Swallow Hill Music Association!!!

[ckirschb]

Earlier this week, my wife and I along with our 3 year old twins visited the Swallow Hill Music Association for a Little Swallows class. We had a wonderful experience. We found a number of benefits to the Little Swallows class including: class size, the instructor + her agenda, and further the impetus for the agenda.

The class size was intimate while also allowing the kids the opportunity to meet other toddlers. The group fit nicely in the room as they were able to move around and march and play instruments while doing so. Further, the facilities reminded me of the music room from grade school filled with instruments and memorabilia associated with music. It was like I was in the school choir or practicing for the school play.

The instructor had an agenda posted for the class. She was personable and engaging sharing stories of what has worked and not worked with her kids in the area of music and song. She offered a nice mix of singing, clapping, movement, and instrumental play. The kids got to bang on drums and tambourines. She got the parents involved, and spoke to the kids using their first names which she must have memorized during introductions. Some of the songs were educational in nature....singing of farm animals.....though she was careful to query the children prior to singing to inquire what animals they would find on a farm.

Of utmost importance and serving as a general theme of the Swallow Hill Music Association is the notion that one can learn rhythmn though speach. The instructor did a fantastic job of offering the children the ability to learn rhythmn through singing.

Swallow Hill offers classes for kids and adults. They offer private and group instruction. They host a variety of concerts and events, and the association has become a haven for young musicians.

Locate the Swallow Hill Music Association at the following address:
http://www.swallowhillmusic.org/

or contact them at:

Swallow Hill Music Association
71 East Yale Avenue
Denver, CO 80210
303-777-1003

The association holds office hours from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Enjoy!!!

[astro_girl]

I jumped at the chance to review this place since it close to where we live (71 E. Yale Ave., Denver), and my girls (2 and 4) are the perfect age to enjoy the Little Swallows music class. Both are very lively "divas" who enjoy dramatic play, singing, and dancing. Never having attended the Little Swallows class before, I did not know what to expect, but perhaps a "cute" morning with the kids at a music class where I hoped they would feel motivated to participate in.

The class did not dissapoint. Thanks to the continuous pace of Sarah, the instructor, and the posted class agenda, my girls (and all the other kids) seemed to have a grand time banging on drums, shaking shakers, and tapping other wood instruments while picking up new tunes and dancing around the room. This was a truly enjoyable, and fast-moving class for me. Too many times have I been to dance or similar music classes with one or both of my daughters, only to watch their interest wane with long pauses or repetitive lessons. Our instructor mastered the talent of keeping the class, fun, lively, moving along...all while making sure all children participated. I was a bit hesitant that my 4 year old might be too old for this type of class, but the instructor's compliments and encouragement as my older daughter participated kept her interested to the end.

I was especially surprised when, upon our arrival, Sarah the instructor learned our names and engaged us with a warm welcome. She made us feel a part of the group, even though she knew we were visiting for the one class. I will consider signing up my girls for the next session.

[DotHughesWerth]

Swallow Hill Music Association

Our music instructor included my 7 month old son in the class, his first music class EVER and immediately made us feel welcome—even though it was the last class of the multiple week offering. We felt involved from the beginning and she was cognizant of my son’s level of participation and gave us different options for the various activities since the other participants were older. This was not a music free-for-all, there was a comfortable learning structure around our activities, which included singing around the group to acknowledge each child by name in song; dancing with caregivers, the group and individually; instrument experimentation; and a game of music "freeze" (which teaches auditory/movement skills).

I was able to see the impact of music on not only my son, but also on the toddlers and parents who were in the class series. It’s a wonderful to way to see children express themselves through music-making, singing and dancing with each other and their caregivers.

Swallow Hill has an excellent reputation locally and regionally for its music offerings in the folk/acoustic offerings. They just don’t offer music classes for young children, but for all ages, and they have some of the best events for these music genres in the area.

[J&D's Mom]

In addition to the Little Swallows music classes, Swallow Hill also has a Children's Singalong workshop for ages 2-6 that is held once a month. I am not musically inclined at all but my son (2.5) loves singing and dancing so I took him to the singalong this morning. The class is usually led by Julie and Vicki but unfortunately Julie was sick today. So no guitar accompaniment. While I'm sure that just enhances the class, my little guy had a great time with Vicki leading the group in song with her piccolo and flute. All of the kids got shakers or rhythm makers so they could keep time to the songs. My little guy (along with some of the others) were a bit shy but after Vicki led us around the lobby singing "She'll be coming around the Mountain", all the kids loosened up. We had a great time and definitely plan to come to another singalong.

Upcoming dates for the Children's Singalong are Dec 13th, Jan 24th and Feb 14th at 10:30 am. The cost is $5/per person and you can register and pay right before class.

Swallow Hill is a one stop location for the family. In addition to the Children's Sing-A-longs and the Little Swallows Programs (for children 6-months to 4 years), kids group guitar classes, teen classes, adult group classes on every instrument are offered. Swallow Hill also offers private lessons on all the stringed instruments and more in all styles of music. Check out the website and call with any questions. The staff are very nice and helpful.