Music Together: Teaching Kids to Be Musical

The will bring back the popular kids' Demo Class taught by musician Teresa Coelho.

The class is part of an internationally recognized program that teaches rhythm and movement to young children, exposing them to different intstruments, said children's librarian Carol Bender.

"It's not a concert, where you sit and listen. Parents and children actually make music with Teresa," Bender said.

The headquarters for the program are in Princeton, N.J.

In Coelho's words, the program's goal is: "For all children to develop a musical ability (sing songs in tune and have a beat) as long as they're exposed to music at a young age."

The belief is that all children have the potential to be musical.

Bender said the program is not only enjoyable and fun, but educational through teaching patterns of music and rhythms; it's learning through doing, not simply listening.

Coelho will be at the Children's Room on Saturday from 11 a.m. - noon. The class is free due to a grant from the Mass. Department of Early Childhood Education awarded to the Peabody Public Schools.

Saturday's featured music is classified as children's folk, and world music, such as the familiar tune, "I've Been Working on the Railroad."

Saturday, Coelho will purposely use traditional repertoire so guests can sing along; however, in the 10-week class, she incorporates new songs into her students' vocabulary.

"By using songs people know, I can add new movements. It's 45 minutes of pure fun with a strong educational component," Coelho explained.

Movements are incorporated using puppets and playing with instruments, such as drums and the acoustic guitar.

Coelho earned a degree in Music Education from University of Rio de Janeiro in her native Brazil and, in 1994, continued her studies on arranging and songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston. 

"Little ones don't often sit and listen to music," Bender told Peabody Patch, who invited Coelho to come to the library. "They learn to make the sounds." 

The recommended age category is from birth to age 5, but older siblings and parents are welcome to join. It's ideal for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Coelho noted there will probably be a lot of new faces, and the basement (pictured) has always been crowded when she's come to Peabody.

Bender encouraged guests to arrive on-time to participate in the entire program. It will be structured with a beginning, middle and end.

Coelho teaches the curriculum in a 10-week session for $205 per child, but Bender noted Saturday won't be a watered-down version of the full class. Classes are taught in Beverly Farms, Salem and Marblehead.

Coelho has presented at the library a couple dozen times over the years, often on a monthly basis in her evolving partnership. Coelho also presents at the Lynn and Swampscott libraries.

"People should go because it'll bring so much joy to [their] day," Bender said. "It's a joyful, happy experience for children and parents; it's educational and delightful. We're absolutely thrilled to have her back and to have the funding that enables this program. We really enjoy her."

The program will be held in the Sutton Room and is limited to 20 families, or roughly 40 participants. Sign up in advance by calling the Children's Room at 978-531-0100 ext. 32, or email 

For more information on Coelho and the program, click here.