Help Your Child "Tune" In to Pitch and Melody.

"...[A]ll human beings are born musical and will respond to music. Because classical music, with its complex repetitive patterns, has far-reaching effects on the child and his brain development, it is the perfect experience."*

Our Kindermusik classes are designed to develop the whole child in general (language, fine & gross motor skills, social & emotional development) and to develop musical aptitude specifically.

Often classes will focus on melodic direction, listening for high sounds and low sounds and moving our bodies high and low for a true multi-sensory learning experience. 

However, in our Kindermusik Young Child program, we teach kids to read and write music starting with melodic direction.  To get things started we use the familiar "Star Light, Star Bright" song. The children are "tuning" in to sounds and pitches, learning to differentiate and identify.  It's really just the first step, but starting with something familiar puts them on the path to reading music.

Help your child to "tune" in to sounds and pitches by extending your child's listening opportunities at home Consider adding to your music collection with a CD or mp3 files. Some possible selections include:

• Mozart: The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations, recorded by Daniel Barenboim, (On this recording you might especially enjoy the variations on the familiar "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or "Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman.")
• Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, and Fanfare for the Common Man, recorded by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and
• Holst: The Planets, recorded by Andre Previn and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

As you and your child listen to various pieces of music, talk about them. Discuss distinctions and preferences. Early exposure to a wide variety of music will ensure your child's acceptance and appreciation of music for a lifetime!

Getting Started with Kindermusik

You enrolled in Kindermusik because you want the best for your child. We are here because we do, too. Whether you are new to Kindermusik or returning, we look forward to partnering together to ensure your family experiences the full benefits of enrollment.

Returning families: What can you expect in these first few classes after a break?

If you are returning for more Kindermusik this school year, then please look for another period of transition.  This break in routine often requires time to re-establish the rituals and routines of class.  We know what to expect during this adjustment time.  We want to make sure you do, too.  Your outgoing child may exhibit – shyness, overwhelm, tears, clinging to you.  Your usually shy child may exhibit new behaviors like high energy, assertiveness, desire for independence, short attention span, etc.

If you are new to our program starting in January, here’s what you can expect:

Well, lots of singing, dancing, giggling, jumping, instrument playing, storytelling—and that’s just from your Kindermusik educator! At Kindermusik, we specialize in understanding how young children learn best. Our trained and licensed educators treat every child uniquely because we know, well, every child IS unique. So in these first few weeks, your child may sing or not. Your child may dance or not. Your little one may share an idea or not. Your child may be on the move or not. Your child may even sit in your lap the whole time or not.

Whatever happens, happens. It’s okay. We’re ready. Not much surprises us. So, relax and enjoy!

What to look for: Routines and Rituals

In Kindermusik, we build familiar routines and rituals into the class to help your child become comfortable and anticipate what comes next. For example, from the very first day, we will always begin and end class with the same two songs.  This signals to your child that class is starting or ending.

On average, children need five to six weeks to transition into a new class or return to a class after break. Sometimes it takes longer. As time goes on, your child will learn the routine, become familiar with the songs, and look forward to seeing friends from class (and so will you!). Plus, once they become secure in the routines and rituals, the learning really takes off!

What to look for: Repetition

We also know just how important repetition is to a young child. As a necessary building block of development, repetition strengthens the learning or growth of neural connections in your child’s brain. A one-time experience is not enough for a neural connection to form and stabilize. (How many times did you try riding a bike before you got the hang of it?) So, from week to week, we intentionally repeat certain songs, activities, stories, or dances.

In fact, repetition is one of the main reasons we became a school year program, because we know that’s how the learning happens: repetition over time.  

Thank you for choosing Kindermusik

We’re looking forward to the weeks ahead! We can’t wait to see the wonder on your child’s face as they discover something new, learn a new word, play a new instrument, master a new skill. That’s what it’s all about!

Sincerely,

Kathy Morrison, Director