Why should I choose a Kindermusik program for my child?

Kindermusik is a developmentally appropriate music and movement program for children ages newborn - 7 years. Kindermusik International continually develops and enhances its music and movement curricula by incorporating the latest early childhood development research showing that active participation in a music program is a powerful stimulant for a child's total human development. Children sing, play instruments, dance, explore literature and learn to listen in an active, intent way. Musical goals range from developing steady beat proficiency to learning to read music at 5 years of age. The program is based on the beliefs that all children are musical and that the parent is the child's most important teacher. Early exposure to music is critical to your child's total development and can make a significant impact on lifelong learning.

How does Kindermusik benefit me, the parent?

We hear from many parents that with their busy lives and hectic schedules, quality time with their child can sometimes be hard to find. The time you spend with your child is absolutely essential for his or her developmental growth. Kindermusik can be your invitation to make the time. The Kindermusik class is a well-planned, age-appropriate, child-centered educational experience. You will engage with other adults and children as you all sing, dance, move, play, explore, and create together. Let music make the difference in your lives.

What class is best for my child?

Please see our class descriptions page for information about each developmental age range. Age ranges are guidelines, and you should think about your child's developmental stage. If you are not sure whether your child should be on the older end of one class, or the younger end of another class level, contact us and we will discuss the benefits of either choice. For example, some babies do well in a Village class up to age 22 months. Some toddlers are comfortable in an Our Time class up to 4 years of age. Each child is unique and we would like to give you personal information to help you make the best choice for your child.

What if my child is not participating in class?

Each child has his own unique learning style. We encourage you to allow your child to learn in his own way, which may be different from your learning style. The mover needs to explore the room, the observer needs to sit back and watch, and the listener needs to not have distractions close by. Allowing your child the "space" to learn in his own unique way will help his comfort level in class. When the comfort level rises, the brain opens up for optimal learning. Usually around the 6th week of class, the "magic" starts to happen and you will notice more active participation. 

What are the At Home Materials?

Unlike most other music programs for young children, Kindermusik is designed as an every day musical experience. That's why Kindermusik puts so much energy into creating high quality At Home Materials that are second to none. Thoughtfully crafted sets of materials including CD's, books, activity pages, and instruments are purposefully incorporated to provide the most complete and the best possible musical learning experience available for the entire family. Your At Home Materials are just the tools you need to continue that one-of-a-kind Kindermusik experience together as a family throughout the week. 

Can I bring a sibling to class?

In a Village class (newborn - 18 mos) our main concern is your baby's safety. It is preferred that older siblings do not attend. We know that once in a while you may need to bring an older sibling who does not have school that day. Just email us and let us know you will be bringing your older child to play with us this special time. Please use your best judgment in realizing if your older sibling may be disruptive to the class. In that case, you may choose to not attend class that day and make it up another time when you can just bring the baby. In a toddler class, younger siblings may come to class and sit safely in a car seat free of charge. Once the baby is mobile and we mutually determine that the baby will be safe in the toddler class, we charge you 1/2 tuition for the mobile baby. All siblings are welcome to attend the Family Sharing Time during the last 10 minutes of an Imagine That (preschool age) or Young Child class (5 - 7 yrs).

Are Kindermusik classes beneficial for children with special needs?

We are fortunate to have a music therapist and a speech pathologist on our staff. Every year we have the most beautiful children with special needs participate in our classes. Not only do these families find our classes therapeutic, they are rewarded with special memories of their child being included in a group activity, in a fun, collaborative atmosphere.

"Because Kindermusik includes parents in all of the activities for the younger children and a careful selection of the activities for older children, in a planned and developmentally appropriate manner, the support for the child with special needs is inherent. The flexibility and individualization in the curricula and each of the activities allow the educator and the parent to collaborate to provide the child with special needs with just the right support to be a successful part of the group." Melissa R. Johnson, PhD. Pediatric Psychologist