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Visiones: Belle Arti Center for the Arts

Belle Arti Center for the Arts in Forest Hills offers a unique music program to its students. Lynda Baquero has the details.

(Published Saturday, Mar 2, 2019)

Hi, it's Claudette Munné I'm the Co-Artistic Director of Belle Arti Center for the Arts at Forest Hills, Queens New York

Do you feel that your child is getting bored with their Mommy & Me music class? Do you feel your child is ready for more? Well perhaps they are ready to try our signature music class, Musical Aurora®.

When I first created this class, my goal was to make music more accessible at an earlier age. And after 20 years of teaching, and after 10 years of running this class, Musical Aurora® has proven to be the best way to bridge the gap between Mommy & Me classes and starting an instrument. Musical Aurora® is designed for children ages 2, 3, 4 and 5. For me, the beauty of the process for this class is that I have the opportunity to assess each child before placing them in a group. Not everyone is ready the first time they try the class, which is why I offer free assessments every Saturday.

The program is creative, fun, engaging and is designed for small groups of 5 children. The class focuses on teaching them the fundamentals of music through games, songs, and dance, and incorporates ear training, rhythm training, and reading training and exposes the kids to the piano, violin guitar and cello in a hands on manner…They are not learning how to play it yet, they are just trying them on.

One of the most common questions I get from parents is, “How can they learn all of this at this age?” And my answer has been the same for years. The same way they learn their A,B,C’s the same way they learn their DO,RE,MI’s. Let’s not forget that music is another language and the earlier we start the better. In this window of time, the brain is developing and you have a beautiful opportunity to maximize your child’s brain power. An opportunity you don’t want to miss!

Musical Aurora®

Musical Aurora® is an electrifying journey where both teachers and parents are able to discover the true potential of each child while building the stepping stones for the foundation of their music education/journey. Register for a minimum of 10-12 weeks so you have a chance to participate in our end of the semester recital.

This unique class involves a minimum of four students. Early classes on music enhance children’s natural creative impulses, helping them to develop the skills they need in order to communicate, concentrate, coordinate, cooperate and express themselves fully.

To Learn more about the benefits of music subscribe below and we will send you a three video series on this amazing subject.

I took piano and violin lessons at Belle Arti every week for almost a decade. My teachers fostered in me a passion for classical music. They are kind, professional and nurturing. They made learning music an enjoyable and enriching experience.

LEE -

Results may vary from person to person.

-Our two boys, 5 and 8 years old, have the privilege of taking piano lessons with Mr. Max since the last year.

Mr. Max is passionate about music and it is reflected in his teaching. He genuinely cares about his students and creates a fun and encouraging environment for my sons. He is extremely patient and always finds ways to keep his students interested and motivated.

Mr. Max is not only a great performing artist but also a phenomenal teacher. This rare combination gives him great success at bringing out the best of his students. Our 2 boys are truly very fortunate to have him as their piano teacher.

James and Chia Ko, parents