Musikgarten of Lexington
Jennifer Tutt
Founder/Director
859-245-5887

                                                                               Studio Address                                 Mailing Address
                                                                               121 Malabu Dr.                                 601 Deltino Ct.

                                                                          Lexington, KY 40503                         Lexington, KY 40515




  Home
  Birthday Parties
  Class Descriptions
  Class Schedule
  Family Music for Babies
  Family Music
  Cycle of Seasons
  God's Children Sing
  Music Makers: Around the World
  Music Makers: At Home in America
  Music Makers: At the Piano I and II
  Music Makers: At the Guitar
  Music Makers: At the Recorder
  Musikgarten Chorus
  Music Makers: At the Violin
  Music Makers: At the Ukulele
  Nature Trail Camps
  Spring Break Camps
  Summer Camps
  Private Lessons
  Parent's Night Out
  Registration and Order Forms
  Policies
  Our Location
  Parent Resources
  Events and News
  FAQs
  Contact Information
  What is Musikgarten
  Music and Movements Benefits
  Music Samples
  Why Musikgarten

Music Makers: At the Guitar

Music Makers: At the Guitar are 60-minute classes offering a fun environment for building guitar skills.  After completing the 1-year program, students will be prepared for private lessons.  Students will need a guitar for practice at home.  The Semester 1 curriculum includes a lesson book, CD, foot stool, pack of picks, and metronome/tuner (these materials are included with the first semester's tuition - see below).  

Due to the distrubution of materials, the cost of this class decreases after the first semester of the year (ex: Semester 1 = $318, Semesters 2 and 3 = $225 each).  Please consult Jennifer Tutt before mailing enrollment. 
 

To register for this class, please go to the "Registration and Order Forms" page.
 
 
Supplemental material for Music Makers: At the Guitar I and II may be purchased using the Order Form.  Please complete the Order Form and send it, along with payment, to 601 Deltino Ct., Lexington, KY 40515.  Upon receipt of your order, we will contact you to confirm.
 

HERE IS MORE INFORMATION ON MUSIC MAKERS: AT THE GUITAR 
 
  • This is a 1-year program
  • There are 3 semesters in a year
  • There are fifteen 1-hour classes in each semester
  • Parents participate in the last 5 to 15 minutes of class to learn songs, dances, and assignments for home practice


Curriculum
  • Music literacy is the goal of our class
  • This approach to learning is based onthe research of Edwin Gordon and his concept of "audiation" (children don't just read the music, but are able to comprehend the patterns, tonality, and meter)
  • This method of literacy allows children to understand and appreciate music in terms of its tonality, meter, and style, whole further refining their ability to listen
  • Students work at the guitar in every class, as well as developing ensembles using the metallophone, resonator bars, glockenspiel, rattles, rhythm sticks, jingles, sand blocks, drums, bongoes, djembe, maracas, tambourines, guiro, triangle, etc.
  • Drumming is a key element of this curriculum to help students build their sense of touch, increase fine motor skills, and gain an understanding of dynamics and rhythm
  • Students will play and sing songs in major and minor keys, duple and triple meters, a variety of styles, and use tonic and dominant chords
  • Flashcards are used to read rhythm and tonal patterns (both melodic and harmonic)
  • Many songs are played in a variety of keys so that transposition becomes an easy, normal process
  • This curriculum builds on the skills and repertoire learned in the Musikgarten 0 - 7 year classes, although it does establish a music and movement foundation for older students encountering their first musical experience
  • After completing the 1-year program, students are equipped with the aural, listening, music-reading, and technical skills to be successful in private guitar/instrumental lessons


Practice CD
  • This CD is not for everyday listening enjoyment​
  • The Practice CD shouldbe used for specific assignments marked in the student's book
  • This CD gives the students the benefit of a "teacher" at home to help them hear and play pieces accurately
  • Note: It will be very helpful for students to develop the ability to sing in tune so that they will be more successful playing in tune later (especially when transposing to other keys)
  • Singing songs in class and using the Practice CD at home will help build aural skills that will impact a student's musical ability for a lifetime


Practicing
  • Students should be fitted to a guitar appropriate for their size
  • Students must practice often to improve aural and technical skills
  • Each student needs a guitar at home for practice
  • It is recommended that pupils practice at least 20 minutes four to five days per week
  • A group classroom environment will encourage students to practice at home
  • All classroom activities and games are presented in a fun, joyful way, thus increasing the desire for home practice
  • Children help teach one another in class to improve their own understanding of the material and boost self-confidence
  • You are always welcome to call your instructor if you are unsure how to help your child at home
  • Note: It is very common for a student's interest in practicing to rise and fall over time; please understand that this is normal.  Let us know if you would like more ideas for boosting the amount of practice time


Helpful suggestions for parents
  • Please keep food, drinks, toys, and other distractions in the car or hidden from view
  • Try to make bathroom stops before class begins
  • You can reinforce the information learned in class by helping your child during their daily practice
  • Students will need to bring their own guitar to class
  • Students should bring two (2) pencils, their footstool, tuner, picks, and book to every class
  • Please put these materials in a tote bag to keep them clean, dry, and easily accessible in class
  • Tote bags can be ordered from Musikgarten
  • If you have food or drinks with you, please eat inthe Party Room so our waiting room and classrooms stay clean
  • Parents and siblings who are waiting during class are welcome to sit, play, or read in the waiting room.  Please make sure to clean up any toys or books you use before leaving


Tuition
  • There is a $15 Registration Fee per child which lasts for the Fall-to-Fall school year
  • First semester tuition (Fall or Spring): $16 per class x 17 classes + $100 materials (lesson book, Practice CD, footstool, 12 pack of picks, and tuner with metronome) + $15 registration fee = $387
  • Second and third semester tuition: $16 per class x 17 classes = $272
  • There is a sibling discount for families with more than one child enrolled in the group MOL classes (two siblings = $30 discount; 3 siblings = $45; etc.)
  • Student visitors (friends and/or relatives) are welcome to attend at any time; they can pay just for the class they attend (please call Jennifer ahead of time)
  • Tuition fees are nonrefundable except in the cases of extreme student illness or out-of-state moves.  Registration and material fees are non-refundable
  • You are welcome to order any of the Musikgarten instruments, materials, and T-shirts; it will be beneficial to the student to have a drum and glockenspiel available at home for practice


Performance
  • Every class provides an opportunity for solo music-making (melodic, chordal, vocal, or rhythmic)
  • Beginning to play solos in the early years of Musikgarten classes (Cycle of Seasons, God's Children Sing, Music Makers: At Home in America, Music Makers: Around the World, Music Makers: At the Recorder, and both years of Music Makers: At the Keyboard) will help reduce performance anxiety later
  • Students participate in "Guitar Sharing" (playing solos) during class time and parent time; this builds confidence in performance, develops performace skills, and teaches all students to be respectful of listeners
  • The last week of each semester will be set aside for a Recital Party where students have a fun mini-recital for families, followed by a potluck meal


Private Lessons
  • Please let your instructor know if you are interested in being on his/her waiting list for private lessons
  • Students can take private lessons while doing Music Makers; At the Guitar (this will only serve to benefit the student, but is not required)