Research PROVES time and time again how much music stimulates the development of the brain. Throughout history, many educational theories have included music in their academic curriculum. The following quote by Plato is such an eloquent way to illustrate the importance of music training.
“Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other (for education) because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul, on which they mightily fasten, imparting grace.”
As indicated in the previous blog posting, Maria Montessori believed that children up to 6 years old were going through a “sensitive period for music”, and promoted methods for children to experience and explore music during these years.
Kindermusik draws from the teachings of Montessori, as well as leading music education theories, such as Suzuki, Orff, and many others, to develop a comprehensive method for introducing music and music concepts to the youngest of children.
Kindermusik goes a step further and continues their studies of the the best of current research in music education and in child development, developing curriculum, AND home materials, that focuses the power of music to help children in all areas of life;
PHYSICAL development – locomotor movements as well as fine motor movements with hands and fingers
EMOTIONAL development – awareness of self, the body, the emotions, and the psyche
SOCIAL development – interaction with family as well as peers and new adults
LANGUAGE development – the ability to communicate with each other through body movements, facial expression and words, as well as through written words
COGNITIVE development – the recognition of patterns, which is how the brain lays the foundation for understanding the world around them, and the ability to solve problems effectively.
MUSIC development – experiencing and developing skills in all areas of music, including music concepts and music theory, but also expanding to include the wide variety of music in cultures around the world, and throughout history.
The introduction of music in a child’s early life, even at infancy, helps build initial neural pathways that help them make sense of the world. They establish a foundation of knowledge that makes it easier to connect new knowledge, which makes it easier for them to learn more. This can be all done without Kindermusik. Any musical pursuits you establish with your children start this process.
But, with my background in Music Therapy, and with the years of experience as a Kindermusik educator, I have found Kindermusik to offer what parents need most to really bring the power of music to life, at each age of their child’s development. That’s why the programs are separated according to age groups, and include both weekly classes, as well as materials to bring the learning home.
Find out more, and find an educator in your area at www.kindermusik.com .