A child’s initial musical experience is so vital to development that it could be viewed as a “…pre-clinical dose of treatment utilizing speech, motor development and sensory integration,” says Dr. Lorna Heyge. Although scientists, therapists, parents, teachers, and music experts may have different motivations for opening the world of music experience for each child, the benefits of music development, within the “window of opportunity” are overwhelmingly positive for the child. According to Heyge (1997), music:  optimizes brain development;  enhances multiple intelligences;  facilitates genuine bonding between adult and child;  builds social/emotional skills;  promotes attention to task and inner speech; develops impulse control and motor development; and communicates creativity and joy.

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 glockenspiel or 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.

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. Adults participate the entire 45 minutes with children 0-3 years. For ages 3-7 years, the children spend most of the class with just the teacher, but parents are included in a portion of every Kindermusik class and must remain onsite at all times.

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.

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 schedule your visit here.

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 our youngest class for babies, 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 disabilites thrive in Kindermusik. Please let us know the nature of their special needs so we can best address how we can nurture them.