Music lovers, where you at? I’m sure that’s a silly question because everyone has a fondness of music, right? I love music but can’t keep a rhythm to save my life!
If you have a young child who’s interested in music, or who you have hopes and dreams will one day become the next pop star, it’s only fitting to get them knowledgeable about the topic from infancy. It’s true that music has always been an essential part of our lives, and there are studies that having an ear for music elevates a child’s math and reading skills.
That’s why I’m so happy to share about Minibop Music, a school specifically aimed at introducing music to babies, toddlers, and young children. Their program provides kids ages 0-4 with an appreciation and understanding of music, from beats and tempos to styles of music and music theory. Founder Marsha Smith has a musical background, but once she became a mother, she decided to open up Minibop Music to share her love of music with other families and kids.
It’s so important for us to share together new challenges, music, movement, and love.
The classes
Simply sign up online and bring the kids to class. All instruments used in each 45 minute class are provided in a bin with the child’s name. Each class has a structure to keep kids engaged. Start by greeting your fellow classmates, then continue with a sing-along, rhythm-keeping, and play activity. End each class with wrap up/cool down, and a farewell song.
Children (and parents in attendance) will engage in such instruments as egg shakers, drum sticks, bells, and xylophones. But the fun doesn’t stop there! They also incorporate colorful scarves for kids to use for whimsical dance/play. And to make it extra special (and make it a little different for the parents attending too!) they switch up the songs and activities each month to a new theme. For example, one month will be jungle themed, and another month will be beach themed, camping themed, you name it! The possibilities are endless.
Locations
Classes are held at their studio location in Glassell Park. They are branching out to new locations like Santa Monica, Pasadena, Woodland Hills, and more. Other fun events Minibop is involved in include The GRAMMY Museum, Gene Autry Museum, the Palisades, and the Americana. Recently they attended KidsCon in Anaheim. You can also find the Minibop program in preschools all throughout LA County.
What if my child is older?
For older kids 8-14, Minibop Music offers songwriting classes and music camp, and there are private lessons for piano, guitar, ukulele, and vocals.
Upcoming events include:
“The Boo Bop! A Halloween Music Party” outdoor Halloween music party will have costumes, trick or treating stations, games, activities, giveaways and of course, special music performances by Minibop and more. Sponsors and special guests to be announced soon.
Overall
I’m so glad to have started my daughter down her musical path. The musical leaders are all professionally trained and engaging with the youngsters. Their personality shines through and they really make it fun for the kids and even the adults! After attending a couple sessions with her I find that I myself am even learning some new things. (And my rhythm has improved!) So don’t delay in expanding your child’s knowledge and appreciation of music. You just may unlock that rock star hidden inside them that they never knew existed!
