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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join mid-semester at a pro-rated fee?

Yes, depending upon availability. Please contact us prior to enrolling.

How long do the classes last each week?

Classes for babies are 30 minutes per week, toddlers are 40, 3-4 year old classes are 50 minutes and all classes for older children are 1 hour per week.

Should parents attend and participate in the classes?

Parents are an integral part of class in the younger years. As students get older they participate by themselves, but parents take part in the classes towards the end of each lesson. For all classes, parents are asked to include active music making in their child’s life. Sing along with the recording. Play echo games, making up patterns, as we do in class. Put the picture cards or notation games on your refrigerator and play identification games with them as you get ready for dinner. More structured practice is required when the children get to piano.

Why should I pursue early childhood music education for my child?

Music awakens and stimulates neural pathways in the brain that are associated with higher forms of intelligence, such as abstract thinking, empathy, mathematics and science. Music’s melodic and rhythmic patterns provide exercise for the brain and help develop memory. Remember singing the ABC song to learn your ABC’s? Studying music helps children establish good listening habits, which are essential for achievement in school. Overall, music activities are perfect for child development. Music immerses the child in language, evokes movement, stimulates the brain and fosters physical coordination – all in a group setting that builds community – a holistic experience.

Do early childhood music classes better prepare students for piano lessons?

Yes, in most cases. Classes develop students aural senses more than other pre-piano methods. The piano classes are taught in a group session, so that children learn from each other and grow in their comfort of playing with and in front of one another.

What if I can’t make it one week due to a vacation or other conflict?

Please let us know as soon as you know. That way we can work on a plan to accommodate your needs while keeping your child’s progress with music on track.

As my child gets older there seem to be more and more activities for him/her to do? Why should I continue with music and movement training?

After being in the program for a while, you can see the benefits your child is getting from class. It is our view that the singing, dancing and playing (in class and at home) is the best for your child’s wholistic development: language, movement, math skills, and physical coordination – all in a group setting that builds community. While other activities can be fun too, the primary building block of your child’s developmental time should be spent with Miss Jane’s Music Studio.

Location

We are located at 211 N.E. 98th Street in Miami Shores.

Register

Please read the Studio Group Class Policies before enrolling.

After submitting this form you will be directed to choose your class with your preferred day and time.

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Studio Group Class Policies

Please try to be on time.

Dress for “moving and dancing!”

Food, toys or other “distractions” often cause problems rather than provide comfort when brought into music class. Since another child might want your child’s drink or stuffed animal, it is often easier to leave those things at home or in the car.

WEATHER:

If public school is closed due to bad weather, we will also be closed. Every attempt will be made to make up missed classes.

OBSERVATIONS:

Understand that all children learn at different rates and in different ways. Some children will be quiet in class, others will be active. Some children will do everything perfectly at home, but not in class. As a parent, you know that every child is unique, so check your comparisons at the door and let the music work it’s magic!

CLASS TUITION AND STRUCTURE:

The semester must be paid for in full and no refunds will be given. If extenuating circumstances occur where a student cannot finish a semester, a credit toward future classes will be issued.

If a particular class has more than one section meeting per week, a student may come to a different class to make up a missed session; however, all make ups must be completed within the current semester.

Enrollment is based upon a first-come, first-serve basis. Only paid enrollments have a space reserved. Minimum class enrollment is 4, maximum class size is 10.

Through age 3, a ratio of 1 child to 1 adult is required in group classes. Parents are encouraged to attend the classes for older children as it helps to continue the music making process at home.

Our Teachers

Jane Spinney

Jane Spinney has been teaching in the private music studio, school classroom and early childhood music studio for over 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Miami and a Master of Arts from New York University. Jane is the owner of Miss Jane’s Music Studio in Miami Shores, Florida, where she teaches early childhood music classes, group keyboard and private piano.

Jane also is the early childhood music specialist at Miami Country Day School and the former Director of Children’s Music at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church. Jane served as Director of Teacher Services for Musikgarten from 1995 to 1998 and has taught early childhood music and movement classes for both the Greensboro Music Academy and the University of Miami MusicTime Program. She holds Level II certification from the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association. She is a charter member and Past President of the Miami-Dade Chapter of ECMMA. She has presented several workshops in the Miami and Orlando areas on early childhood music and beginning keyboard.

Jane is also a member of the Music Teachers National Association, the Miami Music Teachers Association, and the National Association of Music Merchants.

Maria Murawka

Maria is a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of “Music for Young Children” and has over 20 years experience in public and private schools. Currently, she is a stay at home mom of three year old Christian, and has gone through Miss Jane’s baby and toddler music program. She is looking forward to sharing her love of teaching and music with others at Miss Jane’s Music Studio.

Class Descriptions

Please review the Group Class Studio Policies before enrolling.

2021 Spring Session begins January 19 and ends April 24

All classes will be taught LIVE online through the Zoom platform.

Babies Music and Movement (up to 18 months)

All babies are born with an aptitude for music. But research shows that their aptitude diminishes if it is not nurtured. The best way to nurture a child’s music aptitude is through active music making. By singing and dancing for and with our children in a variety of tonalities, meters and styles we are helping our children reach their full music potential. This weekly 30 minute class allows for musical play between parent and baby. Activities help stimulate the baby’s innate curiosity about music, develop listening skills and sense of beat, and establish the foundation for future learning. Babies Music and Movement features bouncing and rocking songs, nursery rhyme chants and dances, wiggle and peek-a-boo games, as well as steady beat music for instrument-playing.

Toddlers Music and Movement (18 months – 3 1/2 years)

This weekly 30 to 40 minute class fosters the natural sense of musical wonder of the growing child. Singing, bouncing, moving, dancing, listening, echo and repeat patterns and playing of percussion instruments helps develop a strong musical bond with parent and child. Activities enhance the child’s development of purposeful movement, focused listening, and language and vocal skills.

Preschoolers Music and Movement (3 before September 1)

There is so much magic in the third year of early childhood! Preschoolers love to learn and express themselves in so many ways! In this 40 to 50 minute weekly music class we encourage self-expression using the voice and body. Fine and gross motor skills are encouraged and students are introduced to solfege and Gordon rhythm patterns which will be the cornerstone of musical literacy. We also work on inner speech and focused listening, while joyfully singing, dancing and playing instruments. Growing independence is nurtured as children venture out from their caregiver’s lap to join the teacher in many activities. Singing, movement, focused listening and instrument playing fosters the child’s ability to use language and engage in dramatic play, creative movement and imaginative musical games.

Pre-Kindergarten Music and Movement (4 before September 1) (new students must also purchase a glockenspiel)

This 55 minute class cultivates the child’s musical development through songs, tonal and rhythm patterns, poetry and stories, movement activities, listening games, instrumental play and manipulative games. Rudimentary music skills such as pitch matching, beat competency, ensemble development, and music notation are dealt with using themes taken from the child’s home environment and natural surroundings.

Kindergarten Music and Movement (5 before September 1) (new students must also purchase a glockenspiel)

This weekly 55 minute class is a sequential program to prepare children for future instrumental instruction. Kindergarten music class includes singing, creative and structured movement, playing instruments and ensemble work, ear training and guided listening, as well as a developmentally sound approach to music literacy that builds symbolic thinking, concentration, memory and self expression.

Miss Jane’s Music

What Parents Say about Miss Jane’s Music:

“It is truly amazing how you were able to adjust your classes to online so quickly and so well! It’s great that the kids are able to stay on their usual routine and continue learning.”

“I just wanted to thank you so much for doing these classes online. My toddler loves them. I very much appreciate the time you’re putting into continuing the classes.”

“THANK YOU for the amazing class that you are giving to the kids…you really know how to keep the kids motivated…thank you very much for your effort!”

“We truly appreciate the efforts you’ve made! My baby was really waving hard at you during the last taping we viewed….LOL!”

Music and Movement Benefits

Music’s melodic and rhythmic patterns awaken and stimulate neural pathways in the brain that help develop memory, math skills, and powers of abstract and creative thinking.

Music touches all spheres of development, including language, self-expression, concentration, social interaction, fine motor skills, listening, problem-solving, teamwork, goal-setting, coordination, confidence, self-esteem, music-playing, creativity, family involvement, poise, bonding, voice expression, family interaction, and emotional development.

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