Music Institute of Chicago: Nurturing Creativity Through Music

Music Institute of Chicago: Nurturing Creativity Through Music

Creativity is an attribute we all hope to develop in our children. It is a quality we value because it can be applied in virtually every area of life. Applied learning in music and other art forms presents a great opportunity to nurture creativity in our children. Here is how it works:

Early Exposure and Exploration

Music Institute of Chicago

It is well known that kids who experience being read to aloud from the earliest of ages tend to develop into fine readers in time for school. The same is true with music. When listening to, moving to, and making music is a part of the family routine, children develop the basic skills and neurological pathways that enable them to make music themselves. Instead of wondering whether your children are gifted in music, go ahead and give them that gift yourself. This can be accomplished in the home by demonstrating your own love of music and also through dynamic music classes and programs for parents and toddlers.

Acquisition of Skills

Music Institute of Chicago (class)

As children get older, it is important that they work to acquire basic musical skills. This is best accomplished through private instruction on a musical instrument. Again, this can be compared to the acquisition of basic reading and writing skills in the early grades. Suzuki training, a method of teaching that involves close collaboration with parents, is often the best path for children ages four to six. If you prefer to wait until your child is in school, then regular private music instruction can begin in the early grades. Once a child has acquired a library of music skills, they can begin to express those skills in a creative way.

Performance and Workshop Activities

Music Institute of Chicago

Musicians demonstrate their creativity by solving musical problems, incorporating a sense of aesthetics in their playing, and by working and performing with other musicians in a musical context. Creativity blossoms in learning a great piece of music and playing with friends in chamber music ensembles or learning to improvise and bring your own musical ideas to fruition through a jazz combo. Creativity can also be developed through musical theater, especially a program where there is an emphasis on process rather than product.

The Music Institute of Chicago offers all of these opportunities and more at locations including Winnetka, Lincolnshire, Lake Forest, Evanston, and Chicago. Private lessons are available to students of all ages and levels of ability. In addition to private instruction, the Music Institute offers an early childhood Musikgarten® program, Suzuki education, chamber music, jazz studies, musical theater, and ensembles for youth and adults. The Music Institute also offers community initiatives including: Instrument Petting Zoo’s, concerts and performances at Nichols Concert Hall, free in-school workshops and sectionals for K-8 students, and Music for Life — a free program designed for libraries and community centers that offers performances of classical music coupled with culturally or historically relevant visual art, movement, or dramatic activity to children ages 4-8 and their families.

Upcoming Events

January Musical Petting Zoos and Registration Days — Free Family Fun!

Don’t miss this special opportunity to try out instruments at a Music Institute open house and musical “petting zoo.” Learn about options for your child’s music education and enjoy special discount offers, raffle drawing, refreshments, games, music, and more.

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
St. James Cathedral
65 E. Huron St., Chicago

Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018
2-4 p.m.
300 Green Bay Road, Winnetka

Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018
2-4 p.m.
40 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest

Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018
2-4 p.m.
1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston

 

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