At Hoff-Barthelson, our very youngest students embark upon their journey of musical growth under the guidance of teachers who strive to instill a life-long love of music during the years most critical to the development of a child's personality, values and relationships. Many important skills are acquired through music and music activities: the ability to focus and concentrate, to listen and observe keenly, to become interested in watching and to take turns with peers. Music Classes for Young Children Hoff Barthelson's Dalcroze Eurthymics classes for young children are taught in a small group setting that is both nurturing and stimulating. The parent/child classes have a maximum enrollment of eight children. The unique nature of our 30 week program enables the children, parents, and teacher in each class to forge a strong bond. Comfort is further achieved by the reassurance of familiar faces each week and predictable class procedures. (A child's age as of September 1 is used for placement purposes)    • 0-4 months -     Love and Lullabies    • 4-12 months -     Learning in the Lap    • 12 - 23 months -     Guppies    • 2 years -     Prep 2 Early Musicianship Classes for 3,4, and 5 year-old children include movement, music games, listening, singing and improvising with rhythm instruments.    • 3 years -     Prep 3    • 4 years -     Prep 4    • Hola, Niños! -     Music in Spanish for 3's and 4's    • 5 years -     Getting to Know You: Exploring the Instruments    • Recorder       Recorder Classes provide group lessons that introduce young children to this early wind instrument while teaching basic concepts of music and note reading. Suzuki Classes on violin, viola, cello, flute and piano are designed for 4 - 6 year-olds. The Suzuki method combines listening, proper technique, repetition, reinforcement, and active parental involvement. Each child has a weekly private lesson, group instrumental class and eurhythmics class. Parents join their children in the study of the instrument. Observing Classes Please note that Hoff-Barthelson does not allow trial classes. Trial classes would result in a constant rotation of new faces, and this interruption in routine would disrupt the class dynamic. Parents are welcome to arrange to observe a class. Siblings In the parent/child classes we strongly feel each child needs the undivided attention of his/her adult; "one lap per child". Thus, when twins enroll, two adults (two laps) must accompany the children to each class. We cannot accommodate unenrolled siblings in our classes. Make-Up Classes and Weather Closures Should the school need to cancel a class for reasons such as teacher absence or inclement weather, we will schedule a make-up class at the end of the second semester. If a child is absent from class there is NO make-up class. To check for school closure, please refer to: WFAS (1230 AM) call 914-723-1169 for a recorded message, or visit News 12 on-line or on tv. top of page