Every school year a unique one-year course of general music education starts for boys from the age of 6 and up, the Cimbalom Pupils’ Class.

The course focuses on singing and playing together, using a cimbalom.  This is a small string instrument, whereby playing can be combined with singing. The stringed instrument has the ideal pitch for children’s voices, which promotes a natural and relaxed way of singing. The pupils get to know meter, rhythm, music notation and music terms in a quick and playful way. The approach is motivating and forming.  Children also learn to present themselves confidently on stage and much attention is given to posture, voice formation and breathing technique. The teaching materials are focused on learning to sing and developing a good and healthy use of the voice.

A lifetime of singing

This programme works with a method developed by Rintje te Wies: ‘Een leven lang zingen’ (A lifetime of singing), which is already in use by many choir schools nationally.

Songs constitute its base and are the reference point for all the other components.  All the teaching materials around theory and formation of hearing continuously refer back to the songs. The practice of these songs at home is enhanced using a cimbalom.  By way of cards with musical notation that can easily be pushed under the strings, the children can accompany themselves at home on this instrument. Playing and singing thus go hand in hand. The light, natural sound of the instrument stimulates light and clear use of voice. Using uncomplicated motor skills, all the songs are easily brought to life on this instrument.

The paper version is supplemented and supported by an interactive companion website.  Here children can go to find playful practice series to learn how to read music notes.  The questions and assignments surrounding the theory have their auditory continuation here.

Also, the development of hearing, rhythmic as well as melodic, is enriched here though dozens of listening exercises which the children can do at their own speed.  In addition, it is the ideal place to clarify exercises around vocal formation through the use of short illustrative videos, listening fragments and accompaniments.

Course

The cimbalom pupils receive a 40-minute lesson, once a week.

The costs for the one-year course are: € 240.00, including rent of a cimbalom and its case, but excluding the 3-part learning method, with each part costing  € 12.50.

E-mail us for more information or to register your son.