Music and Movement is held on Tuesdays 1:00-2:00 p.m. $35 per 8 week session

$55 month private lessons; $43 month group

Registration with Child, Youth & School Services is required before enrolling

Playing a musical instrument makes you smarter

Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning. Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain's circuits in specific ways.

There is also a link between music and spatial intelligence (the ability to perceive the world accurately and to form mental pictures of things), and critical to the sort of thinking necessary for everything from solving advanced mathematics problems to being able to pack a book-bag.

Recent studies show that students who study the arts are more successful on standardized tests such as the SAT. They also achieve higher grades in high school.

Sense of achievement

If you're a beginner learning to play your first piece, it can be frustrating. But once you've mastered it, the satisfaction you'll feel is priceless.

It teaches discipline

You have to be disciplined to practice every day in order to master an instrument. Through practice and study, students stretch their inner resources. It is only by much hard work that a successful performance is possible.

Playing a musical instrument relieves stress

Music is one of life's simple joys. It calms the mind and provides a means of self expression. Self esteem is a by-product of this self expression.

Playing a musical instrument is fun

Once you get better at playing an instrument, you can play with family and friends. There are limitless ways that playing music can enrich your life!

Instructor Kathy Patrick is a certified K-12 Vocal and Instrumental music educator with a Bachelor's of Science in Music Education and a Master's of Science in Education, with an emphasis in reading. She taught 17 years K-12 public school music and 7 years private music lessons.

She volunteers weekly with the Lebanon-Laclede Literacy Council, specializing in ESL adult literacy and citizenship preparation.

Mrs. Patrick says that music and literacy are her passions and she enjoys the dynamics of teaching the Music and Movement classes for 3-5 year olds and their parents."Learning to express ourselves through music and musical experiences sets the soul free."