Where What When

Art, Swimming, Music and More

Even if we parents do not know how to draw a stick or play a tune, many of us hope that our children will develop those skills. Schools are great for academics, but extracurricular activities enrich a child's life in many ways. The opportunities in Baltimore are vast, and the choices dizzying. We have included only some of the many classes and programs that are available for children of all ages. There are even some for those who are children at heart (parents). Perhaps you will find a program that is just perfect to add spice to your child's life.

FUNdamentals of Art by Shira Berkowitz

Art classes are, above all, to enjoy. I want to open up the world of art to my students so they can learn to express themselves through it. My goal is to impart skills they can use to do it on their own!

I have a series of 15 classes, ranging from beginner (5- and 6-year-olds) to adults (ladies). We make each beautiful picture by copying - from a simple drawing, a photo, or, in a very advanced class, a real still life. My curriculum teaches form from the bottom up: first an object's outline, then its 3-D form in black-and-white, and then its color. Students need not take the classes in the exact order, and need no prior experience to join any class. However, if a student wants to start at the beginning and move up systematically, she can do so.

Small children really enjoy the freedom of using their imagination. In the Design-a-Fun-Scene class, creativity abounds as they design their under-water, outer-space, or at-the-zoo scenes, while also learning to get their basic shapes correct. In subsequent classes, we render a painting using only pencil, then charcoal, and then we move on to color shading classes, using pastel pencils. I have several color classes, and each beautiful class picture focuses on a particular skill.

I teach a lot of technique, and we practice before using them on our pictures. There is a focus on process, not just product, and we approach each picture with a plan. I try to make it easy on parents by getting the supplies for the students and by sending framing-level pictures home already framed.

The glow on the faces of students bringing their pictures home gives me great joy!

Ladies who come to my adult classes work on pictures of their choice. I am truly amazed to see how they have catapulted in their skills. Women with no prior experience are creating truly magnificent art work! They consider it a time to develop themselves, relax and enjoy.

For more information, please call Shira Berkowitz, at 410-764-2272.

The Art Workshop

At the Art Workshop, we teach the seven elements of art. These building blocks are: line, shape, form/dimension, texture, color, composition/ balance, and perspective.

We start out with oil pastels, then move to charcoal, then watercolors. We learn how to copy drawings before we do our own creations. Students will learn how light affects their art. They will learn how to blend colors to form three-dimensional pieces and create shading and form. All students going through our classes will progress in their ability to put imagination into really beautiful art pieces. For more information, please call Antoinette (Toni) Bueker at 443-844-0876.

Playtime Piano Instruction

Playtime Piano Instruction was founded by Scott and Harlene McGowan, who have been providing in-home piano and keyboard lessons since 1993 and 1996, respectively. We have had additional instructors on staff since 1997. With a terrific staff of over 30 teachers who have all been screened and trained by us, we serve over 200 students in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. All of our instructors are required to have extensive experience working with children before applying for a position with us. Harlene, who spent several years in the field of recruiting, does a very thorough reference check to ensure that we only hire top quality instructors. The vast majority of the teacher evaluations which are sent out to families after 90 days come back with excellent reviews.

We schedule our students with instructors in accordance with each family's scheduling preferences. We also encourage students to compose their own music and to learn songs that truly interest them, once they have begun to progress through their lesson books. We are currently creating an extensive library of piano songs that students enjoy learning. It can be accessed on YouTube by simply typing in "playtimepiano1." These videos can also be viewed on our Playtime Piano Instruction Facebook page. Our Spring Recitals are low-pressure festive events that allow students to celebrate their musical progress. We are waiving the registration fee for the entire 2009-2010 school year. This school year, we also have an unlimited offer of two weeks of free lessons (for all students in your home) for every family you refer to us who registers for lessons with us. Call us at 410-654-9042 for more information, or register online. This school year, we have typically had our newly registered students beginning their lessons within 10 days to two weeks.

Hoppin Tots Children's Gym

HoppinTotsT Children's Gym is designed especially for the young child (ages four months to six years). We offer a variety of programs, including parent-participation classes, 45-minute and one-hour gymnastics classes without parents, and one-and-a-half- and two-hour drop-off programs. In the summer, we also have a half-day camp for children 3 1/2 to 6 years of age. In addition, we offer Open Gyms, Parents' Nights Out, and Birthday Parties.

The HoppinTotsT staff is made up of extremely dedicated, very experienced instructors who are committed to making sure each child's experience is a positive one. We will also do our best to ensure that each parent has a wonderful experience at HoppinTotsT.

We feel it is important to start children on the right track to a healthy life. We want them to learn that physical activity is FUN. They will, in the process, develop body awareness and control, coordination, agility, and listening and social skills. Equally important to the physical benefits are the self-confidence and self-esteem your child will gain by learning skills in a safe, fun, and stress-free atmosphere.

To arrange a free trial class in our clean, bright, child-friendly facility, please call 410-337-7012.

Weinberg Park Heights JCC Programs

The Weinberg Park Heights JCC is a great place for your kids to experience new and exciting programs that fit in with your family's values. The JCC considers teaching your child to swim a core part of its mission. The Center offers swim lessons for kids as young as 4, swim team for ages 8 to 18, and life guarding classes for ages 15 and up. The Aquatics department will help prepare your children to enjoy the water safely or give them the tools they need for a part-time job.

Getting fit isn't just for adults at the "J." Kids and teens have many opportunities to exercise at the Park Heights JCC. Programs include Cardio Stretch and Tween and Teen Group Fitness and Dance classes for girls, and Martial Arts, Krav Maga, Self-Defense, and MOMENTUM performance-based training for boys. Looking for indoor sports activities like soccer or hockey for your three- to nine-year-old? Let JCC Sports Coordinator Israel Orange create a customized class for your children and a group of their friends, tailored to your schedule.

Wondering what you are going to do with your kids to keep them entertained over the upcoming vacation? Shira Ocken's got you covered with a Winter Break Camp for boys and girls ages 4 to 10, from Monday, January 25 through Tuesday, February 2. While you're at work, your children will be enjoying a jam-packed week of arts, sports, games, separate swim, and so much more (and you don't have to be a member for this one). To find out more about what the Weinberg Park Heights JCC has to offer for members and non-members, call Shira Ocken, 410-542-4900, x229 or email info@jcc.org Or visit our website: www.jcc.org

Piano Lessons by Rita Pearlman

Rita Pearlman has been giving piano lessons in our community for 20 years, and has many references and many satisfied students. Her pupils range in age from 5 to adult. A former elementary school teacher, she has a special understanding and appreciation for children. The lessons are an enjoyable and fun experience. An abundance of Jewish music is available as well as other personal choices. Because the children are playing music they like, they enjoy learning to read notes and gain a special appreciation.

Abrakadoodle Art Programs

Our classes provide access to high quality, educationally sound, imaginative art classes for children of all skill levels, ages 20 months to 14 years, as well as classes for adults and teachers. We've been in Baltimore for the past six years. As part of a national art education umbrella, Abrakadoodle Programs provide process art education classes (not arts and crafts.) Our trained teachers specialize in on-site art education at educational institutions (public, parochial, private), which include Baltimore City and County schools, Baltimore County public libraries, parks and recreation programs, community centers, day care centers, and others. We have a permanent classroom in Towson, where we host enrichment classes, hold arty birthday parties, and delight children and parents with creative winter and summer camps.

Abrakadoodle lessons focus on developmentally appropriate practice, specialized lessons, age-appropriate activities, and development of art vocabulary through use of mixed media and works of old masters, contemporary artists, and concept applications. Abrakadoodle Programs are designed to extend children's creative "right brain" abilities and to build skills in fine motor, language, art appreciation, cognition, and other skill areas. This exposure provides a fun adventure into art education, helping youngsters develop an appreciation of art and confidence in their own creativity.

Right brain thinking helps students see the big picture, perceive patterns, and understand greater relationships. The creative right brain is nurtured when youngsters learn to draw and create art using their own imaginations. Whole New World author Dan Pink says, "I believe right-brainers have a distinct advantage in our global economy. Abrakadoodle is a very smart education program that parents should consider to give a jump start in developing creative right-brain skills."

For Abrakadoodle information phone Pat Lakatta: 410-338-2789 or see www.abrakadoodle.com/md01.html for class schedules and special events.

Bas Melech Performing Arts Program, LLC

The Bas Melech program, under the direction of Mrs. Rivky Goldberg, offers certified, trained, and experienced teachers who are completely devoted to developing the skills, self-esteem, and personal growth of their students. Over 250 girls learn ballet, gymnastics, modern dance, drama, and aerobics on Sundays and weeknights at Shomrei Emunah and at the Bas Melech studio.

"I love what Rivky gives to the kids," says Mrs. Rochel Vim. "With her professional equipment, she teaches incredible gymnastics skills and makes each kid feel like she is a star."

Mrs. Rochel Naiman adds, "The opportunities for performing ballet and gymnastics abound, in the Bas Melech annual performance, the "Penina Ballerina" DVDs, the Showcase of Talent, Pearlstone, and Flatbush, NY, where our ballet girls were invited to perform in a women's musical. These all teach experientially that `I have a unique talent that brings simcha to others!'"

Says Mrs. Chani Wax, "I love how each gymnastics instructor is trained for her particular station - bar, high-and-low beam, incline mat, floor work, etc. All levels are taught, from cartwheels to back handsprings, from basic supports to handstands on the bar. My little 6-year-old cartwheels off the beam. It's incredible how quickly the girls progress in their gymnastics skills! I am also thrilled that the ballet instructor chooses to perform with `her girls' whenever possible."

Ballet classes offer beginner, intermediate, advanced, and pointe. Most classes are taught by Sarah Gelband, who has a BA from Goucher College. She teaches for and dances with the Baltimore Ballet, and has raised the level of the Bas Melech ballet program into a nationally famous frum ballet school. Modern dance classes are gaining popularity because of their fast paced, high energy, and fun environment.

Boys gymnastics is led by Mr. Eliezer Sollins, MSW, who is a USAG safety certified professional competitive gymnast. He is known for his gentle praise and sincere excitement for each boy's achievement. He has close to 40 boys in his classes, and he teaches the 3- to 12-year-olds incredible gymnastics skills. For more information please call 410-358-5241

Guitars of Pikesville

Guitars of Pikesville provides everything you need to learn guitar, including guitars, lessons, restringing and repair, accessories, and instructional material. The starting age depends on many factors, and we make initial appointments to determine the best path for each student's musical education. We have a network of teachers in the community to whom we can refer students with special requirements, if necessary. Guitars of Pikesville has a community Facebook group under the name of Guitars of Pikesville Community Group. We also have a weekly email list that you can join from the contact email on the website and find out about our many activities. For more information, please call Joshua Polak, Guitars of Pikesville, 410-415-5400.

Ceramic Paint-a-Piece

Encouraging children to spend time on ceramic art projects during their formative years promotes creative play and helps them to understand the benefits of concentration and dedication to a task. Making decorative ceramic items for the home is a favorite. Children can create something from an unfinished clay (bisk) form into a beautiful glazed ceramic piece that they chose and painted themselves. With ceramic art projects, children can create a piece of artwork - like a cup, plate, dish - that is both useful and decorative.

Introducing your child to ceramics can play a positive role in your child's development. Ceramic art projects help develop a child's creativity, imagination, cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, fine motor skills, and much more. Children who regularly participate in a comprehensive art program are four times more likely to be elected to class office, four times more likely to be in a math or science fair, and four times more likely to win an award for writing, according to research published by Americans for the Arts.

Art helps build self-esteem, as children take pride in the works of art they create. It helps to develop their problem-solving skills, especially when faced with three-dimensional problems, such as sculpting. Art helps children to improve their sensory awareness and improve their manual dexterity. This is because a child needs to observe something, try to recreate what he sees in his mind's eye, and match it with reality. For more information, please call 443 870-3634.

Sewing Lessons by Deborah Taffel

Deborah Taffel has been giving sewing lessons for many years. She knows how to take girls with no experience and teach them how to make their own clothes. The classes are given so patiently and skillfully that the girls experience no frustration. The girls make something useful right away, and it is so easy and pleasant that they don't even realize that this is supposed to be hard. More experienced sewers can also come to learn new techniques and improve their current skills. The classes are small enough for warm personal attention. Call Deborah Taffel at 410-358-9029 for more information.

Drum Lessons by Mordy Hoffman

Mordy Hoffman is a mobile drum instructor. You don't have to take your child out. Mordy will come to your home at a mutually convenient time. Drum lessons are a wonderful outlet for children. Playing the drums is great fun and doesn't require a lot of technical information. A child can begin to get the satisfaction of playing drum rhythms in three or four lessons. It's a tremendous confidence booster to acquire a skill in another arena, something other than school work or sports. Mordy fills his lessons with positive encouragement and is a very patient teacher. For more information, call Mordy at 410-764-6991.

Music Lessons by Malka Eidensohn

I have been teaching piano, cello, and guitar for over 25 years to students ranging in age from 4 through adult. I studied piano, cello and guitar privately for 12 years and also spent two years majoring in music education at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music and the University of Michigan School of Music. I believe that, like any worthwhile endeavor, music study requires concentration, commitment, and discipline. A student should feel that through their efforts they are achieving success on their instrument. Practice on a daily basis is crucial to this success. Without steady practice, music study cannot progress, and I will tell a parent that they are wasting their time and money if their child cannot establish a practice routine at home.

I evaluate students individually and choose their materials specifically for them. I have hundreds of music books in my own music library to research appropriate materials, and also make frequent trips to the music store to see what is new. I have a yearly recital in my home to give the students a chance to hear each other and gauge their own progress. I am presently compiling a music book of easy Jewish music for piano, keyboard, and guitar solos as well as duets.

My positive experience in teaching music from home has caused me to treat each student as a future music teacher. Yes, music study can be enjoyable as long as we do not lose sight of the goal of gaining skill on the instrument and not just learning songs by rote. I am more interested in imparting a solid foundation of note reading and technical skill so that my students can one day become teachers themselves, thus gaining a highly marketable skill.

For more information, please call 410-358-8948

Music in Our Lives: Violin and Viola Lessons

Sarah Lowenstein passionately believes that music should be a part of every child's life. Having recently completed her Bachelors and Masters degrees at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in viola performance, she is filled with enthusiasm and commitment about sharing her love of music with others. Ms. Lowenstein teaches at the Bridges Program, a non-profit organization, which offers group classes to children from inner city schools. Seeing the immense talent and aptitude within our own community, Ms. Lowenstein offers group violin classes to children at no cost.

Ms. Lowenstein also teaches private violin and viola lessons to all ages and levels. In addition to the weekly private lesson that each student receives, Ms Lowenstein holds a group class once a month where the children can perform for each other and share in their musical odyssey. Individual practice and lessons work in harmony with group activities and performance.

Ms. Lowenstein's students cannot help but excel under her gentle yet demanding teaching style. She uses the Suzuki repertoire with a method developed from her years of teaching and learning experience. With younger students, Ms Lowenstein encourages a learning partnership with their parent. Technique is woven into every lesson from the very beginning, in a rewarding way. The lessons differ for each child, according to how he/she learns best. With one child this may be incorporating Simon Says into the lesson, while for another child a lesson may consist of challenging exercises and a heavy work load. Regardless of the style, each child is taught with caring and high expectations. Under Ms. Lowenstein's guidance, students progress quickly and sustain the interest and excitement they brought to their very first lesson.

In addition to her teaching, Ms. Lowenstein performs chamber music. She has performed in chamber groups both in Israel as well as in the U.S. Ms Lowenstein hopes to enhance lives with the addition of quality music.

For further information, Ms. Lowenstein may be reached at 443-257-3960 or through email, at violamoosic@yahoo.com

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Article List - February 2010