Learning music, step by step
The Music Education Program gives children, teens, and adults a progressive, practical, and creative musical training. It combines music theory, voice, guitar, and Latin percussion, so each student develops technical skills and artistic sensitivity.
Teaching adapts to each student's age, level, previous experience, and musical interests. The goal is not only to play an instrument or sing songs, but to understand music as a whole.
Instructor: Mr. Negrin
Music instructor, singer, musician, and artist educator, specialized in music education, voice, guitar, music theory, and Latin percussion.
“Music is the medicine for the soul. Let’s make music together!”
Four areas of teaching
Music theory
The foundations for understanding how music works: rhythm, notes, scales, chords, reading, and ear training, always tied to practice.
Voice
Breathing, warm-ups, pitch, projection, and interpretation, developing the voice in a healthy, gradual way.
Guitar
Formal lessons start at age 11, studied together with theory, rhythm, reading, and harmony.
Latin percussion
Congas, bongó, and body percussion to work on pulse, coordination, and the rhythms of Latin and Afro-Cuban music.
Why guitar starts at age 11
This does not mean a younger child cannot learn guitar. Our program sets age 11 for formal lessons so the student can take on technique and musical foundations in a structured way. We consider:
- Size of the hands and length of the fingers
- Both hands doing different, precise movements
- Fine motor control on the strings
- Strength and stamina without tension
- Concentration and memory
- Understanding notes, chords, rhythm, and harmony
Before age 11, children build the skills that later make guitar easier: rhythm, percussion, singing, coordination, listening, and musical games.
The program by age
Exploration and first steps
A positive relationship with music and the first foundations, through dynamic, hands-on activities.
- Music theoryPulse, rhythm, sound and silence, high and low sounds, first notes, and simple rhythmic figures.
- VoiceAge-appropriate songs, vocal games, basic pitch, breathing, and movement.
- PercussionBody percussion, rhythm games, simple patterns, and a first look at congas and bongó.
- GuitarNo formal guitar yet: we build the musical and motor skills that prepare for it.
Building musical skills
Activities grow in complexity, step by step.
- Music theoryBasic reading, notes and rests, time signatures, the staff, basic scales, ear training, and first chords.
- VoiceBreathing, pitch, warm-ups, voice control, memorizing melodies, and performing songs.
- Latin percussionPulse and subdivision, rhythmic patterns, congas and bongó step by step, and basic Latin rhythms.
- GuitarFrom age 11: posture, tuning, hand position, simple chords, strumming, chord changes, and simple songs.
Musical training
A more complete technical and musical training.
- Music theoryMajor and minor scales, keys, intervals, building chords, progressions, and an introduction to harmony.
- GuitarTechnique for both hands, major and minor chords, barre chords, scales, melodies, first improvisation, and accompanying the voice.
- VoiceProjection, vocal control, articulation, interpretation, repertoire, and a personal style.
- Latin percussionConga and bongó technique, different Latin rhythms, accompaniment, first improvisation, and playing with other instruments.
Refinement and artistic growth
More individual training, following each student's interests and goals.
- Music theoryApplied theory, harmony, how chords work, song analysis, and an introduction to composing and arranging.
- GuitarIntermediate and advanced technique, voicings, arpeggios, improvisation, and accompanying singers.
- VoiceVocal technique, breath support, dynamics, repertoire, and getting ready to perform.
- Latin percussionAdvanced technique, rhythmic independence, traditional patterns, variations, and improvisation.
Young adults and adults
For beginners and for students with experience. No previous musical knowledge is needed.
- GuitarBeginner, intermediate, or advanced: chords, rhythms, scales, repertoire, and improvisation.
- VoiceVocal technique, pitch, breathing, projection, and interpretation.
- Music theoryFrom the basics to more advanced content: reading, harmony, chords, and scales.
- Latin percussionCongas, bongó, Latin rhythms, technique, and accompaniment. Classes can combine several areas.
Private one-on-one lessons
Besides the music program at the daycare, Mr. Negrin offers private lessons for children, teens, and adults, designed around each student's age, level, goals, and pace.GuitarVoiceMusic theoryCongasBongóLatin percussion
What each student develops
- Sense of rhythm and coordination
- Musical ear, pitch, and memory
- Music reading and theory
- Instrumental and vocal technique
- Creativity and artistic expression
- Discipline and concentration
- Confidence to perform alone or in a group
Every student learns in a different way.
Our teaching combines structure, patience, practice, and creativity, connecting theory with the instrument, the voice, and rhythm, to help each student discover their musical and artistic potential.