Community Spotlight: Music Rhapsody
Nestled in the heart of Redondo Beach, Music Rhapsody is a true local treasure, where the enchanting world of music comes to life. This beloved establishment holds a profound belief that every child is born with an innate and profound musicality, a gift that, when properly nurtured, flourishes alongside them.
Developed by the internationally renowned music educator Lynn Kleiner, Music Rhapsody’s program is rooted in the philosophy of Orff Schulwerk, tailored to embrace every stage of childhood development, meeting each child precisely where they are on their musical journey. With beautiful and diverse songs, singable phrases, and engaging tools like instruments, puppets, and visuals, the program fosters a deep and abiding love for music in a stimulating and creative environment, all while valuing the unique input and creativity of each and every child.
This Community Spotlight is Sponsored by South Bay Credit Union. South Bay Credit Union is for all who live, work, or worship in the South Bay.
Music Rhapsody is more than just a musical starting point for children. It serves as a bridge to the enchanting world of the “Simply Music Piano” method, a playing-based approach that teaches students from age six to adulthood to play contemporary, classical, blues, jazz, and gospel music from their very first lessons. By temporarily delaying the reading process and immersing students in the joy of creating beautiful music right from the start, Music Rhapsody paves the way for a lifelong relationship with music.
At Music Rhapsody, the belief is that music should be an integral part of life for everyone, and they offer programs that ensure seamless continuity – from the earliest days of life to every stage of adulthood. Join us as we delve into the harmonious world of Music Rhapsody, where the magic of music finds its home in the heart of Redondo Beach.
Community Spotlight: Music Rhapsody
Tell us about Music Rhapsody.
Internationally renowned music educator Lynn Kleiner founded Music Rhapsody in 1983. We offer music classes for babies to adults with a unique teaching approach based on the Orff Schulwerk philosophy. We have classes at our Redondo Beach studio and also partner with local preschools, daycare centers, and elementary schools to bring music classes to their curriculum.
We also partner with the Manhattan Beach Parks & Rec department to host outdoor classes. Musical concepts are taught in a joyful, game-like atmosphere that allows children to learn through experience and play. Children learn to listen to and make music before they learn to read and write it, much like how they learn spoken language.
What inspired you to launch Music Rhapsody?
Lynn was inspired to launch Music Rhapsody because of a need for music education in Southern California, and wanted to introduce the Orff Schulwerk philosophy here. She developed the Music Rhapsody curriculum for early childhood and elementary ages and worked with percussion legend Remo Belli to create a line of safe, durable, and high quality percussion instruments for children to use in the classroom and at home. Lynn stepped down as owner/director in 2021, and I (Deonna Johnson) became the new owner/director. I am inspired by our teaching philosophy and hope to also incorporate music therapy into what we offer.
What is one of your proudest moments?
My proudest moments are seeing my students grow up in the program and grow as musicians and people.
What can one expect when working with you/visiting your location?
At Music Rhapsody, we believe that every child is born with an innate and profound musicality. Music Rhapsody’s goal is to develop a lifelong love of music in their students, and nurture that musicality is that it grows with your child. We meet your child exactly where they are – there is a part for everyone. We acknowledge and value the input and creativity of each and every child. Beautiful and diverse songs, singable phrases, and the use of repetition, instruments, puppets, and visuals all foster the love of music in an exciting and creative environment.
Classes for older kids introduce music theory concepts like notation and rhythm reading in a fun, game-like atmosphere. Our program develops a solid foundation for our Simply Music Piano program and other private instrument lessons, and also sets your child up for success in playing in school bands and orchestras.
Tell us a little about you.
I have a Bachelors of Arts in Music from CSULA and have been working with children in schools since 2013, including organizing and implementing a program for orchestral students, teaching music production, composition, and music theory to middle schoolers and high schoolers. I currently teach early childhood music, piano, and voice at Music Rhapsody. I play multiple instruments and have produced and recorded two albums, my most recent being “Journey”. I have also produced and engineered recordings for many other artists. I have also been a church music director for over 10 years and am pursuing a masters and license in music therapy.
Special Offer For Local Anchor Readers:
Come in for a complimentary class visit! Visit MusicRhapsody.com Use code ANCHOR20 and get $20 off your first month of classes!
310-376-8646 1603
Aviation Blvd. Suite 1
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
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