Rosalyn Ellsworth: LPM Fills a Need in My Soul

I caught up with Rosalyn Ellsworth who recently relocated from Gilbert, Arizona to Mapleton, Utah where she teaches three classes one day a week.

Tell us about yourself and your move:

Rosalyn, far left, with other teachers from her area.

I’m a native Arizonan, so living in Utah has been a grand adventure!  It is beautiful here, the mountains are magnificent, and the people have been friendly.  None so friendly, though, as my Let’s Play Music family!  I inherited half of my current students and it has been a great blessing to find an immediate network of teachers and parents in a new location.  I am grateful to those who have welcomed me and trusted me to teach their children.  I'm a single mom and have 7 children ages 6-24.

Before ‘Mom Explores Michigan’, there was ‘Mom’s Beat’

I remember when all 5 of our children were in school and I had picked up some classes at the community college to explore my next chapter.  One day I came upon the "Mom’s Beat" column in the Arizona Republic newspaper showcasing Let’s Play Music with an interview of Shelle Soelberg.  I couldn’t figure out how to pronounce her name (was it Shell or Shelly?), but I was riveted by her teaching philosophies of how to reach and utilize a child's imagination and heart to give children a full grasp of music.  I nodded in agreement as Shelle described parent-to-child bonding as the fuel powering the curriculum vehicle of playful songs and musical games, transporting music deeper into a child's heart and mind.  

At first I was elated by what I saw as a breakthrough in children's music instruction.  But then my heart sank. Twice.  Once, because I wasn’t involved in something so energetic and meaningful, and twice, because my children were too old to participate.  I studied the article, re-reading key points and then I recognized the name of the columnist, Brooke Romney, a new friend I had met a few months previously.  

Shortly thereafter, I volunteered with Brooke at a cub scout activity.  I mustered the courage to compliment Brooke on her article.  This was hard because I was still broken-hearted to be left out of LPM.  Imagine my surprise (and gratitude) when Brooke let me know Let's Play Music certified teachers for teaching the curriculum and encouraged me to become a Let’s Play Music teacher!  As if she hadn’t already encouraged me enough, Brooke then registered two of her boys in my classes.  We had a ball, and the rest is history.  

"You lift me, and I’ll lift thee, and we’ll ascend together"

I was just thinking the other day how Let’s Play Music fills a very real need in my soul.  I was 8 years old when I began violin lessons with my Grandpa, Beryl Folks.  It was hard work.  I wanted so badly to please my Grandpa and he had exact expectations that required serious practice.  There were many tears, and what felt to me, long practicing sessions.  I am sure I only practiced one hour a day, but it felt much longer!  Piano began a little later, and while piano seemed easier since I didn’t have to create the correct pitch, I found it also required diligence and focus.

About that time, my parents took our family to see a stage musical and brought the soundtrack home.  The play had captured my imagination and the soundtrack kept it alive.  My sister and I sang along and reenacted that play over and over.  Soon we added new songs and musical soundtracks to our interpretations.  I felt happy singing and dancing, happier still, when Mom would curl up on the couch and watch.  Singing and performing with my sister are some of my happiest childhood memories.

Then, Up With People! came to town and I fell in love.  I was 11 years old had found my calling in life!  I wanted to be on that stage, singing and dancing wearing lip gloss and holding a microphone!  Touring with a show choir to destinations like Russia and New York enticed my young mind.  What strikes me now is the fact that show choirs and musical theatre are built on MUSIC.  At my young age, I didn’t equate music study with joy – and I certainly didn’t realize the very violin and piano study I was painfully enduring was the backbone for my dream.

Decades later in my studio, I find my polar opposite childhood musical experiences have merged.  I now enjoy a satisfying blend of playful showmanship surrounding serious musical instruction. My students and I get to play while we enjoy and learn music together.  

Share some of the Surprises You've Found while teaching?

My children were ages 10-18 when I began teaching and they were as supportive as teenagers can be when Mom embarks on something new.  My now 22 year old daughter shared that she learned more music theory listening to me teach my young Let’s Play Music students than in her childhood piano and high school choir experiences combined.  A few summers ago, after overhearing my phone conversation with someone in the corporate office, my then 18 year old son said, “I thought Let’s Play Music was just a little music class.  I didn’t know it was a thing.”  To which my husband quipped, “Oh it’s big.  It’s like NASCAR.”  Today, I can start singing any Let’s Play Music song and my big kids will jump in with me to sing the rest – Happiness!

A more recent and fun surprise for me has been the chance to finally attend class as a Let’s Play Music parent.  Our twin girls who arrived during my first year teaching are finally old enough to be students! While I attend classes with a smile and sing my very best, what has surprised me most is what happens during the week between classes.  Silly me, I thought all the fun was had during class.  Now, I thrill every time I hear precious little voices spontaneously singing their favorite Let’s Play Music songs.  Games played during class sometimes morph into crazy family bedtime procrastinators with Dad and the big teenage brothers.  And if I mimic the teacher’s antics just right during a puppet show, my little girls dissolve into giggles.  Seeing love and joy shine in their eyes feeds my soul.

Describe your studio?

The LPM studio at Ros's house.

I carry a small to medium studio and I love it that way because I am still in the thick of parenting.  Still, teaching fills me with joy and puts a bounce in my step, and I think makes me a more effective Mom.  This year, I’m teaching one day a week and it works.  Even with my few classes, I pour my heart into my preparation and my students.  I find I work well in clearly designated teaching areas. I have been blessed to be able to dedicate space in my home almost exclusively to my classes.  Teaching out of our homes provides a warmth to students, I think, that fosters trust and safety as we explore music together.  When parents attend class, I want them to feel comfortable moving around and participating with their child.  My goal is for parents of my students to find confidence in my professional commitment, teaching effectiveness and consistency.  

Highlights of your career so far?

Ros and some of her students.

Oh, there have been so many.  Like my first little group of students who learned the curriculum along with me – they will always be dear to me.  There’s the vibrant “I can” in the childrens’ eyes when they master playing their chords.  Or the satisfaction and accomplishment at the end of the third year, when they perform their own composition and take home a published copy of their work.  It’s thrilling.  There are the dedicated parents who carve out resources to provide this experience for their children, arrange child care so they can attend classes on parent days, learn ALL the songs, games, chords, puppet shows and hand signs, AND THEN supervise practice time with play, humor, emotional muscle and patience.  I absolutely respect and honor the Moms and Dads who walk through my door. 


Advice for parents who've enrolled in Let’s Play Music?

I would encourage parents to stay connected with their child’s teacher as they progress through the program.  One easy way is to make the parent orientation meeting held before classes begin a priority, then ask questions and get clarification throughout the semesters.  Communicate if you are struggling to master a musical skill during practice time and let your teacher help you identify and remove hurdles or suggest a new angle.  Share something that works well during practice time. Working together to reach each child more effectively is a win-win.

Advice for new teachers?

Believe in yourself and be your best self.  Trust that as you train in the Let’s Play Music philosophies and methods, and provide a quality product with integrity and consistency, you will attract students to your studio that work with your personality.  I am a firm believer in an abundance mentality.  Children in your area need you.  Other children in your area may need a different personality; that is one of the beauties of being a Let’s Play Music teacher.  Teachers complement each other in our cities throughout the country, even while we build friendships and support each other.   Which leads to my next suggestion, find a mentor friend.   Call and bounce ideas off each other.   Have confidence in the camaraderie.  Through the years I have been pleasantly rewarded for reaching out to teachers both in and outside my immediate area.  I count them as friends for taking my questions seriously and considering possible solutions with me.

Any parting words?

The Mom of a former student recently reached out and shared something her 7 year old had confided while preparing to meet his new private piano teacher: “I’m probably not going to ever have a music class as fun as Let’s Play Music.  Maybe we can send my new music to Mrs. Ros and she can tell us how to make it fun!” ❤

3 Big Ways To Boost Your Child's Brain Using Music

I'm guest author, Sharlene Habermeyer, mother of five boys and the author of Good Music Brighter Children and happy to be blogging for Let's Play Music today.   I have spent the last thirty years studying how music affects the brain and I’m convinced there is nothing like music to build a bigger, better brain for children and adults. Why? Because music is the ONLY thing we do that exercises the entire brain—left, right, front and back—simultaneously.

Bottom line: playing a musical instrument it is like giving the brain an aerobic workout accompanied by fireworks!

How does Let’s Play Music fit into all this brain-building activity? This program is so comprehensive in its musical scope that it builds the three areas of the brain most needed for learning: the auditory, the visual/spatial, and the motor cortices.  Let’s talk about each area and how it relates to learning…

Brain-builder #1: Music strengthens the auditory cortex and helps with reading and language…

Did you know that the auditory cortex of the brain is five times smaller than the visual cortex? So it is already established by the brain that we learn more quickly and easily by visually looking at something. But here’s the rub: when a child learns to read, they must use their ears first, (auditory cortex) and their eyes second (visual cortex). Think back when you were learning to read. All those letters on the page looked like Greek and it wasn’t until your teacher said the word, and you used your ears, that you understood how to say the word. So the rule for reading is: ears first to hear the pronunciation of the word and eyes second to visually recognize the word. From various brain scans, scientists know that learning a musical instrument strengthens all areas of the auditory cortex thereby making it easier for a child to read, tounderstand directions, and to process information in the classroom and elsewhere. It also reaches children who are learning disabled as all learning issues begin with auditory processing, or not being able to understand what you hear.

The philosophies of Kodály and the music-teaching methodology that develops and strengthens the auditory cortex are integrated into Let's Play Music classes.  Kodály trains children to sing on pitch without the aid of an instrument. It’s called solfege (read more about it here)  and it takes practice! While singing, children also use hand signs to reinforce the learning. This training strengthens the auditory cortex thus making reading, writing and processing of information easier.  Aural or listening skills are learned when the child listens to the varying pitch, rhythm and harmony of a multitude of songs. Let's Play Music is an amazing brain-builder!

Brain-builder #2: Music strengthens the visual/spatial cortex and helps with math and science…

Music training also strengthens the visual/spatial areas of the brain. Spatial people solve problems in their minds-eye; they think in pictures; they understand higher forms of math and science and they are usually very creative (they dream in color while most people dream in black & white). Think about Albert Einstein whose visual/spatial areas of his brain were 25 percent larger than most people: he was an accomplished violinist and credits music with organizing his brain and helping him to solve intricate theories and problems. His friend said that Einstein used music for inspiration and that the answers to complex problems came to him in the midst of playing his violin. Studies show that when a child learns a musical instrument it primes, prepares, and develops the spatial areas of the brain in such a way that a child is able to understand science, technology, engineering and math more easily.

Brain-builder #3: Music strengthens the motor areas for brain organization and memory skills…

Learning a musical instrument and being engaged in music develops the motor areas of our brain—which are important for the development and organization of the entire neurological system. Let’s Play Music incorporates both the Orff-Shulwerk and Dalcroze teaching methods—both of which strengthen the motor areas of the brain.  Here’s how:

When a young child pounds on rhythm instruments, claps her hands, stamps her feet, snaps her fingers or marches around the room, these activities help organize the brain.  They help the child to remain focused and increase memorization skills. These types of rhythmic body movements introduced by Orff are practiced in Let's Play Music classes.

Dalcroze promotes the use of specific movements called eurhythmics.  Children move their bodies to the beat of the music and the body is trained like an instrument. Many different senses come together in the Dalcroze experience: seeing, hearing, feeling and moving.  Scientists agree that movement is an indispensable part of learning and thinking. Dancing and moving to the music, marching, singing, whistling melodies, humming tunes all boost a child’s language, listening and motor skills. They also help develop physical coordination, timing and memory.

So there you have it. If you want to build a bigger, better brain; one that functions at a higher level; one that helps children to read; increases language development; boosts memory; aids in the learning of math and science; and enhances motor skills—then start learning music. It will be the best thing you do for your brain—and your overall feeling of well-being! Plus, it is just plain fun!

My Book:

Here is a small sampling of what you find in my book to help you and your child on your musical journey:

* Why and how music builds a bigger, better brain.
* How to turn your home into a musical training center with ideas on musical games and activities for your children from utero through high school.
* Ideas to help the learning disabled child.
* How to choose an instrument and teacher, ideas to get kids to practice, and values learned from learning a musical instrument.
Resource Section: The book also has an extensive 50-page Resource Section that includes list of music to play when children are studying, lists of books and DVDs about music, music to use when teaching subjects such as animals, nature, the solar system, etc. and music for every stage of your child’s development.  Also on page 393 check out what I have to say about Let's Play Music!

The book is easy-to-read and loaded with examples and stories that will excite and motivate you to get you and your kids involved with music!

If you are interested, please visit my blog: www.goodmusicbrighterchildren  My book is available here.  

And If you're ready to join a class teaching amazing musical skills, find a Let's Play Music teacher near you now!

About Sharlene Habermeyer: Sharlene holds a Masters degree in Education from Pepperdine University, Malibu, California and a Bachelor’s degree in Art from Utah State University. She teaches college and in 1999, she started the Palos Verdes Regional Symphony Orchestra. It currently boasts over 100 musicians. She will be teaching at BYU Education Week August 18-22, 2014 (8:30am in the Harris Fine Arts Building, Madsen Auditorium)  

Contact

Please “like” me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodMusicBrighterChildren

You can access my Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and other blogs throughwww.goodmusicbrighterchildren.com

Parent Involvement is Key

Let's Play Music has something different from any private piano lesson or even any group piano class: parents are part of the class every other week (every month in year two.)

We establish music as a venue for parents to play with, love, and bond with their child.  A child who perceives music study in this positive light flourishes!

Why? The Research

A recent thesis examined the value of parental involvement during music class. Some excellent reasons for attending music class with your child were quantified:

86% of young students benefit from parental encouragement in music-making during class. They are willing to get involved when you show them how. 

Parent involvement during music class helped students feel more competent.

Parent involvement during music class fostered a strong bond between parent and child. They began to communicate and relate to each other in a more meaningful way as a result of shared music class participation.

Parent involvement coupled with a musical home environment improved music retention, plans to pursue music, music achievement, and music aptitude. They learn more because you reinforce it!

Participation in music classes enhanced the musical home environment.

Who Can Persevere?  

An additional survey published in 1996 by Jane Davidson showed that musical achievement is closely linked to high levels of parental involvement. Davidson and her colleagues found that parental involvement is the crucial factor determining whether a child persists with music lessons or gives up.

Davidson also showed that the highest-achieving children were ones who received the most support from their parents, up to the age of eleven. 

Thereafter, children are increasingly driven by an intrinsic motivation to practice regularly by themselves. Davidson goes so far as to suggest that high levels of musical achievement are likely to be unattainable without a positive emotional atmosphere and the support of parents. 

The most crucial determinant is not a parent’s musical literacy, but the time commitment they are willing to make. Successful learning, after all, is a group effort involving parents, teachers and the student.

In Class

At Let's Play Music we've designed parent-day classes specifically to foster parent-child interactions and boost the benefits of your attendance. You're not just here to watch!

Wondering what you can do to get the most from time in class?


Be an example of musical enjoyment. Modeling enthusiastic participation and respect, because you're being watched and copied! Be the best student in the class and sing along.

Connect with your child.  Look into her eyes, smile, give frequent hugs, rock her on your lap. Show her that this is an event you enjoy attending.

Endorse the spirit of playfulness. Laugh at appropriate times, get a little silly, play the games and make faces during the puppet show.  Skip, dance, be silly!

Encourage listening. Train your child to listen to the teacher's instructions by refusing to repeat them to your child (otherwise you'll train her to ignore the teacher and wait for you to interpret each instruction! oops!). Turn off your phone to show that you are fully present and you expect your child to be fully present, too.  Don't chat with other parents to teach your child that she should stay focused, too.

Give encouragement. Accompanying a group of singers can be scary. When your child plays the harp, echoes Ed, or plays a piano solo, give her a big smile and hug at the end.  Use non-verbal ways to give praise and encouragement for trying new things.  Reward effort, not just results!

Enjoy being with him. Your child's first experience with music will delight him because he sees your delight in being with him.  He will sing when he sees that you enjoy singing, that you enjoy hearing him sing.  This factor will do more for motivating him to make music than all the theory he learns in class!

Parents' Commitment

Your child will rely heavily on your nurturing and shared enjoyment to motivate him to study music for several years.  Research showed that until age 11 it is parental drive that usually keeps students in music lessons.  Around then, students discover their own joy in creating music, and blossom into a lifetime love of music.

I have had a few parents say to me, "I'm not sure if I should register Billy for class.  I really understand the benefits of music, and I really want us to enjoy music, but I don't know if he is ready to commit. He's so young! How can he decide?"  

I tell this Mom I've heard enough to know that Billy is perfect for my class. 99% of the time it is the parent's excitement, attitude, and dedication that will determine Billy's success.  I don't think I ever met a 4 or 5-year-old who could comprehend the commitment of a 3-year program. They can't remember anything that lasted 3 years!

You can maximize results at home when you:

Tailor practicing to your child. We know children come with unique personalities.  In our post on Child Whispering, I share how different personalities might enjoy practicing differently. You know your child best.

Maintain the spirit of fun. We value play as part of the learning process. Provide an environment where it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them. It's okay to be imperfect and learn at your own pace. Creating music is a fun, lighthearted, and happy activity.

Do it together. Sing along with the CD and your child. Take turns playing the bells. Play a duet at the piano.  Learn along with your child as he learns new skills. He will love music because he'll know it as something that strengthens your relationship.

Maintain your commitment. If Billy sees that you've lost interest in helping him practice, turning on music, getting out puppet shows, and attending class, there's a good chance his practice habits will waver, too. Students have their own personalities and some enjoy practice more than others, but they universally need some level of support from parents.

Enjoy spending special time with your little musician, and check out other blog posts written to help you find fun ways to play and practice music.

-Gina Weibel, M.S.
Let's Play Music Teacher