Dulcis Musica
Rehearsal locations now in Oberlin and Avon!
Dulcis Musica is a preparatory choir for children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Using Kodály-based methods, young singers learn pitch matching, music literacy, and begin developing healthy vocal tone. Rehearsals blend singing and movement for a fun, engaging learning experience.
Our Dulcis Musica conductors are expert music educators who teach with strategies that engage the whole child—body, mind, and spirit—while supporting each singer’s unique development.
Weekly Rehearsals
September - April
Mondays, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Avon United Methodist Church, Avon
OR
Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
New Union Center for the Arts, Oberlin
Register for 2026-27
Our 36th Season!
Come sing with us for our 36th season!
Register today to join Dulcis Musica.
Tuition: $380
(Our Early Bird tuition of $365 has expired.)
Events & Appearances
Dulcis Musica performs in two major concerts each year, along with community outreach events, volunteer opportunities, and local performances such as school visits or neighborhood festivals.
Dulcis Musica Choral Program: Core Learning & Teaching Approach
Using Kodály Methods in Choir — And Beyond
Choral instruction in this ensemble is rooted in the Kodály method, which nurtures musical skills through a structured and engaging approach. The Kodály Method is a proven, research-based approach to music education that emphasizes musicianship through singing, ear training, and internalization of rhythm and pitch using tools like solfège (do-re-mi) and hand signs. When applied in choir, it not only builds strong musical skills but also supports a child’s broader cognitive and emotional development.
Musical Skills Developed Through Kodály:
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Accurate pitch and rhythm recognition
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Music literacy: ability to read, write, and analyze music
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Aural skills: internalizing sound patterns and harmonies
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Ensemble skills: listening, blending, and non-verbal communication
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Memory and pattern recognition: through repetition and sequencing
How These Skills Translate Into Life:
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Enhanced Cognitive Development - Kodály-based instruction strengthens auditory processing, memory, and attention span—skills closely linked to academic success. Children trained with Kodály methods often show improved reading and language abilities, thanks to their increased phonemic awareness and auditory discrimination.
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Stronger Brain Function & Intelligence - Learning music with a structured method like Kodály enhances neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form and strengthen connections. This is especially impactful in young learners, supporting higher IQ scores, faster information processing, and stronger executive functioning.
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Lifelong Learning Skills - The method teaches students how to learn music independently, fostering discipline, perseverance, and problem-solving. These habits translate to better performance in school and work environments.
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Social-Emotional Benefits - Through group singing and interactive learning, students build confidence, empathy, and collaboration skills—qualities essential for thriving in relationships, teams, and leadership roles.
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Creativity and Critical Thinking - Kodály encourages students to engage deeply with music, which builds creativity, self-expression, and analytical thinking—skills vital in nearly every career path.
Summary:
Using Kodály methods in choir equips singers not just with exceptional musical ability, but with tools for academic success, social development, and long-term cognitive growth. It's more than music—it's a foundation for a thriving, intelligent, and well-rounded life.
Meet the Conductor
Welcome to a new year of singing with Dulcis! My name is Andrea Burck and I will be directing both the Avon and Oberlin sections of Dulcis Musica. I am super excited to meet the Dulcis Choristers!!
Here is a little bit about me:
I have been a music teacher since 1989 when I earned my degree in music education (piano) from the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY.) I have been a teacher in many settings: elementary and middle school, children’s choir, church children’s and adult choir and early childhood music. But, I think my favorite grades to teach are Kindergarten through grade 3 which makes me even more excited to join Oberlin Choristers as Dulcis Director!
In 2022, I retired from my public school work but continued as a director with the Young Naperville Singers in Naperville, Illinois. I directed a group called Primo (grade 1-2-3 singers) for over 15 years and started a Kindergarten group called Voci in 2023.
I have three children, all grown up now (they are ages 23, 29 and 31,) and we lived in Aurora, Illinois until I moved to Oberlin. I have a cute little rescue dog named Daffodil. We walk every day and she loves treats and snuggles and chasing rabbits! Other things I like to do include knitting and sewing, gardening, taking walks with Daffodil, swimming and other outdoor activities like bicycling, hiking and canoeing.
You might be wondering about how I would run a Dulcis rehearsal? I love to start and end every practice with singing!!! Along the way, choristers will learn how to find and use their singing voice, learn pieces to perform at a concert, meet new friends who also love❤️ to sing, learn to read, hear and perform rhythms and pitches, practice moving in many ways to the steady beat, changing meter and contrasting sections of songs, play games that help singers learn about each other and about how music works, and more! Every hour will be filled with musical activities to challenge our older singers and help our youngest singers learn and grow!
Dulcis Musica translates from Latin to “sweet music” or “pleasant song” - just perfect for our youngest singers. Our theme this year is “A Mosaic of Song” and our pieces for the year will be chosen from around the world to build our diverse, musical work of art. We will also learn some pieces to sing with Jubilate and some music for the Mini Honor Choir too.
