By Karen Parr-Moody

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Song melodies and lyrics get stuck in children’s heads – just ask any parent whose child is enchanted by the Disney film “Frozen.” It is readily apparent that making music is an activity that seems innate to the youngest of us all.

Few people know this better than Matthew Burns, the coordinator of the Community School of the Arts (CSA) at Austin Peay State University. He joined the university to help coordinate classes of all kinds, including music classes for children.

Burns says, “As a twelve-year veteran of public school music I have experienced, first-hand, the impact that music can have on a child. Numerous studies have shown that early exposure to music can enhance a plethora of cognitive skills, as well as providing enjoyment.”

Because music can have such a positive impact on children, educators who participate in the CSA program try to find ways to keep music interesting for children – including the classes for children as young as 18 months.

The classes, which are taught on campus, begin on Jan. 26 and go through March 17. The classes are inexpensive – from $50 to $75 for a 6-week series of one class per week. They are taught by a local music educator, Briana Larsen, who graduated from APSU with a B.S. in music education and specializes in teaching preschool-aged children.

Visit www.apsu.edu/csa for more information on class times and dates.

There are three types of music classes for children. “Down Beat Music Class for Toddlers and Families” is aimed at children ages 18 to 36 months and is billed as a “foundation” for the other aspects of learning music. “Piccolo Music Class” is geared toward 3- to 4-year-olds and describes music as “an integral component of early childhood education through which young children experience and participate with the world around them.”

For 5- to 7-year-olds there is an advanced series called “Prelude Music Class” in which children are taught introductory music theory, singing and instrumental performance techniques.

Burns says, “These classes will give toddlers and early elementary age children a chance to tap into those resources (of music) and have a great time while doing it.”

One can also contact Burns by calling 931-221-7508 or emailing csa@apsu.edu.