Meet Ms. Jen:
Advanced Theory…Through Play!
I was thrilled when I discovered that the Let's Play Music program was theory based. Back when I was first learning violin and piano I had little exposure to theory and was intimidated when I participated in heavy theory courses in college.
When I saw what level of understanding that these five and six year old children were accomplishing in such a short time I was astounded and knew that my own children NEEDED this knowledge to help them in their future musical endeavors. Not only were these children learning advanced theory concepts, but they were doing it through PLAY, the best way for a young child to learn! Without even seeing a class in action I registered to become a Let's Play Music teacher and have had a blast since then. It is truly the BEST program for children have a solid musical foundation...and it's just plain fun!
Delightful Surprises:
Enrichment that Lasts a Lifetime
I hope that as I teach the children in my studio that not only will they grasp the conceptual part of the program but that they will develop a love for music and and the enrichment that it provides for the rest of their lives. I hope that after they finish their time with me that they can feel empowered to continue their musical journey and turn that spark of excitement into a passion for the music they create. One of my favorite things is receiving emails or letters from former students (now in college!) telling me that what I taught them at the beginning has fueled their desire to continue excelling in music and given them a love for what they create and share with others. That is a teacher's dream (or at least mine, anyway!).
- Jen Ellsworth, B.A.
Let's Play Music Teacher
2011 National Visonary Teacher Award
**In addition to her Let's Play Music and Sound Beginnings certifications, Ms. Jen has training in Suzuki and traditional violin and piano methods as well as a B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University.
To see her local classes in action or to sign up for a class with Ms. Jen in her new location of Rochester, Minnesota (starting fall 2015), visit the blog (www.LPMwithJen.com). We love seeing Let's Play Music spread to more and more states every year!
My two boys have loved their time in sound beginnings with Ms. Jen! She is engaging and they really have fun while they are learning! She finds ways to keep the material fresh each week. Good luck in Minnesota! We will miss you!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter as been a student of Ms. Jen for a few months now. In that short time my daughter is thriving and learning so much. Ms. Jen's enthusiasm as well as her knowledge of music theory & play is amazing. I am sad we won't get to continue on with her, but glad that Minnesota is gaining a music gem!!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is 7 and has been with Ms. Jen since she was 4. Let's Play Music is amazing! I can't say enough good things about this program and Ms. Jen is truly gifted at teaching and engaging her students and even parents for that matter. On the most basic terms, I describe it as learning music by ear and sight through play in a group setting. My daughter has learned chords, theory and how to even compose her own music through this method and the best part about it is, it's not hard for her, it's fun! As a parent, I've learned more from these classes than from the 10 years I had with a private teacher the traditional way! We will truly miss Ms. Jen but she will remain in our hearts forever because of the way she has taught my daughter to love the journey of learning music. God bless you and your family in Minnesota!!
ReplyDeleteI knew my son would not do well at a young age with private piano lessons so I thought " Let's Play Music" would be the perfect solution. I was right! He found it very fun and engaging and he learned so much. The program allowed my son to excell in piano, trumpet and chorus which I never thought possible considering he lacked the discipline of my older children. It is hard to find a teacher who as engaging, professional, organized and as talented as Jen. I highly recommend the program especially with Jen as the instructor!
ReplyDeleteWhen our little guy started out in Let's Play Music he would say things like, "I don't sing" and "I don't play piano!" Three years later we no longer hear that - he definitely sings and plays piano excitedly. In fact, he is super excited to be composing his first piece of music to show case at the spring recital. Ms. Jen had the right amount of patience and expertise to help our budding artist become all he can be. We highly recommend Ms Jen and the Let's Play Music program.
ReplyDeleteThis is my daughter's third year with Miss Jen. I can't even tell you how impactful her teaching has been. Her love of music is contagious and her teaching method is so natural that the kids don't even realize they are learning. My daughter has learned so much from the basics to advanced theory and is enjoying playing around with the piano and knowing which notes sound good together and how to create an original piece. We are grateful for Miss Jen and we will miss her! We know you will be a blessing to many more families in Minnesota. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThis is my daughter's third year with Miss Jen. I can't even tell you how impactful her teaching has been. Her love of music is contagious and her teaching method is so natural that the kids don't even realize they are learning. My daughter has learned so much from the basics to advanced theory and is enjoying playing around with the piano and knowing which notes sound good together and how to create an original piece. We are grateful for Miss Jen and we will miss her! We know you will be a blessing to many more families in Minnesota. Best of luck!
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