The Avilanian branch of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (Uneac) is hosting a new space conceived for children to discover the fascinating universe of sound, through play and fun.

«Do Re Mi Fácil» is the name of the workshop that, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, opens its doors to little dreamers aged five to seven.

The initiative, framed within the summer period, was born with the purpose of filling a gap in the offer of activities for children in the province of Ciego de Ávila and, at the same time, sowing the seed of art in them.

Behind this proposal is Lianne Ruiz Valiente, a young Avilanian cellist, graduate of the José White Music Conservatory in Camagüey and currently a teacher at the Ñola Sahig Saíz Vocational Art School.

With experience spanning three years of service in artistic education, Lianne knows the needs and potential of children of this age.

«I have experience with children aged five to seven; I am a teacher at the elementary art school and I know that at that stage is when interest in artistic manifestations and curiosity to know how everything works awakens,» Lianne explained to Invasor.

«There is also the fact that there are not so many activities for children during the holidays, and I would like to bring music to every child in Ciego de Ávila who likes art.»

Unlike a conventional academic class, «Do Re Mi Fácil» moves away from sheet music and complex theory.

The methodology focuses on play as the main vehicle for learning. Body percussion, movement, laughter and lots of energy will be the ingredients of each session.

«Learning music through play is more effective because children love to play; I do not approach anything theoretical because outside the academic sphere it is quite complex,» says the young teacher.

«I teach children to maintain rhythm, pulse, accents, to identify different musical instruments, and to recognise different genres.

They are not taught to play instruments as such, but they can develop singing skills when performing in front of an audience, and to lose stage fright.»

A Project with Family Roots

The seed of «Do Re Mi Fácil» germinated at home. Lianne reveals that the project is, in essence, a continuation of her mother Yohanka Valiente’s workshop. «Rinconcito de la tía Yoa» is a space dedicated to early childhood, promoting psychomotor development and the exploration of hidden talents through science, history or cooking.

«What I did was continue it, create a sub-unit of the workshop, but related to music and the child’s development process in early childhood,» comments Lianne, who recognises the valuable influence of her mother, a master in infant pedagogy from the Avilanian university, in her training as an educator.

«As I have my mother’s example, it is easier for me because I have been watching that work for a long time.»

For Lianne, working with that audience is no coincidence. As a young person, she knows it is the perfect time to stimulate learning and lay the foundations for a possible artistic career.

«Things stick more quickly to young children, and as they learn from an early age, it becomes easier for them to prepare if they want to enter art school, link up with the cultural centre, or any other area of the artistic processes during their student stage,» she states.

The «Do Re Mi Fácil» workshop presents itself as a unique opportunity for young Avilanian children to explore their creativity, develop social skills and, above all, have fun while taking their first steps in the wonderful world of music.