Children get the gift of music lessons in after school program

Music lessons can be the gift of a lifetime for a child.

The Youth Center in Los Alamitos is now signing up youths for music lessons with the only local after school elementary music program offered in the community of the Sun Region.

Kids between kindergarten to 5th grade can learn from a wide range of instruments at classes at either one of the Los Alamitos elementary schools or at Applied Music Studio in Los Alamitos.

“Music provides students with a wealth of benefits,” said Youth Center Music Director Daniel Van Andler. “In addition to obtaining musical skills needed to become a performer, a child learns skills that can be used in every facet of life. Teamwork, dedication, self-discipline and responsibility prepare a child for a successful future in any profession he/she may choose.”

“A variety of research shows that music students are among the academically strongest in their schools, and score higher on the SAT than other students,” continued Van Andler. “Most colleges and universities now look for more than just good grades on a child’s transcript. They want well-rounded students that have been able to accomplish more than textbook knowledge.”

The Youth Center Music Program classes taught include band instruments such as the saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, electric bass or percussion for grades 3 to 5 (with a new Mini Percussionist class for grades 1st to 2nd held only at Hopkinson Elementary School).

String instruments such as the violin, viola or cello are provided for grades kindergarten to 5th, keyboard classes for grades kindergarten to 3rd grades, or guitar classes for 3rd to 5th grades (held at Applied Music Studio).

The 30 one hour classes include two concerts and a book for $14, a class at $399 for the 2014-2015 school year, and a payment plan is available along with scholarships offered for those who qualify.

Classes are offered on Mondays at Weaver Elementary (which has already begun) and at Los Alamitos Elementary School, on Tuesdays at Rossmoor and Lee Elementary Schools, on Wednesdays at McGaugh Elementary School, on Thursdays at Hopkinson Elementary School and at Applied Music Studio, and on Fridays at Applied Music Studio.

For more information or to register for the Youth Center After School Elementary Music Program, please call 562-493-4043 or visit online at www.theyouthcenter.org.