Dunkirk Public Library announces it has added a Growing with Music Together class to its children’s programming. Beginning Jan. 28, on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., Growing with Music Together conducts music classes for families with young children, babies to kindergartners, in the Community Room of the Library. The classes are led by Kay Barlow using Music Together® Sticks curriculum. Each participating family receives a songbook and CD for home use. The Winter Music Program is 8 weeks long. There is a one-time per family cost of $42 payable by check or cash at the first class. Registrations are required and can be made by calling the Library at 366-2511.

Benefits to children who participate in music are well documented. Music positively affects intellectual growth, physical coordination, social interactions and emotional well-being. Singing, dancing and playing rhythm instruments are the backbone of Growing with Music Together classes, each a flow of playful activities. Children already play naturally. In Growing with Music Together classes, little children and their adult caregivers play with music with no talent requirements or performance expectations. Music Together classes are family classes that include children of different ages from one family – there is no division by age and each child brings to class their own skill level.

Dunkirk Public Library and Kay Barlow are hosting a “Sample Class” on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the library. Everyone is welcome, there is no charge. This is an introduction to young child music classes: to learn more about what goes on in music class and to have fun with hands-on music making.

Music Together classes are taught by Kay Barlow, who is a Certified Level I instructor with Music Together. Barlow earned an American Orff-Schulwerk Associal Level I Certificate in addition to both Bachelor and Masters degrees in music. She also operates a piano studio at Barlow’s Mill and is a pianist/organist serving community events and churches in the region.