WHY KINDERMUSIK?

Kindermusik is more than just a weekly music class.

Although it is not easily visible, your baby began learning immediately.  Scientists verify 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.  Recently, they have shown this continues even as they sleep. 

The more frequently these experiences occur as a recognizable pattern, the stronger each pathway grows.  Music is comprised of patterns that are eagerly recognized and embraced by the brain, creating a desire for repetition.   You may notice your baby starts moving excitedly when they hear music, especially if it is familiar and is paired with something they enjoy… like face to face interactions with you.  They want to do it again and again.  It is through these joyful musical interactions that they feel connected emotionally , learn to move their body through space, and build strong neural pathways.

The greater the number of neural pathways, the greater the capacity for strong foundations that are ready to add new information and develop new skills.  Rich sensory environments and  playful interactions are vital to the brain development of infants.

Kindermusik makes it EASY !   Many parents have commented that they know how to care for their baby and take care of the babies basic needs.  But they were not as sure about how to PLAY with their little one, and how much it could benefit both the baby and themselves.   You will soon begin to believe as I do, Life is sweeter with a musical soundtrack for the moments and stages of our lives.

Music connects us emotionally within ourselves, feeling the joy of the music itself, and the joy of our growing abilities to coordinate our bodies and voices with it.

During a structured group class like Kindermusik, your young child will be engaged musically with YOU, with other children the same age AND their loving partners, and with a experienced teacher.   Through weekly gatherings, the child becomes familiar with the routines and the people, offering plenty of opportunities to explore what makes them feel best about themselves, and about their interactions with other people.   Even if something is not as expected, or it doesn’t feel right, these people will work together to help make it right.  All these positive interactions build a child’s feelings that they are connected emotionally to the world around them and can trust they will have the love and support they need to thrive.

As part of an orchestra or band, when they are older, there is a deep connection with the other players, as well as the leader.  There is always a need for every human to feel connected, and music has a powerful way of bringing people together.

The rhythm, the rhyme, the harmony are all tied into both

• Active listening skills are critical for learning to understand and mimic what is heard.
• Listening and mimicing sounds in our environment build a sound vocabulary, the building blocks of words… and music.
• Pairing a word with a movement, or with a sound, or object develops that cognitive connection things can be represented by a symbol, or a set of sound.  That is one of the reasons we also encourage the use of some simple sign language along with speaking with hearing babies.
• Research has shown a direct correlation with those children who have at least 8 songs or rhymes in their active memory are a great deal more successful in their academic endeavors.
• Children have the opportunity to talk and interact with other children, and adults, and have a strong desire to be heard and understood.

Good question !  We’ve talked a lot about music’s impact on the child’s development so far.  But is there really a need to start music education so young?   Let me start by clarifying that Kindermusik is not designed in an attempt to create little Mozarts.  We believe that at each stage of development, there are critical periods in which it is easier to learn specific concepts or skills.  We don’t want to rush that, and we are careful not to push a child to approach something before they are developmentally ready.  Faster is not necessarily better.

Starting piano lessons at 2 years old is not likely to create a musical genius.  Pushing a child to be successful at a task before they are developmentally ready can lead to feeling like a failure.  (Think of potty training.)  Whereas nurturing many different music (and life) concepts in an age-appropriate way as they grow helps build a feeling of confidence in their growing abilities, and prepares them to be successful at the stage when they are ready to launch into the world of music.

For example, we know that the ability to keep a steady beat in time with recorded music begins to be possible around 3 – 5 years old.  But we also know there are many steps of developing a steady beat that occur before that stage, and that without these experiences, it is likely the child will have a much harder time gaining that skill at that age.  It may be harder to learn, and develop much later, because they are not ready when that critical learning window occurs.

Have you ever sang, or danced, in unison with another person, or a group of people.  Our coordinated INTENT and ACTIONS through music connect our spirits to feel more than just ourselves, that we are not alone in this world, at least in that moment.    With young children, there is less expectations for perfectly unified voices or actions, but rather than we are INTENT on making music and moving in similar ways.

They love  a scheduled time each week to get away from the daily routines, focus on this one-on-one time with their child, and meet up with other people going through the same joys and struggles of parenthood.

Grownups love that their child is connecting with a teacher who notices, respects, supports and loves their child, building a positive foundation for future teacher relationships.

Always feel free to talk to me and let me know your situation, and we’ll see what we can work out together.

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.

Take a look at our Programs & Schedule, and determine an available class time that will work best for your child and family.

Choose one of the following:

• Request to Schedule a Visit – which allows you to participate fully in a class and see the magic before enrolling.
• Register for a one-time event, such as our Saturday Kindermusik Playdates, with your family… extra adult family members are welcome.  And leave with new music for your seasonal enjoyment, as well as instruments or props to build your musical play treasure chest… I mean tool box.
• Enroll Directly – which saves you a spot in that class time immediately, and allows you to get your materials sooner.
• Connect with us if you have any questions, or would like a personalized discussion about what is best for your child.
  • Debbie Mondale:  connect@musiconnx.com ;   call or text:  863-606-8735

When you are ready to take your infant out of the house, get some creative ideas for interacting with your baby, and seek connection with others in this young baby stage, our Kindermusik Foundations is ready for you.  YES... as young as you are willing to venture.  Many families start when their baby is around 2 - 6 months old, and delight in the joy we experience in class creating a sound and sensory filled experience with our babies.  New parents are grateful to glean insight into their baby's development and gain skills for creative interactions that can make such a lasting impact on their child's development.  Babies thrive in this program as music stimulates their brain, body and heart.

Since the units are short, often mom's enjoy this opportunity during their maternity leave.

Kindermusik is our safe and happy place.

When you arrive in our Kindermusik studio, you will find smiling faces surrounded by warm colors and shapes.  To the right, a colorful carpet strip leads you to the turquoise cabinets where you will place your bags on the shelf, and store your shoes in the buckets below.  Then you can make your way to the colorful foam mats on the other side of the room.  You and your child can choose one of the blankets as your spot for this class.  Having a designated space helps a child feel that there is a place for him here.  The following generally describes the structure of the class time for those participating with parents, which includes all ages from infants up to around 3 years old.

During the first part of class, we enjoy some gathering time, so we can get comfortable and have a moment of free exploration and interactions.  On the center blanket there will be instruments, or objects to explore.   WITH your child, show interest in the curiosity of the day.... helping them answer the questions running through their heads,  "What is it?"  "What can I do with it?"  Ms. Debbie may interject with a few possible activities, or put on some music, which are mainly meant to enhance your exploration time.   Then we will sing a song to "Put your things away so carefully".

We start our structured time by singing hello to each child in a way they choose.  On the first day, they may not yet be ready to make a choice, in which case you can choose a movement that you believe they are most likely to enjoy IN THIS MOMENT... which may be to ROCK on your lap.

The rest of the class is filled with a variety of delightful learning opportunities in which you and your child will interact with each other and with the group:   Lap bounces, finger plays, instrument exploration, expressive whole body movements and dances sometimes with a scarf, other scarf play - like peek-a-boo, circle dances where the entire group moves together, and even quiet time filled with listening to peaceful music and rocking gently.  

At the end of class, we all wave and sing the goodbye song.  In the babies class, we sing to each child as a group.  In Level 2, each child will have individual time with the teacher, as Ms. Debbie sings goodbye , using their name, and stamps a special image on their arm.  Each child is encouraged to sing "goodbye", but this is not a performance, so is not required.  Even if they don't want a stamp, or want to sing, I still want to look them in the eye and sing goodbye to each child before they leave... to show they are recgonized, respected, and loved without being required to DO anything.

You may be worried about how your child will act on their first day.  Be aware, we accept each child as a unique individual, who may be dealing with big emotions or cumpulsions, and as a person who has flexible choices for being engaged in their own way, as long as we keep the environment safe and happy.  We do not expect them to be perfect participators on the first day... or any given day, for that matter.   Our goal as adult partners is to inititate and encourage our child to participate in a way that suits them best.  ALSO, be aware that we do not expect parents to be perfect either.  Life is a process we are exploring together, and music can help the process flow more smoothly and be more enjoyable.  

Since this is a new environment, it is your child's job to explore it fully to make sure that it is safe.  How they act may make you tense, because it might not be what you believe they should be doing.  Intentionally tell yourself to Relax (they feel what you feel).  Know that the Kindermusik classroom is a place your child is welcome to be who they are in the moment.  You will come to realize, through consistency and process, your child will become more and more engaged.  This is the perfect setting to help your child develop the skills needed to be a good learner in a structured group environment.   Some days, you may wonder how long it will take.  But I promise, it will happen.

On the first visit, your child might be compelled to move around the room and touch and manipulate everything.  That is ok.  This is a safe place.  That is why we put our bags away.  Just walk around with your child, using words to describe what they see and touch.  Use the word "no" sparingly, and let the space speak for itself.  For example, the cabinet doors are locked, so they would soon give up the endeavor.  Because of our need for a SAFE SPACE, There are a few things that are unacceptable, such as running just to run, often accompanied by ongoing vocal sounds.  It is important to lovingly, physically prevent them from running.  If you'd like to know more about loving ways to resond to this behavior, please see my article on Responding to Reckless Running.

Your child might not be comfortable enough to move off your lap.  We don't consider this "shy"  This happens typically because they do not know enough about this space, and they do not yet feel safe.  The best guidance a parent can give is to talk about what the child is looking at using calm and soothing voice, describing what the child's eyes are focused on.  You may describe what the child is doing, assuring your child that it is ok for each child to be engaged in their own way.  Be sure to point out and discuss things your child may be interested in seeing, and that will help them develop their comfort zone.  Offer 2 - 3 options for your child to be engaged, including just sitting and watching.  It may not be the way you hope they engage, but I assure you they are still learning.  And it is only a matter of acceptance and time before they are ready to choose a more active way to engage.   Sometimes parents want to be engaged fully while the child is sitting and watching, and this MAY be exactly what the child needs.  For some younger children, they may still believe that the parent is simply an extention of themselves, and may be upset that the parent is doing something they don't want to do.  In this case, the best choice is listen to the inner voice and needs of the child for safety and comfort so they can adjust at their own pace.

Since this is a new environment, it is really your child's job to explore this new environment to learn about it and make sure it is safe.  So the first day may look much different than after your child becomes familiar with the space, the music, the people, and the structure of the class.

Be the coolest personal coach for your child.   In classes where parents attend and participate WITH the child, the parent is like the coolest personal coach... actively listening and helping the child be aware of the activity at hand, while noticing HOW the CHILD WANTS to be engaged, supporting their unique style, and encouraging them to expand just a little beyond what they know.   This will look different for each child.  

Although it is tempting sometimes to really connect and engage in conversations with other adults (which is so personally needed), it is important to make a quick plan for a better time to talk, and really connect with your child in class.  

Listen to the music, read the books, explore the instruments.   Outside of the classroom, even with children who participate independently, the Kindermusik recordings, books, instruments, and more are the tools parents can use to gain that beneficial level of repetition and familiarity, expanding on these ideas and activities throughout the week, at home, in the car, and even out and about.  That's where the true learning for the child takes place.  We firmly believe the parents are the child's first and primary teacher.  Our class times are simply a launching point for new activities, and the opportunity to synthesize all they are learning when we joyfully get back to making music with our friends.

Overall, Parent involvement in the musical life of a child is critical... from birth throughout their musical path, even beyond Kindermusik.   Enjoy everyday musical interactions with your child.  These are part of the process that helps them gain music concepts and abilities, as well as allowing the music to enhance every aspect of the child's development.  Parents are essentially learning the basics of music and music therapy, and how to weave music into the routines and rituals of the day to help your child, and effectually making parenting a little easier. 

Watch for communications and be a part of the conversations.  Regular emails about the class content, and our conversations in our MusiconnxMe Facebook group provide guidance and discussion for making it REAL at home.

Yes.  We have mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, relatives, nannies who regularly attend with a child.  Typically the same person attends each time to ensure consistency for the child, but there are some families who alternate who gets to attend with the child as their schedule permits, and other times when both parents attend.  

Parents who work often have a special partner, such as Grandma or Nanny, attend with their child during the week.  AND the parent makes sure to schedule time to attend a Saturday Kindermusik Playdate so they get a chance to be a part of their child's musical life, and see them thrive through the music activities in class as well.  

For these FAQs, the word "parent" refers to all of the adults who attend and who are active with the child during the week.  

If you are looking for an opportunity for your children of different ages to enjoy a class together, make sure to register for one or more of the Kindermusik Playdates offered on the 2nd Saturday of each month !   If looking for a weekly family style class, the Thursday evening group, using Level 2 units, is the perfect opportunity for your family.

In any other Level 2 class group, younger siblings (6 months and younger) may attend with sibling free of charge.  It is probably easiest to enjoy some baby-wearing while you participate.  Babies in car seats are often a distraction for children at this age.  Once the baby is actvely moving around and participating, it will be important to make a choice based on your unique children and family goals.   Is the goal for you to set aside some intentional time with the enrolled child?  If so, you may look for someone to care for your younger child.   OR, You may choose to have a family member or friend attend with you, so each child has their own "cool personal coach" , and that child can be added to your enrollment at 50% tuition.     I have been blessed to have amazing mothers of two children, whether twins, or different ages, meet the needs of each child be a part of our musical world.  Only YOU know what will work best for your family.  I trust you.

During Sharing Time (last 15 min.) for the programs with independent pre-schoolers and our young musicians, Levels 3 - 5, siblings of all ages are welcome, as long as they remain respectful of the space and structure of the activities.

We are committed to the safety of everyone attending our classes.  As a result of our commitment to safety it is preferred that older siblings do not attend baby and toddler classes. We understand that once in a while you may need to bring an older sibling who does not have school that day.  Please email us and let us know that you plan to bring your older child to play in this unique circumstance.  Use your best judgment, remember you always have the option to reschedule your younger child's class that week.  In some cases, we have had some amazing older siblings who respect the babies and are the most nurturing little helpers.  I am open to discussion and trying out situations that may work for your family.

Always feel free to talk to me and let me know your situation, and we'll see what we can work out together.

Absolutely!  Kindermusik can be a wonderful,  fulfilling experience for every child.  Children with autism or  with Down syndrome, hearing impaired children and those with other physical, emotional, speech and learning needs have generally thrived AND improved in Kindermusik.  The flexible structure and pacing f each class makes it easy to adapt activities for the needs of each child... especially with their favorite adult “coach” by their side.    With years of experience, a degree in Music Therapy, and a love for each child, Ms. Debbie facilitates every class adapted for the needs of every child within it.  If you would like to give us a call before enrolling, we would be happy to talk with you about what your expectations are and help you find the perfect class group.

YES!  I do my best to help all families have these musical opportunities with their young children.  Many of our parents work part or full time.  Some are able to arrange their work schedule to attend a regular weekday morning or afternoon class.   

We do have one Thursday evening class group, and it is often full, so be sure to inquire and get on the waiting list in case a space becomes available. 

We have also found success creating a workable schedule for those with non-traditional schedules (like nursing).  If you feel that you may need some help figuring out how to make a weekly class work in your unique schedule, use the Schedule a Trial Class form to get our communications started.

Of course, anyone can register to participate in one of our Kindermusik Playdates, scheduled once a month, typically on 2nd Saturdays in the morning.   Check out the current scheduled activities on our Playdates Page.... or check out our EVENTS on our Music Connections Facebook Page, and indicate your interest.   This way, you can get in on all the updates and specials that we share.

Families can register for ONE or more of these one-time events feature a unique monthly theme, and include a set of 10 recordings, a Sharing Sheet of songs texts and activity ideas, as well as an instrument, craft, or prop to continue to learning and interactive joys at home.  Some families, even those who attend weekly, put these on their calendar and make sure to attend with Dad every month.  Yes, we have THAT much fun !

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.

Take a look at our Programs & Schedule, and determine an available class time that will work best for your child and family.

Choose one of the following:

• Request to Schedule a Visit - which allows you to participate fully in a class and see the magic before enrolling.
• Enroll Directly - which saves you a spot in that class time immediately, and allows you to get your materials sooner.
• Connect with us if you have any questions, or would like a personalized discussion about what is best for your child.
  • Debbie Mondale:   musiconnx@gmail.com ;   call or text:  863-397-4976