Ensemble Development for Preschoolers

Parenting Tip:  Create a carnival parade with your preschooler!

 

Why?

Ensemble development means:  to develop the ability to play with a group of people.  When your child learns to play in a group, she begins by being aware of not only her own playing, but the playing of the whole group.  He subsumes his own playing to the goals and requirements of the entire group (an important, executive function skill).  But that's only the beginning.  Playing in an ensemble requires your child to:  listen to herself and others,  play a steady beat, coordinate movements to stop & start on cue,  follow a director (this week, we took turns being the 'director,' during our Hello song/shaker playalong!), and coordinate his own playing  to what is required by the music or directions. 

In Kindermusik, practicing these skills can feel like play to your child.  Yet, they're developing sills that will help them play on a sports team, perform in a play or musical, or play in an orchestra or band.  They are also strengthening the executive function skills that are essential for academic and professional success.  Skills such as working in teams, communication, self-esteem, creative thinking, calmer attitudes, imagination, discipline, study skills and invention are learned and improved through the study of music.

 

How?

play the Carnival Find & Count!  Once your child has found the instruments in the picture, get out some instruments from home (like your instruments from Kindermusik), and play along to your favorite song - as a family ensemble! 

Open the Let's Pretend Treasure Chest, and have a day at the carnival!  After pretending to be clowns, can you discover new sound effects to add to the Funny Fellow rhyme?  Do you have drums (or drum-like containers) at home?  Why not add a pretend marching band parade, before the carnival closes for the day? 

 

Want to Learn More?

On our blog - read 4 Significant Benefits of Music Education. 

Kindermusik 7-Year Continuum:

In Kindermusik baby classes, babies discover how to make sound with their voices, and with instruments, as adults demonstrate how to play & sing in an ensemble.  For toddlers, children have opportunities for practicing group instrument play, during singing games and instrument 'steady beat' playalongs.  For preschoolers, Kindermusik provides a framework for finding their place in the musical group (Who will lead?  Is it my turn?  Are we playing at the same time?  Should my instruments be in rest position?).  In Young Child classes, big kids get to experience authentic ensemble play, as we read notes and play full songs on glockenspiels, recorders, and dulcimers together.