Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best age to begin my child’s music education?
The younger, the better! Music is a language, and age 5 and younger is when the brain is doing its most rapid growth in making sense of language. Studies show that “perfect pitch” is actually developed from music exposure at a young age, rather than an in-born ability. But it’s never too late to begin!

What makes CCC unique?
Copperview Children’s Choir has a unique blend of vocal instruction and performance preparation with music appreciation and theory instruction. Many music classes are all play and no substance, while other children’s choirs spend 100% of the time on material for performance with no focused instruction. CCC makes music fun and intuitive, while teaching concepts that are the perfect foundation for rapid progress in future private music lessons.

What about private voice lessons or piano?
Studies show that children learn better in a group setting. The joy of making music is enhanced (and much of the pressure removed) when it’s done with a group. Private voice or piano lessons average around $15 per 30-minute lesson. That’s $60/month for 2 hours of instruction. At CCC you get twice the instruction for half the cost. When children are ready for private lessons (age 12 and older for voice; younger for piano), they will make rapid progress since they can already read music and have a well-developed musical ear.

What is your teaching philosophy?
I am a member of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators. The Kodaly philosophy is similar to the Sazuki method, except there is a more equal balance between music reading and playing/singing by ear, and it asserts that the voice should be the first instrument. I use rhythm language and solfege syllables as a pathway to music reading. I also strongly believe in the inherent joy of music, and I use positive reinforcement to ensure that children are confident in making their own sound. (See http://www.oake.org/ , and the post "What is the Kodaly Method?" below).

What is the long-term benefit of music education?
Music isn’t just another extra-curricular activity. Even if you never intend for your child to take private lessons or learn an instrument, music is all around us. How many adults wish they could sing with more confidence? Proficiency in music will serve your child for the rest of his life. Weekly music lessons have also been shown to improve reading and math skills, raise test scores, and improve self-confidence. (See the post "Early Music Training Boosts Brainpower", below).

My child loves to be in the spotlight. Is CCC right for them?
At CCC each child has a solo opportunity in every class. This is done in a no-pressure, playful way, but gives every child a moment to shine (and for the instructor to evaluate their progress). Each student will have a vocal solo at the end-of-semester concert. In addition, CCC’s summer workshop “Kids on Broadway!” incorporates acting, theater direction, and choreography with vocal performance.

Why are classes held in your home, instead of in a studio?
The choir room in my home, where classes are held, is spacious and provides room for seated instruction as well as games and movement activities in the open floor area. Additionally, my home is conveniently located between Herriman, Riverton, and South Jordan, making it accessible to families from all the communities of the South Valley. We purchased this home intentionally to use the basement as a choir space. Since I don’t have to lease a studio, I’m able to offer significantly lower tuition rates than comparable programs elsewhere, while contributing a greater percentage of income to music and supplies, ensuring your child a better overall experience.

I think music is important, but my child seems wary. Would they still enjoy CCC?
Music education is universally beneficial, regardless of whether the student is a “natural” singer or performer. I’ve had several parents tell me that they’ve noticed an increase in their child’s tendency to sing in their play after beginning classes (and that they’re more in tune when they do so). My foremost guiding principle as a music instructor is that music should be a joy, not a source of anxiety for students. Through fun music and games, the pressure is removed and children are free to express themselves musically. Additionally, listening to and learning to appreciate fine music gives children the ability to discern what is beautiful in our culture. And singing well as a group gives children a sense of accomplishment and of the reward of hard work. All children can be taught to sing in tune and can become musical, even if they seem far from that goal now. It’s important to cultivate this pleasure in making music early on, before beginning private music lessons, so that lessons and practice aren’t seen as a chore and a source of conflict between parent and child.