Hatchling Community Music Program
Music education is larger than formal K-12 classes. The Hatchling Community Music Program (HCMP) provides a space for parents and caregivers to musically engage with their children (ages birth–seven). The HCMP consists of weekly caregiver and child music classes that expose parents to developmentally appropriate musical practices to use with their children both in class and at home.
A child’s first musical experiences begin at home when their caregivers sing to them. Expanding upon these musical encounters can have positive developmental impacts on cognition, motor skills, expression, language and speech, and musical processing, especially when experienced with a parent or caregiver.
We currently offer two different classes: Music Play (birth–five) and Music Explorers (five–seven)
Music Play is an informal guided experience for children and their caregivers. Through singing, movement, and a wide variety of materials, children will be offered a pastiche of music experiences designed to build musical awareness and play. Activities are designed to be repeated at home
Music Explorers is a guided exploratory experience with weekly participatory performances for children and their caregivers. Large and small group instruction includes singing, instruments, and movement. Weekly musical themes will be presented through child chosen repertoire.
Purpose
The HCMP aims to create a nurturing environment where caregivers and their young children can come together to engage in a weekly early childhood music course. Designed for children from birth to age seven, this program not only teaches caregivers effective musical methods for interacting and engaging with their children, but also fosters a supportive and collegial community among participants.
This program is not a drop-off program, and a caregiver must be available to stay with your child for the duration of the class.
For more information, please read the Program Philosophy and Program Policies.
Eligibility
Children must be between birth–seven years old by September 1st. Infant classes are defined as birth to 2 years. Toddler classes are 2-5 years. Sibling classes are for families with multiple children in different age groups.
Tuition
Music Play: Music Explorers:
$150 for the semester $200 for the semester
A 10% discount can be applied for the second child. Tuition assistance available to families who apply for support. Please email the coordinator for more information about this.
Schedule of Classes
Classes will take place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the spring semester. Please see below for relevant dates and times.
Fall:
Saturdays:
9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 12/7, 12/14
Sundays:
9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 12/8, 12/15
Class Sections
| Saturdays | Sundays | |
| Music Play (0-5) | ||
| Infants (0-2) | 8–8:45 a.m. | 8–8:45 a.m. |
| Siblings (0-5) | 9–9:45 a.m. | 9–9:45 am or 12–12:45 p.m. |
| Toddlers (2-5) | 10–10:45 a.m. | 10–10:45 am or 11–11:45 a.m. |
| Music Explorers (5-7) | N/A | 10–10:50 a.m. or 11–11:50 a.m. |
Teachers
Robin Giebelhausen, Ph.D.
Dr. Giebelhausen is an assistant professor of music education at the University of Maryland, College Park specializing in general music. Dr. Giebelhausen taught in private and public schools for nine years (preschool-8th grade). Prior to her appointment at UMD, she was an associate professor and coordinator of music education at the University of New Mexico where she also taught early childhood and adult community music classes. Dr. Giebes loves to sing and play piano along with her husband, Reid, stepkids, Ella and Bubba, and twins, Wren and Gable.