October 2007

Soundbridge Introduces
Young Ones to Symphonic Music

By Taryn Zier

Music is love.

That is the credo inscribed on the wall of Soundbridge Seattle Symphony Music Discovery Center at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. On a recent visit, my 3-year-old son Nathan and I could feel the love in this place, where music is king.

Soundbridge is a multi-faceted learning center designed to encourage children of all ages to explore and learn about symphonic music through interactive exhibits, music classes, concerts and special events. With this fall’s addition of Kindermusik® classes, there is something for everyone, whether your child is a budding virtuoso or just wants to have fun.

THE LEARNING CENTER

Soundbridge’s small but well-designed exhibit space has an inviting ambiance. Some instruments hang on the wall; others are at kid-level, ready to play. There are sections devoted to conductors, composers, history of symphonic music and to each of the instrument families: brass, string, woodwind, percussion and keyboard. Within each section are hands-on activities and listening kiosks – computers with touch screens and headphones – that contain a staggering amount of musical information and streaming media.

Older kids will get the most enjoyment out of navigating these high-tech kiosks, where they can do such things as listen to and learn about different instruments, get behind-the-scenes tidbits from members of the Seattle Symphony, or watch clips from Star Wars and other pop culture movies with symphonic music. In addition, kids who are music aficionados will love the listening bar with its five computers that link to more than 500 classical recordings.

This is all very cool, but the kids on our visit, who were all under the age of 6, were drawn like magnets to the instruments. They delighted at the sounds they were able to produce on the cello, contrabass, timpani drum, keyboard, violin and viola. Nathan dove right in, playing as much keyboard as possible before our scheduled “Musical Storytelling” class. Another hit for the young crowd is the conductor’s podium, which allows kids to virtually conduct the Seattle Symphony Orchestra (who appear directly in front of them on a large, circular screen). This brilliant activity is sure to inspire future maestros.

THE CLASSES

Within Soundbridge is a vibrant room lined with orange and red sound panels. A shiny black piano lies in wait, and one wall offers a display about the science of sound, where kids can try the harp, marimba or tuning fork and watch the oscilloscope respond. This room has many uses, hosting classes, world music concerts, meet-the-musician events, movie nights and other events.

Visit Soundbridge on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Sundays to attend “Musical Storytelling,” a captivating retelling of a children’s book with musical accompaniment. “Musical Storytelling” lasts one half hour and is recommended for kids ages 3 to 9. In our class, the approachable and sweet-voiced Katy Webber led us on a journey through John Lithgow’s comical The Remarkable Farkle McBride. We were introduced to several instruments, and kids got a kick out of the brassy sound made by buzzing their lips on the trombone.

Soundbridge is partnering with Studio3Music for its newest offering, Kindermusik classes. Kindermusik, a program developed by music educators in Germany and the United States, includes 5,000 educators in 66 countries (www.kindermusik.com). Its curriculum employs a variety of disciplines, including music, movement, games, literature and props. Studio3Music is ranked by Kindermusik International as the number one studio in the world. Parents will appreciate that classes strive to develop the whole child – brain and body – as well as foster a love and knowledge of music.

In our class, six families worked with simple musical instruments and engaged in an assortment of musical-play activities. “Miss Katy” (Webber, who also teaches the Kindermusik classes), strummed her guitar as we tapped and drummed wooden sticks in a hello song. Nathan particularly loved the parachute song and game and playing peek-a-boo with colorful scarves. We finished up class with a “snuggle” – a goodbye song and cuddle time with mom or dad.

Kindermusik classes at Soundbridge are offered weekly for children ages newborn to 7. Classes are separated by age group, and younger kids attend with an adult. The facilitators emphasize the importance of the parent as teacher. At-home learning with Kindermusik-provided materials (music CDs, illustrated children’s books and specially-designed instruments) is encouraged. Families interested in learning more are welcome to attend a free preview class.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Music educators, including the staff at Studio3Music and Seattle Symphony, believe that music is not just entertainment; it inspires important life skills like creativity, concentration, coordination and self-confidence. Recent research indicates that music instruction helps develop children’s intellectual and emotional skills and enhances their reading comprehension, spelling and spatial-temporal abilities, helpful in math and science.

Music is also a natural community-builder. Studio3 music director Analiisa Reichlin points out that, prior to having the radio and phonograph, people worked together to make music. “Soundbridge is doing something unique – there we find creation of the community music experience. It brings back symphonic music as an activity for families to do together. In partnering with Soundbridge, we offer not only a wonderful way to deepen your bond as a family, but a means to positively influence society.”

Soundbridge, which opened in 2001, enriches Seattle Symphony’s already-extensive education efforts. While the Tiny Tots or Discover Music! concert series present a real symphonic experience for children, Soundbridge offers a chance to learn about music and engage in musical play. Kids of all ages will love that.

Taryn Zier is a Seattle-area freelance writer and mother of two.

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Seattle's Child, a publication of the Washington Post Company
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