Sunbeams is the entry point of the MYC® Method for ages 5-6. They are first introduced to piano geography and rhythms through our MYC Critters to help set their foundation of music knowledge and education; however, the pace of learning for these Sunbeams matches their developmental stages. Vocabulary development is the focus for this age group- at this stage we introduce “big kid” terminology to introduce concepts, finger numbers, and keyboard geography. Once a child has finished Sunbeam, they are ready to move onto Private Lesson.
If you compare Sunshine to Sunbeam, you will see a lot that is the same: however, the key differences between the levels are:
Faster learning of the keyboard critter. Sunbeam covers all critters over the first 10 weeks vs. 24 weeks in Sunshine
Moving to staff reading. Sunbeam are reading on the staff as of week 11 vs. week 18 in Sunshine.
Goals to be completed in Sunbeam Program
All the above from the Sunshine Program
Play warm-ups including short studies and scales in the keys of C, G and a. Learn primary chords in these keys
Transpose some of the simpler pieces from the key of C into G and a
Play simple nursery rhymes by ear
Note-reading extended to include middle C to high C in the treble clef and low B to ledger line D in the bass clef
Echo singing using hand/arm signs
Begin to sing in 6/8
Recognize major and minor tonality in singing and keyboard pieces
Develop the use of the two hands separately and together
Apply musical knowledge to compose own music
