Q1: Since my child and I have never attended a Kindermusik class, it is possible to try it once before we decide whether or not to enroll?
A: Definitely! Contact Teacher Shanda or Teacher Filbert for demo class schedules. You can even bring your children’s friends and have your own “musical show.”
Q2: I feel my child is ready for private instrument instruction NOW. Why should I choose Kindermusik over a Suzuki program or other private lessons?
A: A child who indicates a strong interest in playing the piano (or any other instrument) must have more than just this interest to sustain them. They must be ready to accept the rules, guidelines and suggestions of the teacher. Will the child still be interested and not frustrated when the teacher asks the child to play a certain way, or hold his hand in a certain position? Additional considerations include fine motor control as well as the maturity and attention span necessary for daily individual practice. Will the child happily focus for 15-25 minutes on a series of directed tasks? Will the parent devote the time it takes to direct a very young child in this activity? Most parents do not take into consideration the importance of skill building and motivation over a long period of time. Instead, they just focus on how early a child starts lessons.
The best time to start formal lessons is when they have graduated from Kindermusik! Kindermusik for the Young Child builds on a strong foundation of movement, vocal development and listening and incorporate the principles of Suzuki, Kodaly, Dalcroze and Orff, as the children learn notes of the treble staff, rhythm patterns, instruments of the orchestra, musical terms and composers, all in a fun, social environment that ensures your child will stay motivated and have a strong and happy experience with music lessons. The environment is focused on process, not performance, and is much less intimidating for the child than formal lessons. You can be assured that it is never “too much, too fast.”
Parents of Kindermusik graduates and piano teachers are unanimous in their
endorsement of the Kindermusik program for 5-7 year olds, for the marvelous
preparation it gives them for formal lessons.
Q3: My toddler is very active and doesn’t always seem to be listening to the activity. He prefers to move around the class. Isn't it a waste of our time and money?
A: Children are primarily kinesthetic learners and learn best through movement. A toddler loves to exercise his newfound freedom in self-propelled movement, and we encourage this. These classes are not about just sitting and listening. Children learn peripherally, meaning that they are absorbing information like sponges through all 5 senses even if it appears to us that they are not actively engaged. Parents often tell us that their child repeated a song or activity at home, although they appeared distracted during class. They are learning their own way, and we respect each child’s needs and differences. By using the At-Home Materials, you can be sure that your child is learning in class, and at home. Be patient, and know that your child is learning at the pace that is right for her. We expose them to the activities and songs with suggested learning objectives, and they take it from there, often surpassing our expectations!
Q4: How does Kindermusik prepare a child for reading music & singing or playing a musical instrument later on?
A: Pattern recognition in melodies and rhythms through singing, movement, visual stimulus, instrument play, solo and ensemble playing is the beginning of a great music education. Ear-training and singing games help children to distinguish between high and low pitches, legato and staccato touches, melody and harmony.
The great thing about Kindermusik is that it develops the complete musician. They can read music, acquire ear-training skills, feel rhythms and melodies as well as contour, identify many instruments by sight and sound, and are enthusiastic about the next step because we have given them a successful beginning. They are confident and joyful about their musical ability. This the best gift that you can give to a beginning instrumentalist or young singer!
Q5: My child has special developmental problems. Is Kindermusik for her?
A: Absolutely! Autistic children, children with Down syndrome, hearing impaired children and those with other physical, emotional and learning disorders have generally thrived AND improved in Kindermusik. What the program can do for children with special needs is ten-fold greater than even what it does for those without these disabilities.
Q6: What if I want to enroll my child in gymnastics, dance, soccer, karate, or play school?
A: As children reach the age of four, a world of possibilities in the community opens up to them. We can send our children to any number of wonderful activities, but they don't all involve the family. Being able to enjoy our families in a rich musical environment is priceless. These days children are being pushed out into the world at younger ages than ever and it's nice to have an activity where family involvement is celebrated. 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 all encompassed in a Kindermusik class. PLUS there is the added benefit of a development for a love of music that will last much past the time the dance shoes and karate gees are put away - in fact, as we say at Kindermusik, "A good beginning never ends." The opportunity to creatively express their individual imaginations through art, vocal, dance and instrument activities is unique to Kindermusik.
Q7: As a parent/caregiver, how do I participate in class?
A: Parent/caregiver participation is required for the Baby “Village” and Toddler “Our Time” classes, "Family Time", "Sign & Sing", and the last fifteen minutes for the Pre-schooler “Imagine That” and Kindergarten “Young Child” classes. During class, the most important thing you can do for your child is to be an active and patient role model. It is not uncommon for a child to attend several classes before feeling comfortable in class. Don’t be discouraged - what a child is absorbing in class is often evidenced in the comfort of the home environment rather than in a certain level of participation in class. Remember that all children learn at different paces. While it may seem as if your child is not "getting into the class" at first, you'd be surprised at what they are actually learning. Let your child have the time he/she needs to adjust, adapt, and absorb the class environment. The understanding and consistency of the parent or caregiver in class and at home are keys to facilitating musical learning and growth.
Q8: My child loves Kindermusik class and sings all of the songs and does all of the activities at home, but when we are in class, he just sits there.
A: Not to worry! Although this is sometimes frustrating to parents because of our performance oriented society, developmentally, pushing children to perform has no place in an Early Childhood program of any kind. We believe the parent is the child's most important teacher, and the home is the most important place for that learning to grow. When you think about it, success should be measured more by what a child does all the rest of the week than what he does in the 45 minutes at Kindermusik class. And remember that Kindermusik is about Process, not Performance. Every child can be successful in a Kindermusik class no matter what developmental level he is on.
Q9: Is Kindermusik a franchise? Are you affiliated with other Kindermusik program?
A: Local Kindermusik programs are connected through
Kindermusik Philippines.
Though taught by different Kindermusik educators, the tuition fees, curriculum,
and the philosophy are the same. Furthermore, what you enjoy here in your local
community is also what families from around the world enjoy! Visit www.kindermusik.com.ph to discover the nearest Kindermusik Studio to you!
Q10: What can a newborn baby learn from being in the Village Class? Will it not be more effective to begin such classes after they turn one?
A: Research has shown that a baby's brain is capable of receiving stimulation as soon as he/she is born. At birth the brain consists of millions of individual cells that have no ability on their own. Post birth experiences, when repeated, will cause these brain cells to connect, forming neural pathways. It is these pathways that are the basis of the brain's thinking functions. With positive reinforcement, the pathways will strengthen and be protected by myelin, which results in greater brain power. 0–3 years is the critical window of opportunities when the brain is most active. In Kindermusik Village classes, parents and babies are involved in joyful and meaningful musical activities. Parents are then encouraged to continue the process at home with the support of Kindermusik home materials. With the help of Foundations of Learning statements that explain the benefits of the different activities, parents pick up tips, ideas, repertoire of games, songs, rhymes, etc. to interact with the baby, and in the process, develop a strong bond and help stimulate the baby's brain positively.
for other questions, feel free to contact us
