Early Learning Music Academy at Golden Strip School of Music

Sadly our time as a team here at Early Learning Music Academy is ending next Friday.

Our Director Cara Garrison wrote this for me , it’s the notice we sent out to our wonderful families.

It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the Early Learning Music Academy will be permanently shutting its doors on June 15, 2024.

This decision weighs heavily on us, as we have cherished the opportunity to nurture and educate your children in the realm of music. However, after careful consideration, we find ourselves compelled to take this difficult step due to a combination of financial challenges and persistently low enrollment.

Throughout our time together, it has been an immense privilege to witness the growth and development of each child under our care. From the first tentative day to the confidence they show now, we have shared in their journey and celebrated their milestones with pride. The memories we have created together will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to you, our dedicated families, for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Your unwavering support and commitment have meant the world to us, and we are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your lives.

As we embark on this transition, we assure you that every effort will be made to ensure a smooth and respectful conclusion to our time together. Information regarding any remaining administrative matters, such as the retrieval of personal belongings, will be communicated to you promptly.

While the closure of our preschool marks the end of one chapter, we remain hopeful that the music and lessons learned here will continue to resonate in the lives of your children for years to come. We encourage you to seek out new avenues for their musical exploration and growth, knowing that the foundation laid here will serve them well in all their future endeavors.

Once again, we extend our sincerest thanks for your support and understanding during this challenging time. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve your families, and we will carry the memories of our time together with us always.

Music with Mrs. Abby!

Mrs. Abby (a wonderful Music Therapist with Heartstrings) comes downstairs every Wednesday to give our students an immersive and engaging music play lesson!

Did you know that singing to plants and speaking positive affirmations can actually help them grow? Our students have been singing some of their favorite songs to their garden plants, and in turn, well, check it out!

Drumming along to the beat! The use of steady beat and simple rhythm does a lot more than you think: It can help children establish so many skills!

Cognitive Skills: attention, memory, pattern recognition
Language Skills: speak and read in a smoother cadence, improve communication
Motor Skills: body control, fine and gross motor skills, coordination, balance
Social-Emotional Skills: cooperation, turn-taking skills

… and so much more!

Meet the Teacher: Macy Williams!

Macy is an accomplished preschool teacher with a wealth of experience with children and a dedication to providing high-quality education and support to young learners. With her RBT certification and a passion for fostering a positive learning environment, Macy fulfills a vital role within our preschool program.

Having honed her skills through rigorous training as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Macy brings a wealth of knowledge in behavior analysis and child development to her role. Her commitment to supporting children with diverse learning needs ensures that each student receives personalized attention and encouragement to reach their full potential. In addition to her expertise in behavior analysis, Macy's background in music adds a unique dimension to our classroom environment. Her proficiency in playing the guitar, piano, drums, flute, and accordion not only enriches our curriculum but also provides students with valuable opportunities for creative expression and exploration.

Macy's love for Pete the Cat's stories and her affinity for animals, particularly her own cat, Beans, further enhance her ability to connect with students on a personal level. Her warm and nurturing demeanor creates a welcoming atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Beyond her role in the classroom, Macy is committed to professional growth and ongoing learning. She actively seeks out opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills, ensuring that she remains at the forefront of best practices in early childhood education and behavior analysis. She is currently working on her Child Development Associate’s (CDA) certificate.

Meet our Lead Teacher: Katherine Farezoco!

Katherine is a dedicated preschool teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning through the power of music. She brings a unique blend of expertise in early childhood education and music education to her role, creating enriching and engaging experiences for her students.
After studying music education at Meredith College, Katherine discovered her love for teaching and embarked on a journey to inspire young learners through the magic of music. Her background includes playing clarinet with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, and she currently plays clarinet with Upstate Symphonic Winds. With over four years of experience in her field, Katherine has cultivated a dynamic teaching style that integrates music into every aspect of the preschool curriculum. She believes that music has the power to stimulate imagination, enhance cognitive skills, and foster social-emotional growth in young children.
She believes in the power of teaching as a reciprocal process, where both educator and student learn and grow together. Outside of her professional endeavors, Katherine enjoys spending time outdoors by hiking or kayaking, gardening, and crafting. She has one daughter and a beloved golden retriever. Katherine is deeply committed to her own ongoing learning and growth, continuously seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills in both education and music.

Meet the Director: Cara Garrison!

With extensive experience in early childhood education and currently working towards a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, Cara's teaching philosophy is firmly rooted in constructivism.
Firmly believing that children construct their own understanding of the world through active engagement and exploration, Cara fosters environments that encourage inquiry, discovery, and critical thinking. She views education as a collaborative process, where students are empowered to construct knowledge through meaningful interactions with their environment, peers, and educators. Cara's commitment to social-emotional learning aligns seamlessly with constructivist principles, as she recognizes the importance of nurturing not only cognitive development but also emotional intelligence. Through literature and music, she provides rich, multisensory experiences that inspire creativity, empathy, and self-expression.
As the Director of the Early Learning Music Academy, Cara applies constructivist principles to create dynamic learning environments where children are encouraged to question, experiment, and make connections between their experiences and the world around them. Her warm and inclusive leadership style fosters a sense of belonging and autonomy, empowering children to take ownership of their learning journey. Outside of her professional endeavors, Cara plays French horn with the Upstate Symphonic Winds and serves on board of trustees for this community band. She has been playing the French horn for 15 years. She enjoys reading and spending time with her two dogs.

Fine motor skills and parallel play - these kiddos may think they are just having fun, but they are practicing so many skills without even knowing!

Preschool Teacher Greenville SC Looking for someone in the Education-Training industry for the position of Preschool Teacher in Greenville, SC

Come join our team here at the ELMA! Apply today!

Preschool Teacher Greenville SC Looking for someone in the Education-Training industry for the position of Preschool Teacher in Greenville, SC

Dancing to a "I'm a Little Tea Pot" performed by our Director, Cara, on her Horn!