NEW YORK – The hot summer quickly flew by, and children have returned to school from their vacations and summer camps. Like other educational organizations, the Ukrainian Music Institute of America (UMIA) is registering students for the 2019-2020 new school year.
Founded in 1952, to this day the UMIA is the oldest and largest Ukrainian American music organization that professionally educates children in music.
You may ask, why is it so important to learn to play a musical instrument?
Music develops the ear and a feeling of rhythm, stimulates the brain, nurtures artistic taste, will and discipline, enhances mathematical abilities and the emotional life of a child. Psychologists have shown that children who study music have superior structural thinking and communication skills. In general, today’s educational institutions value extracurricular training, so when entering high school or college, students who have mastered a musical instrument have an advantage.
The UMIA offers training in a wide variety of musical instruments, including piano, violin, bandura, guitar, accordion, and wood flute (sopilka), as well as vocal training and music theory, depending on the branch. Lessons take place individually for each student according to specialty. All UMIA teachers are highly accredited music education specialists with significant experience in teaching children both in Ukraine and in the U.S.
Children are taught by professionals who will plan out an individual course of study and select repertoire compatible with the individuality and capabilities of each child. Students become acquainted with the masterpieces of Ukrainian and international classical music, alongside contemporary works. Within the course of study, they earn certificates and diplomas at various levels of accomplishment.
Branches of the Ukrainian Music Institute operate in various cities, usually conveniently located within their Ukrainian communities not far from schools of Ukrainian studies, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, the Ukrainian American Youth Association and numerous other Ukrainian organizations. Currently starting the 68th year of the UMIA’s existence, there are active branches in Brooklyn, New York, Detroit, Philadelphia, Stamford, Conn., and Morristown, Newark-Irvington-Passaic and Whippany, N.J.