Dunkirk Public Library has added a new class to its roster of classes for the community. Beginning Jan. 24 and running for 8 consecutive weeks, Music Together classes are offered by Growing with Music Together and led by Kay Barlow in the community room from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. every Thursday. There is a family music fee for the class. Music Together classes are designed for young children, babies through age 7, and their caregiver. Classes are a flow of activities that include singing, movement and playing rhythm instruments. Because young children learn best through play, the classes are informal, promoting curiosity, imagination and discovery. The music is lively and fun to sing and move to. Each registered family receives take-home materials, a songbook and CD, so that the fun of music class can continue between weekly classes. No musical talent is required of caregivers because the class is not performance oriented, however, caregivers fully participate in class activities.

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. The family cost for the 8 weeks of classes is $42, payable at the first class.

Dunkirk Public Library currently is registering families for the Music Together class. Registrations are being taken in the Children’s Room or by phone. Call 366-2511. The class has a maximum of 14 children, after which a waiting list will be formed in case of no-shows.

Most early childhood education research confirms the many benefits music offers young children. Often cited are future academic success, the development of self-confidence, physical coordination, development of language skills and the ability to focus, experience in being social, all in addition to learning to sing in tune and move with rhythmic accuracy, the hallmarks of musicality.

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.

For more information about the Music Together curriculum, visit musictogether.com.dk lib