The Little Music School (LMS) graduates 20 students on June 20 in a ceremony that celebrates the musical achievements and development of these youngest learners. LMS, an innovative program that teaches children as early as eighteen months to play the piano, was created in 2005 at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA). The 2012 LMS graduates are from Attleboro, Bellingham, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Raynham and Wrentham.
“The Little Music School graduation is among our favorite events of the year at FSPA,” notes LMS Director Kim Rezendes. “It is a time for the LMS students to celebrate and share their love of music with their family and friends. Often, graduations are bittersweet because it means that students are moving on and leaving for someplace new. This graduation is different. Yes, these students are leaving the LMS program, but they continue their music, dance or drama studies at FSPA. It’s great knowing that we will be able to continue to work with them for years to come!”
The LMS curriculum engages children in singing and playing the piano, creative movement, games and imaginative play. The program fosters an appreciation of music and establishes a foundation of musical understanding and skills in ear training, sight singing, rhythm and note reading. Rezendes had the exciting opportunity this past January to introduce the LMS curriculum to children and educators in Hong Kong. This fall she’ll bring the LMS program to downtown Hudson when FSPA opens its first satellite location in the historic Odd Fellows Building in September.
The Little Music Schools will hold a series of open houses for prospective students and families at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, 38 Main Street. The open houses will feature hands-on demonstrations geared to children of specific ages. On Tuesday, June 19 and Wednesday, June 27, children ages 18-24 months are encouraged to visit at 10:30, children ages 2 and 3 years at 11:00, and children ages 4 and 5 years at 11:30. On June 27, there are additional sessions scheduled for 2- and 3-year-olds at 1:30 and for 4- and 5-year-olds at 2:00. On Thursday, June 21, the open house for children ages 18-24 months will be held at 5:00 p.m., for 2- and 3-year-olds at 5:30, and for 4- and 5-year-olds at 6:00.
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