Music Benefits Babies' Brains  - New Study

Babies who receive musical training smile more, communicate better and react more calmly to unfamiliar or unfavourable situations, according to new research out of Ontario's McMaster University.

The study involved one-year-olds and their parents who spent six months participating in one of two types of music-related activities.

One group played with toys while music played in the background.

The other group learned to play percussion instruments and sing lullabies, nursery rhymes and songs with actions.

The interactive group showed more sophisticated responses to music, but what surprised researchers even more was the non-musical differences between the two groups.

Babies from the interactive classes showed better early communication skills, like pointing at objects that are out of reach or waving goodbye, the study found. They also smiled more, were easier to soothe and showed less distress when things were unfamiliar or didn't go their way.

"Many past studies of musical training have focused on older children," study co-author Laurel Trainor said. "Our results suggest that the infant brain might be particularly plastic with regard to musical exposure."

The study was funded by an award from the Grammy Foundation and appeared in the journals Developmental Science and Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.

Reprinted from article in Toronto Sun at this link:  http://www.torontosun.com/2012/05/09/music-benefits-babies-brains

10 Reasons to Enroll for Kindermusik This Summer!

Join us for a Musical Adventure this summer with a Kindermusik Class that’s designed just for your child!  You will explore “In My Backyard” with your toddler, create a Drum Circle in “Drums, Drums, Drums” with your preschooler or “Splash” in the waters of summer (lake, ocean, beach).  There will be “Busy Days” full of classical music & more for your baby!  Plus a family class that invites you to “Let’s Play”.  There’s a weekly class for everyone (age 0 to 5) and unique Kathy’s Music Play-Date camps for children ages 3-6.

So – why take a Kindermusik Summer camp with Kathy’s Music??
Here are my top ten reasons!

10. New music that is not only fantastic for your child's development, but is interesting listening for the whole family.

9. A safe environment for you to play and be silly with your child without out fear of ridicule.

8. A chance to get to meet and know other families with children your child's age.

7. Books and instruments to take home and continue the play throughout the year.

6. An air-conditioned activity for the dog days of summer.

5. Weekly opportunity to focus completely on your child and remind yourself how creative and unique he or she is.

4. Egg shakers - need I say more?

3. Bubbles, parachutes and singing together - time to be a kid again.

2. Summer session is only 4 weeks long. It’s a great way to try us out.

and the #1 reason to sign up for Kindermusik this summer....

1. Kindermusik activities strengthen your child's brain and affect every area of her development.

A Good Beginning Never Ends --- why not get started now?  Enroll Now.

Kathy Morrison, Director / www.KathysMusic.com / (412) 344-0535

Offering Kindermusik, General Music Classes, and Private Lessons.

Electrify Your Strings - A Family Event on 3/29

Plug in to a great concert-going experience with Electrify Your Strings - a fun and entertaining event the entire family can enjoy right in our own neighborhood at Bethel Park High School!

Thursday, March 29th at 7pm the Bethel Park High School string orchestra under the direction of Mrs. Stephanie Glover, a string instructor at Kathy's Music, will perform a rockin' concert of memorable pop tunes complete with a custom light show and a featured performance by celebrity electric violinist Bridgid Bibbins. Adults and students alike will enjoy the show and children of all ages are invited to attend.

String players note: an electric violin will be raffled off at the event so make sure you drop your name in the running for a chance at the big prize!

Tickets are $5 per adult and $3 per student and are available at the McMurray and Mt. Lebanon studios, at the door the evening of the performance, or by contacting Stephanie Glover at glover.stephanie@bpsd.org. See this link for the official Bethel Park School District announcement.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to rock and roll with your family!

Local Opera Features one of our Kindermusik Teachers!

Jealousy. Conspiracy. Loyalty. And the masterful music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart propelling a story of intrigue, remorse, and fragile redemption. Vitellia, the daughter of the former emperor, uses her admirer Sesto, played by Kindermusik teacher Jenifer Weber, in a plot to remove the beloved Emperor Tito, who does not return her affections. She sets off a tragic and unpredictable chain of events. A fire, confusion and revelation move Mozart’s work towards a heart-breaking and surprising conclusion. This fascinating opera was first performed in 1791, but its timeless themes transport audiences to the dangerous days of 80 A.D. Rome where power struggles and betrayal characterize the landscape of politics and love. Sung in Italian with surtitles. Fully staged, directed by Patrick Brannan. Accompanied by the Undercroft Orchestra, conducted by Walter Morales.

Jenifer appears on Saturday, February 25th only at 7:30pm at the Seton Center at 1900 Pioneer Ave. in Brookline.

Tickets range in price from $20-$35 and children under 12 are half price. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

There is no violence or sexual content in this opera.

https://www.undercroftopera.org/tito.php

Support Your School's Music Program!

by Stephanie Glover, Violin instructor for Kathy's Music, LLC

If you are reading this article, then you probably agree that the study of music and the arts is vital to providing a well-rounded and enriching education for children. In 1977 the Arts, Education, and American Panel was able to articulate the importance in the statement"...The arts are a function of life itself, and the process of making art -- both creative and recreative -- can give insight to all other areas of learning. The arts help people understand themselves in historical, cultural, and aesthetic terms; they provide people with broader choices about their environment and influence the way they do their work and live their lives. Since artist expression is also truly basic to the individual's intellectual development, it must be included as a component of all education."

We are so very fortunate that many schools in the Pittsburgh area, both public and private, share these same values and present music education at the core of their curriculums. Many schools offer general music classes, a variety of performing ensembles, and music electives such as music theory or music technology. I would encourage all students, especially those currently enrolled in private lessons, to take advantage of these opportunities by actively participating and supporting your school’s music program. Participation in a musical activity in a group setting along side their peers teaches students much more than you might first assume. Music ensembles teach students communication and leadership skills as well as how to work together as a team to achieve long and short term goals. School music programs give students the opportunity to give back to their communities and are a great way for students to meet other students with common interests that can lead to fun and lasting friendships. All of these skills are critical for success inside as well as outside the classroom.

The music classroom is very different today than it was years ago, mostly due to the positive evolution of teacher training and access to technology. It is dynamic and diversified, encouraging self-expression and creativity. Music educators have access to technology that allows students to explore various cultures, traditions, and styles of music. Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in your school music program and support the arts in your local community.

Jazz Music from Megadolon - Concert 12/20!

Megadolon is relatively new group on the Pittsburgh scene featuring our own guitar teacher, Scott Kruser. These guys are excellent musicians, well-trained, and many are seeking advanced degrees in the Pittsburgh area. You'll love the smooth sounds of jazz, whether listening to one of their CD's or enjoying a live performance.

This week they will be performing at the Shadow Lounge downtown (5972 Baum Boulevard 126 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206) on Tuesday, Dec 20th from 6-9pm with a $5 cover. All ages are welcome.

Parents - enjoy a night out and enjoy Jazz Music! If you stop by, be sure to say hello to Scott.

Kindermusik: Parenting Through Music - Music Makes Traveling Easier!

Image: Family Fun.

Childbirth and parenting classes should include a section called "Packing for the littlest traveler." Parents who travel with a young child often look like a mobile baby super store. Pack-n-play, stroller, nursing pillow, sippy cups, bottles, binkies, blankie (and backup blankie), case of diapers, case of wipes, baby food, toys, car seat, two or three outfits for each day, oh, and yes, the child! Are we there yet?!

At Kindermusik, we know a thing or two about traveling with the under 7 crowd. After all, we play Virtual Travel Agent each week in class. This semester in Village we booked excursions to go bird watching in Australia and Africa, learned infant massage in South Africa, sang songs in France, and even went dancing in Virginia and Charleston. In Our Time, we visited Clapping and Stomping Land, watched frogs in Sweden, hopped on Lukey's Boat, and took a donkey ride in the West Indies. No packing required!

(Next semester in Village, we are headed to the farm! Reserve your spot now for the hayride! Ready for Our Time? Then buckle up for traveling by planes, trains, and automobiles. Our preschoolers will be making toys in “Toys I Make~Trips I Take” and then going on pretend trips by boat and train.)

Everyday connection: Kindermusik for the Kindertraveler. Few children enjoy being strapped in their car seats for long periods of time. Music makes it easier. Create a playlist of your child's favorite Kindermusik songs for the trip or download these parent-child favorites: http://mindsonmusic.kindermusik.com/bringing-music-home/kindermusiks-favorite-road-trip-playlist/.
Happy Holidays! Thank you for choosing to spend each week in Kindermusik. Please enjoy this free "Winter Wonderland" song download. Click on the link and then the orange download button to download for free. http://play.kindermusik.com/en/tracks/3008-winter-wonderland/.

For free printable travel games to entertain your kids, click here.