages 4 years through adult and application needs to be made by July 25th to secure you a placement in August.

Solos can be done in ballet, lyrical, contemporary, tap, jazz and hip hop. Vocal solos is also available.

NEW AND EXCITING CLASSES COMING THIS FALL!

We are constantly looking for great classes to add to our offering every fall and this time we think we have done an outstanding job! A new music class for young children, a new academic class service, a new dance class and new gymnastic and acrobatic classes are all waiting for your child in our Woodward location!

Enid will be offering some of these classes at the beginning of the season and others will be added as soon as teachers are secured and trained.

So what is new, you ask? Well this is the FIRST PLACE we are revealing the information! So BLOG readers, congratulations on being the first to know!

Here is what we have been working on and cooking up for you this summer!

1. Academic Learning Coach Service for those enrolled with Oklahoma Connections Academy Public Virtual School. Combine their education, our learning coaches to assist your child and our great fine arts programs and you get SUCCESS!! Limited space so talk to us today!

2. Music Fun Time for ages 18 month through 7 years. This theory based learning style is fun, entertaining and academic! You can't lose with it as a class for your child!

3. Gymnastic Ballet Class. No worries about a gymnastic coach telling you that dance is not working with your gymnastics! We have them combined into a cutting edge technique ad performance class! This will blow your mind!

4. Acrobatic Dance is for our younger students that are not quite ready for the Gymnastic Ballet Class. Fun and physical!

5. Aerial Silks! If your child is in and has been in gymnastics and ballet classes, they can now take it to the air! This is NOT a class for just anyone, so you will need to find out more information to see is this can be a great class for your child.

Fall registration in now being accepted and all of our classes are limited in size to make for a better learning environment. Call us today at 580-256-3262 for more information or to get on the list for some of these classes that have not been added to the class offerings yet!

Is Cutting Edge Academics For Your Child?

Parents,
To give you a bit more information about our new offering for K-12 grades for their academics, we offer the following video for you to watch. Oklahoma Connections academy is cutting edge academics for the future. We were able to come to a collaboration with their program due to the fact that our Move-N-Learn Academy is also considered cutting edge. Our program moves right into theirs with very little problem!

So if you are looking for a program that allows your child to have more time for their other passions, such as performing and fine arts, sports (even rodeo), animals, ect, this just MIGHT BE THE EDUCATIONAL CHOICE FOR YOUR CHILD!

We look forward to visiting with you.

http://youtu.be/eq91-TDZSJk

Still Time To Register for Summer Classes!

Band and Orchestra Instrument Rentals Available

We Rent Instruments!

Band parents! Remember that we offer great band and orchestra instruments for rent or rent 2 own! Give us a call for more information and to preview instruments before school starts!

Best instrument rental program in the area!

The Value of Fine Arts Classes

Mary Myers, director of Academy of Fine Arts, shares with families the benefits of performing fine arts classes for their children and the understanding of the true value of experience that can shape their child's life.

www.academyoffineartsok.com 

The Value of Fine Arts Classes

Not too long ago, I was in conversation with a former parent of our school. Of course there was the usual chit chat of " we have just been so busy" and "she has decided to follow other interests". Most teachers hear this often, actually. But when you listen long enough, what you eventually are able to hear (while reading between the lines and watching the body language of the parent) is that it is the parent that made the choice to move to other activities or interest; it is the parent that was uncomfortable with the class schedules because it does not meet the schedule they want to be on and it is the parent that may not really see the child's real passion for what they want to do because they are still searching for what they never got to experience. Now, I am totally not bashing parents here, so please continue to read further.

But what the teacher finally hears (while still reading between the lines and watching the body language) is "hey, I know it is a healthy activity for my child, but so are a lot of other things, and I am not sure where it is that I want to help my child focus their interests towards".  We get it! And we hear it loud and clear. And we hear it most of the time with no ill feelings towards the parents or the family. Sometimes we just wish we could share back what we have seen, experienced and know, from a very personal stand point, about studying performing fine arts.

If we could be heard (with out someone thinking we are just wanting to keep their child in class for the money), a parent mind hear something similar to the following.

"We know for a fact that studying performing fine arts gives a child the courage to present and make a stand as well as to be creative to find the solutions to any problem for a lifetime. We know that a student begins to understand their bodies better in how they function physically, to how the brain can think in such intricate patterns, with out a mistake, and do it with such grace and personal command that it looks easy."

"We know that performing fine arts develops self discipline and control that allows the student to know where they are going at all times. We know that they learn to set goals at a very young age, and are able to see in their mind, the path (or process goals) that they need to travel to reach their dream (any dream).

"We know that studies have shown over and over that those that study music, either by playing an instrument or moving to it, do better in school and are well accomplished in no matter what  field of study or work that they choose."

"We know that we seen lives change and grow each time they step onto the dance floor, play a note, warm up their voice and learn to work with others in total cooperation. We know that we see their face shine with confidence when they have had a chance to stay in classes (mostly due to parents positively supporting their efforts) long enough  to achieve different levels. We know that students who are allowed to continue classes on a consistent schedule, learn to be more organized in school, work and life."

"We know of the many adults that come to us and state that they wish they had had the opportunity to of studied fine arts outside of their public school experience. We know and hear from many adults that say they were in classes as a child but have no idea why they were not allowed to continue or finish their fine arts education. We know that we have many parents that tell us how studying performing fine arts impacted their lives and they want that for their children."

What I know for a fact (and I hope you are still reading this lengthy post), is that I have seen children lifted up by performing fine arts when their family life was being destroyed by divorce at home. I also know for a fact, how being bullied was turned around, when the bullies realized how bad they looked at making fun of someone over the years that just walked across the graduation stage with a full scholarship to a university. I know for a fact that performing fine arts has helped many young people from our school to develop strong thinking skills, a goal minded mindset and a plan for success.

The value of classes, you see, is not in how much the tuition is or what the instrument or costumes cost. The value is in your child growing and finding themselves as strong, confident, hard working, goal oriented and eager young adults that are willing to push forward to reach their dreams in a timely manner. I know this, because over the past 30 + years, I have seen it and personally experienced it with my own children (a mental health expert, a doctor of chiropractics and a business manager, not to leave out that at the same time they are all mothers of our beautiful grandchildren).

Ah, but that is your family you say. Well, let me tell you about some other families that have experienced the value of keeping their children in performing fine arts from the time they were little, until their child's high school graduation. These families now have grown children that are currently school teachers (many of those), surgery nurses, business owners ( more than a few of these), fitness trainers (several of these), member of the national guard, coaches, dance teachers, gymnastic teachers, band directors, artists, mental health specialists, doctors (couple of these), ministers, authors, pageant coaches, business managers, real estate professionals, investors, banking professionals, insurance professionals, financial planning professionals and more.

The value of your child's performing arts education, from early childhood to early adulthood, is more than you can total in your checkbook. It is more than the cost of competition fees and recital fees. It is more than the gas and time to get them to and from class. The value of your child being in performing fine arts classes is that they too can become confident, well organized and goal oriented people. The value is that they can connect with the emotions of music and develop empathy for others. The value is that you can say, "I helped to get them where they are today, each time I drove them to music or dance lessons."

By the way, I hope you were willing to read to the end of this post.