Schools
KidsJam Kicks Off Fourth Year of Preschool Music at Berklee
KidsJam, Berklee's free program for children ages 3-5, begins again this fall, to the delight of both local preschoolers and Berklee students.
Preschoolers studying at ? Yes, it’s true! This fall Berklee marks its fourth year of KidsJam, a free program offered to children ages 3 - 5-years-old. KidsJam takes place at , the student-run coffee house and performance venue, and is run and organized by Professors Libby Allison and Charlene Ryan.
What happens? At the start of each KidsJam session, children climb onto the stage at Cafe 939 to draw or color, and bond with, Berklee music education students. After a few minutes of chatting, Professors Allison and Ryan call the class to attention, and the eager children, their parents or caregivers, and the Berklee students hold hands and make a circle, and sing a sweet hello song. The Berklee students lead the children in music-related activities, and then closes with a circle and goodbye song. Cafe 939 offers child-friendly fare for those who choose to stay for lunch.
What do the kids learn? Each class is themed, with past themes including transportation, holidays, and seasons. Children are exposed to musical instruments, stories relating to music, rhymes, rhythm, chanting, singing, movement, intonation, and basic musical terms, and have an amazing time!
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What do the Berklee students learn? Most notably, the college students get exposed to “real live children.” Each student presents a song, or activity, to the preschoolers. Children are a tough audience, and engaging them is a skill that is honed by educators participating in activities such as this. It is clear that Professors Allison and Ryan do a wonderful job of preparing the aspiring music educators, as the children are always totally entertained and transfixed for the entire hour!
Why is this so awesome? KidsJam is just one of the many, many reasons that the Back Bay is such an amazing place to raise children! To be able to walk to the trendy, fun, club atmosphere of Cafe 939, and learn about music with young children and Berklee students is a truly special experience, and one that enriches our neighborhood.
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Want to learn more? Contact kidsjam@berklee.edu. Preregistration is required to attend.
