What is Kindermusik?

Parents know instinctively what scientists have now proven: young children thrive on music. Psychologists, neuroscientists, and experts in early childhood development have demonstrated that music does more for children than bring them joy; it helps their brain cells make the connections needed for virtually every kind of intelligence. Kindermusik’s curriculum is built on this research.

When young children are consistently engaged by music in an age-appropriate, socially accepting environment, they benefit at many levels:

• They gain the phonological processing, spoken language, and comprehension skills that are the foundation of reading.
• They build the spatial-temporal and reasoning skills required for math, science, and engineering.
• They develop social and emotional skills that are essential for school readiness—like the ability to regulate their responses and relate to others in complex ways.
• By moving and dancing to music and playing simple instruments, children improve their gross and fine motor skills. Activities that encourage freedom within a fun and friendly structure spark their creativity.

 

And of course, they develop a lifelong love of music.

Class activities vary depending on your child’s age. But most classes involve a mix of singing, instrument play, dancing and movement, storytime, and other activities. Activities are designed to develop and strengthen your child’s physical and neural functions, social-emotional skills, early literacy and early math, and much more. And underlying it all is the guiding principle of early childhood education: Your child’s most important teacher is you.

We firmly believe, and research supports, that a solid foundation of basic musical training is the best path for children. This is why we start with concepts like steady beat and fine and gross motor skills. Our Young Child program, for ages five to seven, introduces stringed instruments (the dulcimer) and musical percussion instruments (the xylophone). We feel strongly that this is the best approach to shaping the Mozarts and Bachs of tomorrow. Starting a child on a finger-based instrument too early, while his hand and fingers are still growing and developing, could actually do more harm than good. Simply put, Kindermusik is the best place to start.

Most of our classes require that a parent or caregiver accompany the child. Our classes are specifically designed to spark interaction between the parent and child. You are your child’s first and best teacher, and Kindermusik tries to strengthen that bond. In our classes for older ages, the children spend most of the class with just the teacher, but parents are included in a portion of every Kindermusik class.

We know parents today are busier than ever. If neither parent is available to attend classes with the child, it is acceptable for another caregiver to attend class with the child. To the extent possible, we prefer that the same individual attend class each week in order to ensure the child gets comfortable with a routine and the caregiver becomes familiar with the songs and activities.
We love grandparents and special guests, too. Just please ask us first to be sure there’s enough space for guests.

Children learn in different ways. Simply because a child appears shy in class, that doesn’t mean he or she is not learning. We hear from parents all the time whose children are quiet in class, but when they get home the child sings the songs and does the activities! Just remember that the home is the most important learning environment and you are your child’s most important teacher. The classroom is intended to give you tools to bring the music and learning home.

At the core of the Kindermusik philosophy is the idea that the home is the most important learning environment and the parent is the child’s best teacher. That’s why every Kindermusik class includes home activities and materials, geared specifically to your child’s developmental level. You’ll discover music and songbooks, storybooks and musical instruments, games and family activities, and much more. Our educators will give you tips for using these materials and ideas for other activities you can do at home.
Using the home materials is the most effective way to get the full Kindermusik experience and ensure your child is truly benefitting from early exposure to music and movement. The time you spend with your child in your home environment reinforces classroom learning and enhances his growth and development. Most importantly, it strengthens the bond between your child and you.

Absolutely. We offer a free class preview to allow you to experience Kindermusik firsthand before you decide whether to enroll. We’re sure you’re going to love it! Please complete a trial visit form online to schedule your visit.

Most of us underestimate what goes on in those tiny bodies. But their brains are filled with billions of neurons just waiting to be connected through sensory stimulation. Rich sensory environments create neural pathways and repetition reinforces and strengthens them. That’s exactly what we do when we’re in Kindermusik: we offer a developmentally appropriate level of stimulation through music, movement and sensory experiences. The baby’s brain does all the work, building connections and ultimately, building a greater capacity for later learning.

In a Village class, we dance in a social setting to allow infants to understand and anticipate patterns, which preps their brains for math and musical theory. We play with steady beat, which underlies our ability to pick up the pattern of language. This is vital, because unless children can pick up the language patterns, they cannot learn to read and write. The bonding and comforting activities we show you in class help you and baby to work through all the natural stresses that occur with growing and developing. Music increases coordination and balance, promotes literacy and language, cultivates listening skills, and encourages delightful and rewarding interaction with your baby!

Children with delays or impairments thrive in Kindermusik. We welcome them to join us at a special discount. Please let us know the nature of their special needs before enrolling so we can best address how we can nurture them.