113-25 Queens Blvd Suite 107-110 Forest Hills, New York 11375 (718) 362-9887
Life With Wee People: Saturdays Are For Bagels, Sam Ash and NYMA Music Classes
This is a great block to have fun with your kids on. We started our morning having bagels, oat meal cookies, carrot cake, orange juice and snapples at Bagels For You. Above it is New York Music & Arts (NYMA). To get there, you have to go to the entrance right next to Sam Ash.
My kids love getting their munchies and snackage together when we go on our little musical excursions. Saturday mornings are definitely bagel time because it's a quick, easy painless tasty treat when you are about to oogle instruments, sample the drums, finger the keyboards and drool at guitars (LOL).
We purchased the Korg and Yamaha here (as well as all of the percussion instruments that Shephen, the Minion Blur destroyed) and a couple of really nice student guitars that the shorties manhandle with glee (LOL). Our last guitar purchase for Noah is doing relatively well because Stephen keeps forgetting we are hiding it in the bedroom closet. Dude becomes El KaBong when he gets mad. We're working on that trait (LOL).
While shopping in Sam Ash I asked around for a music teacher or therapist and Carl suggested the music school above the store would be a good spot for my son since he is a beginner. I liked what I heard about them so off we went to enroll the shorties in their first semester of music school.
I spoke to them over the phone about my kids taking classes before we came and was delighted to discover they have a family plan where two children in the same family on the same learning level (beginner, etc) can enroll in their "Family Combo" plan if they are learning the same instrument.
I decided to select the piano for them both because I can give them headphones and let them have at it on the keyboards when they are home (LOL). Plus, they can play together if they want to (and I can make them turn the volume down if I have to - LOL).
I've been letting Noah use the Korg while Stephen has been killing the Yahama. I am hoping he doesn't decide to engage in the ritualistic destruction of those two particular bits of musical electronics because I enjoy programming with them. Touring keyboards are not cheap and I could have brought a motorcycle if I add up all the hardware that went to the grave with the help of my wee people (LMAO). Their attitudes are changing and school has a lot to do with that. Stephen is always asking "Can I try?" now, regardless of what someone is doing. That's pretty cool. They are learning to channel their curiosity so I'm learning not to get mad at them when mistakes are made. I do get upset but get over stuff pretty quickly after spoofing with my friends on how their minds appear to work. You have to roll with the flow as a parent or you will loose your ever loving mind. Curious, quirky kids... ya gotta love 'em (LOL).
I figure those tiny little fingers need something positive to do and those easily distracted minds could use something fun and educational to keep them occupied beyond their usual school routines so Saturdays are for music lessons. I may even toss in some art classes because a semester at NYMA is for 20 weeks and they have an introductory art class that includes all of the materials. Since they teach piano every day I figure that's the best bet for them. However, I don't know if I want to do the 2PM to 8PM slots available for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday or just stick to the 9AM to 5PM slots for Saturdays and Sundays with Saturday being THE day.
The shorties were pretty excited to be there. Stephen kept insisting I needed to take his shoes off. He only does that when he's really comfortable somewhere so I was instantly impressed with the people who run the place because that's what we do as soon as we get home. We dump our bags, toss out jackets and kick our shoes off (LOL).
We determined that keeping them in the same classroom for their private lessons were best. The 45 minutes are going to be split up with Noah learning for 30 minutes and Stephen for the remaining 15 because 3 year olds usually don't take piano lessons. Most people start them around 5. I figure since Noah is going to be in class with Stephen watching Step might as well learn something new too. That's another reason why I am thrilled with NYMA. Having a family plan so both kids can learn and being flexible because my kids have issues means I shall periodically be bragging abot this place while I update you all on how the little minions are progressing.
Make no mistake about it: taking turns may become an issue because my boys love musical instruments (LOL). I was prepared. Step can easily be distracted with toys and two oat meal cookies while Noah works (LMAO).
When Spring Break is over we are going to have a lot to talk about with their public school teachers. Gotta run. The shorties and I have to go on our next educational play date. I have to hit the park, hit the museum and hit studio to arrange some music. My gal pal Alicia is coming back to New York so I have to get my tracks down so we can edit and record more songs. :-)
Will get back to the Roman column story shortly. I figured since I threw so many of you off about posting I had to get them to school on a Saturday I'd show you which school I was talking about (LOL). If you are looking for something interesting to do with your kids now that the weather is warm, go take a class the whole family can enjoy together. Music? Art? Cooking? Swimming? It's up to you... I'm looking forward to all the new families we are about to make friends with at NYMA.
Might even youTube a few lessons. I'm sure there'll be something to spoof about. After all, it's the little minions. They are always up to something (LOL). :-)
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