Do Ray Mi Fa So La Ti Do You Want to Learn About Music?

Evelyn Murray shakes, rattles and rolls at The Music Playhouse in Carmel.

Do you have rhythm? Can you feel the beat? Would you like to have the word “harmony” in your vocabulary, and in your child’s vocabulary? If your answer is yes, then it’s time to connect with your child on a musical level and enroll in The Music Playhouse. According to Debbie Aikman, owner of The Music Playhouse, “It is critical developmentally to expose your children to music at an early age. Researchers have documented that exposure to music in early childhood has a positive effect on the brain and that the earlier you start, the better.”

The Music Playhouse offers parent/child music classes, with the goal of obtaining basic music aptitude through lots of fun. While living in Atlanta, Aikman attended a similar music program with her children and realized, after moving back home to Indiana, there was a need in the Carmel area for this type of music learning. So she and her sister opened up The Music Playhouse in 2002. “Our classes are high-energy and lots of fun,” explained Aikman. “We incorporate all different types of music and activities to keep the learning fresh.”

Aikman went on to say that the music collections are very entertaining as well as educational. The collections are also designed to expose your child not only to a large quantity of music, but a large variety, including a wide range of scales, rhythms, instruments and styles. “Parents often rave about how much they enjoy our music selections.” The Music Playhouse offers a different collection of music for each 10-week session. Children will not only be able to play and explore different instruments such as egg shakers and drums, but they also dance and sing.

“The most critical time in a child’s development is from birth through age seven,” says Aikman. “Our programs are specifically designed to engage children of these ages, so that the child’s likelihood of strong musical ability in the future is increased. Our dedicated teachers are carefully trained to stimulate this learning through playful classroom interaction.”

Aikman also explained that the teachers at The Music Playhouse are highly qualified and have extensive backgrounds in music, vocals and instruments.

“My daughter plays ‘music class’ with her stuffed animals at home,” said Denise Murray, mother of Evelyn, who is two years old. Murray has been participating in The Music Playhouse for over two years. “I started when my son was two, and eventually brought my daughter,” explains Murray. “I just love the teachers and the music. It is very energetic and we look forward to coming every week.”

Home participation is highly encouraged. A big piece of the program is parent involvement, as kids love repetition and will model what they see their parents do.

“We have a lot of special needs kids come through our program,” says Aikman. “Kids with special needs oftentimes enjoy the program as much as other children, and many parents have reported a positive impact.” Aikman went on to say that each child is different and they take them case by case. “It’s definitely worth giving it a try.”

The Music Playhouse offers a free trial class to anyone who would like to see the class dynamic first. Currently, there are two types of classes offered in Carmel. The Pups is for ages infant to five years old. “The mixed age classes can allow siblings and friends of different ages to enjoy class together,” says Aikman. The other class is The Cats, which is for ages four through six.

The Music Playhouse is located in the St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Administration & Education Building, off Main Street and Meridian in Carmel. Visit www.themusicplayhouse.com or call 317-573-0080 for more information about classes and enrollment.

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