Enrollment Ages 4–7
Young students begin their musical exploration with Mannes Prep’s Program for the Very Young. This program nurtures students’ musical sensitivity, listening skills, and technical proficiency in equal measure. Families may register for one or more courses. Offerings include First Theory, Timbalooloo, Growing Glockenspiel, and Group Piano, Violin, or Cello Instruction. Guardians are encouraged to attend all classes with their Mannes Prep student. Readiness for the program is evaluated during the admissions process.
Cost-of-attendance information is available on the Mannes Prep Tuition and Fees Sheet.
Course Descriptions
First Theory
Children ages four to six experience the fundamentals of music through rhythmic movement, coordination games, singing, and improvisation. They explore rhythm, form, and melody with appropriate instruments, in an approach combining the Orff and Dalcroze methods. These classes provide an excellent foundation for instrumental study. Classes are formed according to age.
Timbalooloo
In Timbalooloo, children learn to create music by making their instruments come alive and "speak." This unique approach is inspired by children’s natural ability to learn languages intuitively and enables them to express themselves in a playful way that reflects the full spectrum of emotions children experience. It also encourages young students to envision music as a dialogue between instruments. By connecting spoken language and instrumental music, children are able to internalize highly complex rhythms quickly. Specialized movement games help them develop a strong melodic sense. Repertoire includes music of great composers from diverse musical traditions, ranging from Mozart to Antônio Carlos Jobim, Bedřich Smetana to Herbie Hancock, all presented through a story-based approach.
Growing Glockenspiel
Growing Glockenspiel gives students the opportunity to learn to play their first instrument: the Growing Glockenspiel. They also learn to read and write music through a fun gradual process that makes reading music intuitive. A glockenspiel is a xylophone-like instrument that is laid out like a piano, with black and white keys. At first the glockenspiel has only the note middle C on it and is “one note old." Each time the student learns how to write a note on the music paper and play a new song with it, they get a new note, and their glockenspiel "grows." Each song is introduced through a fun story that gives historical and cultural context and develops familiarity with great composers from different cultures.
Available to returning kindergarten PVY students and incoming first-grade students.
Group Piano Instruction
Group piano allows our youngest students to begin their instrumental journey in a supportive and collaborative group environment. Students are introduced to the piano through fun new repertoire, games, and performances. Students build their skills by working together with their peers and our faculty toward class workshops and performances. Parents are encouraged to attend group lessons to facilitate practice at home.
Group Violin Instruction
Group violin allows our youngest students to begin their instrumental journey in a supportive and collaborative group environment. Students are introduced to the basics of the violin, including open positions and bowing techniques, through fun new repertoire, games, and performances. Students build their skills by working together with their peers and our faculty toward class workshops and performances. Parents are encouraged to attend group lessons to facilitate practice at home.
Group Cello Instruction
Group cello allows our youngest students to begin their instrumental journey in a supportive and collaborative group environment. Students are introduced to the basics of the cello, including open positions and bowing techniques, through fun new repertoire, games, and performances. Students build their skills by working together with their peers and our faculty toward class workshops and performances. Parents are encouraged to attend group lessons to facilitate practice at home.
Individual Instrumental Instruction
Students who wish to take PVY classes and also add individual lessons may do so through the additional/secondary lessons process, available to students in all divisions. Email [email protected] for academic year 2024–2025 lesson rates.