The Apple Tree Learning Centers welcomes
Mr. Ray’s Music to its school curriculum!
Ray Funk will offer an all-inclusive music program at The Apple Tree Learning Centers. Mr. Ray is a classically trained musician (voice and guitar) and a graduate of Northern Arizona University’s School of Music. He has 40+ years of professional musical experience including 22 years as a staff singer with Arizona Opera. Mr. Ray has been teaching in Tucson preschools for 23 years.
Numerous psychological studies conclude that children learn best during the early stages of development (1 – 5 years) and music greatly facilitates this necessary growth. Music lessons at these ages actually “wires” young brains connecting neuro pathways (of which there are trillions)! Early Childhood Learning Standards include five areas of development: adaptive, social-emotional, communication, physical and cognitive.
Included in Mr. Ray’s vast repertoire are songs that facilitate independence and personal responsibility (adaptive) and identify emotions and increase knowledge of self (social – emotional). Singing requires listening to words and repeating them which enhances oral language development, speaking and (communication) skills.
