Frequently Asked Questions
Which class is best for my child?
Each class, from infants to those who are ready for more advanced musical training, has been carefully designed to match your child’s current developmental level. Additionally, I tailor activities to best fit the makeup of each individual class.
Kindermusik sounds like a lot of fun, but what will my child learn about music?
To the casual observer, it might indeed look like we are just playing and having fun. While the approach is necessarily and appropriately playful, every aspect of the Kindermusik curriculum is built upon a solid musical and developmental foundation.
While playing, moving and singing, children are improving their rhythmic competency, developing a sense of steady beat, achieving the ability to match pitches, becoming acquainted with timbre, learning a repertoire of songs, experiencing many different instruments, increasing their ability to listen, and of course, gaining a love of music that will last throughout their life.
How does Kindermusik benefit me as a parent?
Kindermusik acknowledges that you are your child’s first and most important teacher, and your Kindermusik classes and home materials will empower you with the knowledge and tools to bring the love of learning and of music to your child. Kindermusik is truly the essence of “quality time,” offering you a place to create special memories with your child and to gain new insights into your child’s development.
You will discover a unique sense of community and belonging in the Kindermusik classroom. Your child will blossom in this environment, and you will also appreciate the support and friendship of other adults in class.
So, how do babies and toddlers benefit from their own music class?
Scientists tell us that infants are born with billions of nerve cells and a nearly unlimited potential for connections between those nerve cells. Every time an infant has a sensory experience, neural pathways are formed. The greater the number of neural pathways, the greater the brain power. Rich sensory environments are vital to the brain development of infants.
In Kindermusik, we dance in a social setting where children can begin 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 and is a necessary skill for walking, running, bouncing a ball, using scissors and so much more. The bonding and comforting activities we show you in class help you and your child 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 child!
I plan to have my child take music lessons later on. Why enroll in Kindermusik now?
Instinctively, we know that music belongs in the life of young children. They are in the critical period for developing a good foundation in music, and full musical potential is often lost if it is not nurtured and maintained in these early years.
With Kindermusik, parent-child interaction is fostered, socialization with other children is encouraged, fine-motor and gross-motor development is enhanced, and language skills flourish. Children learn valuable school readiness skills as a rich musical foundation is laid.
In short, Kindermusik helps each child develop musically at the right time and in the right way. The result is a Kindermusik graduate with a solid foundation and a giant head-start when moving to instrumental or voice lessons.
I am interested in private music lessons. Why do Kindermusik first?
In our Young Child class, children learn to play instruments: an accurately pitched glockenspiel, a dulcimer, and a recorder. Using the principals of Suzuki, Kodaly, Dalcroze and Orff, students explore many facets of the musical experience-speaking, singing, moving, dancing, listening, creating and playing instruments, as well as learning to read and write music. Young Child helps every child develop a confident, joyful voice for singing and speaking as well as essential building blocks for a future of successful learning.
Kindermusik is foundational to ALL the activities your child will want to do – soccer, private music lessons, reading, math, making friends and more!
I want to enroll my child in preschool and maybe also dance or karate. Why choose Kindermusik?
When it comes to preschool, many parents have found that this is not an either/or choice. Kindermusik and preschool are not mutually exclusive. In fact, Kindermusik supplements and enriches the preschool experience tremendously. The appropriate developmental nature of Kindermusik activities ensure that learning is never “too much, too fast.”
Many of the benefits of the other activities-such as promoting physical coordination and social skills, providing a structured routine, building self-esteem and developing talents and cognitive abilities-are actually all encompassed in a Kindermusik class. The opportunity to creatively express individual imaginations through the combination of singing, moving, and playing instruments is unique to Kindermusik.
PLUS there is the added benefit of a developing love of music that will last well past the time when school is done and the dance shoes and karate belts are put away. In fact, as we often say at Kindermusik: “A good beginning never ends.”
My child has special developmental challenges. Is it still okay to enroll in Kindermusik?
Absolutely! Autistic children, children with Down syndrome, hearing impaired children and those with other physical, emotional, speech and learning needs have generally thrived AND improved in Kindermusik. What Kindermusik can do for children with special needs is often more significant than all that it does for those without these disabilities.
Let’s talk finances. Why doesn’t Kindermusik cost less?
Consider this:
1. Kindermusik is the leader in Early Childhood Music and Movement programs. Being a part of “KINDERMUSIK” ensures that you get an exceptional product and an exceptional experience.
2. Kindermusik is the “designer” label as opposed to the “generic” or “in-store” label.
3. Kindermusik regularly consults with experts in the field of early Childhood development-music and movement as they develop their curricula. These experts, along with an amazing team at Kindermusik International, bring their knowledge and experience into your lives. No other curriculum can boast of such backing.
4. The materials produced by Kindermusik International are of the highest quality. With your Home Materials, your classroom experience can continue at home every day of the week!
5. If you compare apples to apples, Kindermusik is often less expensive than other programs. There are no costume fees, recital fees, instrument rentals, or additional purchases required. With Kindermusik “you get what you pay for” – and then some!
Kindermusik is truly MORE than just music. Carla Hannaford, educator, biologist, and author of Smart Moves put it this way:
“Kindermusik is elegant in its integrated approach to a child’s development…The importance of having families working together, where everyone benefits from the sense of belonging, gets directly at the heart of what we, as a society, are needing at this time to raise healthy, loving children…All of this is provided in the Kindermusik program.”
Can I bring siblings to class?
We are unable to accommodate un-enrolled siblings unless they are young enough to be content in a stroller or infant carrier. Older siblings are welcome to occasionally watch class from the back of the Kindermusik room but they may not participate in a class.
What is your makeup policy?
I offer one family time make-up day per semester.
Kindermusik almost sounds too good to be true. It can’t really be all that wonderful…can it?
After 21 years of teaching Kindermusik, I think so! However, we are working with young children here, not every class is a dream, but most classes come close. The curriculum works beautifully because it is developmentally appropriate and musically engaging. Each child learns at his or her own level and ability. There is not one standard of performance that anyone is trying to meet, and the WHOLE child is developed through music. It’s truly magical – at every age and every stage!
So, what’s the next step?
I invite you to join thousands of other parents around the world who attend Kindermusik classes every week. I’d love for you to experience for yourself why Kindermusik is the world’s most trusted brand in musical learning.
