Learning in groups is a very important tenant of our expanded learning opportunities program. Most of us learn best when we collaborate and create out of spaces that are inspirational, encouraging, and safe. After-school programming is a great way for students to learn the academic, social, emotional, and physical enrichment skills they need to thrive.
For a deep dive into our ELOP program, read below!
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Through Play and Empathy
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki was a big inspiration behind the founding of the After School Music Academy. Dr. Suzuki is a musician and music theorist who developed what is known as the “Mother Tongue” approach to musical instruction. This method inspires music instructors to introduce music to children at a very early age. It also encompasses the belief that talent is not innate but inbuilt through exposure to music in early childhood.
Here are a few of the core tenets of Suzuki’s approach that ASMA embraces:
- Teachers believe music can be learned and developed by all children.
- Students play an active role in the learning process by familiarizing themselves with the instrument through play before learning scales or reading music.
- Students have opportunities to perform what they’ve learned individually and in groups.
Age-Appropriate Class Groupings for Skill-Building
At After School Music Academy, our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program includes thoughtful age-groupings for our students. We have multiple subjects available and are well-staffed and ready to offer programming in some of California’s biggest markets. Our age groupings usually span at most three grades to ensure students have the best learning opportunities for their skill levels and attention spans.
Healthy Choices and Behavior
In addition to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for kids, we inspire them through kinesthetic and movement-based learning. You won’t see kids parked on iPads for hours in our after-school programs. Our ELOP programs support healthy choices and behavior like exercise and movement. This includes opportunities to exercise through martial arts, yoga and meditation, cheer, hip-hop, and rock band.
School School-Based Arts Programming for Underfunded Districts
At ASMA, we have a long track record of success partnering with public schools to offer arts programming. We know how to make a program work with space and time constraints and how to make learning fun. And this unique quality of our Expanded Learning Opportunity Program helps us reach more districts traditionally receiving less funding for the arts.
Our school-based general music classes work very well for these districts implementing ELOP programs, including our ukulele, drum circle, and piano/keyboard groups. We partner with music instrument companies to provide bulk pricing for equipment needs, ensuring all of our districts get a fair deal.
Spreading the Joy of Music Through Our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program
The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program at After School Music Academy is not just about teaching music; it’s about nurturing the holistic development of our students. Our ELOP program empowers students to become well-rounded individuals ready to face the world’s challenges. Your students’ journey to becoming confident, creative, and compassionate individuals starts here.