Kids Have An Affordable Place To Take Daily Music Lessons,music After School Program In Bradenton

Downtown Bradenton- These days good music education is hard to come by. Schools are cutting music programs and private lessons are often unaffordable. Busy schedules leave little opportunity for children to experience the beauty music can add to life. Music has been shown to be beneficial to every aspect of a childs development yet it is often cut or forgotten.

In Bradenton there is no musical after school program. First United Methodist Church of Bradenton would like to change that. They are now offering an after school program for children ages 8-12 to take daily music lessons. Local professional musicians (some who have attended Julliard and Berklee School of Music) are going to teach music one hour a day to children from local schools. Beginning August 23rd (from dismissal until 6 pm) the children will learn guitar, piano, voice, handbells and percussion. Along with their musical instruction they will have homework help and tutoring. At only $50 a week the rate is very affordable and comparable to programs without any arts instruction.

Budget cuts are happening all the time in Florida and most times it is schools arts and music programs that are the first things to be cut. Recent research has found that music uses both sides of the brain, a fact that makes it valuable in all areas of development.

This is a great way for kids to get involved in performing and learning to play instruments. Music has been shown to improve math and verbal scores. Lessons have also been shown to improve listening skills and improve concentration. Studies have indicated that musical training provides positive stimulus to the parts of the brain involved in processing language and reasoning. Learning an instrument helps to enhance motor skills; reading notes and playing help to foster hand-eye co-ordination. Group music lessons help in social development, by encouraging cohesiveness through group playing. Practice, performances, ensemble activities and examinations help to build discipline and self-confidence. In going through the various stages of learning music, the child also learns commitment and the value of seeing things through. It is a means for self expression, as well as fosters creativity and imagination. Music is a non-verbal language that offers an alternative means of expression to children who find it difficult to communicate through speech.

First United Methodist Church was founded in 1893 and is known for its music. It holds an annual Fine Arts Series which draws music lovers from several counties to the church. Located in downtown Bradenton it is convenient to several elementary schools and will provide transportation from schools with sufficient enrollees. They are also offering a free two week summer camp with daily field trips from August 9th-20th for kids ages 8-12.