Thoughts on Musical Beginnings

MUSICIANS ONE AND ALL

2012-01-16T13:27:00.002-05:00

I read a wonderful blog post by Stephen Hough the other day in which he suggests that you don’t have to play an instrument or compose music to be a musician. To pay attention to music and listen to it is enough to make you a musician. Mr. Hough is a concert pianist and composer who affirms that music is for everybody. I was delighted to think of all the families and children in Kindermusik classes and at home, who are paying attention to music, bringing it into their lives everyday through singing, dancing, and playing. I remember all those brave parents and grandparents who claimed they couldn’t sing but sang along in class with great enthusiam because of their love for their children. And we always sound beautiful singing together! Love and attention make us musicians! And, in Kindermusik class, it’s through that love for music that we give our children the delicious and nourishing food that feeds their natural hunger for learning and growth.

Here’s a link to Stephen Hough playing his own arrangement of Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s My Favorite Things from “The Sound of Music.”

New classes are starting the week of February 6th, with several other shorter sessions in the meantime. Join us for a free preview class and see how you and your children can be musicians, too!

— Merry Obrecht Sawdey, Kindermusik Educator

The 12 Benefits of Music Education part 2

2011-12-11T13:16:00.001-05:00

Continuing on our "Benefits" article:

4. Recent studies show that students who study the arts are more successful on stadardized tests such as the SAT.

5. A study of the arts provides children with an internal glimpse of other cultures and teaches them to be empathetic towards the people of these cultures. This development of compassion and empathy, as opposed to development of greed and a "me first" attitude, provides a bridge across cultural chasms that leads to respect of other races at an early age.

6. Students of music learn craftsmanship as they study how details are put together painstakingly and what constitutes good, as opposed to mediocre, work. These standards, when applied to a student's own work, demand a new level of excellence and require students to stretch their inner resources.

More to come...

The 12 Benefits of Music Education

2011-11-16T13:05:00.002-05:00

The 12 Benefits of music Education, written by Carolyn Phillips, former executive director of the Norwalk Youth Symphony, continues to inspire us to develop and maintain the highest quality program for our students.

Here are the first 3 of her series:

1. Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning. It is thought that brain development continues for many years after birth. Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain's circuits in specific ways. Linking familiar songs to new information can also help imprint information on young minds.

2. There is also a casual link between music and spatial intelligence (the ability to perceive the world accurately and to form mental pictures of things). This kind of intelligence, by which one can visualize various elements that should go together, is critical to the sort of thinking necessary for everything from solving advanced mathematics problems to being able to pack a bookbag with everything that will be needed for the day.

3. Students of the arts learn to think creatively and to solve problems by imagining various solutions, rejecting outdated rules and assumptions. Questions about the arts do not have only one right answer.

The power of the arts is very evident in our Kindermusik classes. If you are not currently a part of a class, please check out our web site and call for a FREE preview!

NOVEMBER - A TIME OF THANKSGIVING

2011-11-08T15:48:00.003-05:00

This is one of my favorite times of year. The weather is great and I am ready to come inside and huddle up for a while. Family time is in my mind mostly. At this time of year I am thankful most for my family. I have a wonderful husband who sticks by me even on my worst days. I have 3 wonderful children who I am so very proud of. And then there are my 5 grandchildren. I had no idea what people were talking about when they said being a grandparent is so great. Wow! Were they ever right. It is absolutely the best thing! All 5 of my grandkids bring such joy to my heart.

Of course, this wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention how thankful I am for my parents. What an amazing couple. We just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. I am so thankful for them. I also have 3 great sisters and their families are also wonderful. My nieces and nephews have grown up to become the most wonderful young men and women.

So just stop and take a minute in these beautiful fall days to contemplate your family and how much they mean to you. Even the little things are so wonderful. So I declare... thanks be to God for my family!

play.kindermusik.com

2011-10-23T13:41:00.002-04:00

Kindermusik International is always trying to stay on the cutting edge of technology and offer products that help both children and their parents. I think they have hit the ball out of the park on this one. Parents are always looking for ways to interact with their children that help in their development. Kindermusik has for a while offered a site call play.kindermusik.com. At this site parents can create an account and go in and digitally download the music for their child's Kindermusik class. There are also a ton of other songs that may be purchased.

Now Kindermusik International has added Lyric & Activity Booklets to their play.kindermusik site. These booklets have all of the lyrics to the songs that their child is singing this semester. There are also suggested activities to go with each song. What a wonderful parent resource! You can go to this site for ideas that will get your creative juices flowing. And what great benefits your child will receive!

Here's how to do this:

Go to www.play.kindermusik.com
Either log in or create your own account.
Put in your class code. (You received a postcard type paper in your home materials this session. It contains your # to use for this.)
You will see your class CD. Under this are two icons. The orange one is for downloading your class songs. The green one is for the Lyric & Activities Booklet.

So go to this site and enjoy all the fun activities that Kindermusik has for you. Just another great value for being in this Kindermusik session.

MAKING MUSIC IN YOUR HOME

2011-09-23T21:53:00.002-04:00

At Kindermusik one of our goals is to help you as a parent to bring music into your home. Your child will benefit the most when you do a little bit of music every day. Your Family Home Activity Book is a gold mine for just this purpose. This book will help you bring the music home! But in the meantime, here are some general ideas to help your home be filled with music.

CAMP OUT - Build a tent in your family room. Start a "camp fire" and, of course, sing around the camp fire. Teach your child those songs that you sang when you were a child. Besides the music, you will be building a family bond with your child.
JOIN THE PARADE - Get out the plastic wear, maybe even some old pots and pans. Then you will need a few wooden spoons, plastic spatulas or the like. Put on some marching music (if you are a Kindermusik family, you have some) and get those knees up! Not only will you have music in your home, but you will be getting some exercise also.
START AN ORCHESTRA - If you are a family that has some instruments around your house, then get them out. A few drums, maybe a kazoo or two, and some shakers. You have yourself an orchestra. Now all you need is a conductor. Let the conductor lead you in playing together and then just the sections. Follow the conductor and then let another family member be your conductor. Experiment, listen and see what different sounds your little orchestra can make.

I've given you a few ideas, now see what your family can come up with on your own. And don't forget to check out your Family Home Activity Book. It's a treasure!

By Mrs. Kim who is waiting for the next parade to march through her living room!

THE ECOMONY

2011-08-30T08:16:00.003-04:00

Yes! No one likes to talk about it very much right now. We try to ignore it. It is about all you hear on the news stations. The economy is not good. But we still have to live our lives. Time still marches on. Yes, it does not matter how we try to stop it.

So with that, children are getting older. Our kids are growing up. We can't ignore that! We see them going from one developmental stage to another. As that time passes we miss many opportunities to help our child develop if we try to just ignore it.

So as parents, we have to make a choice. Do we put our children "on the back burner" and wait until the economy gets better, or do we step out and go ahead to do the things that we know in our heart are beneficial for our child. Those things that will bring value to his or her life for a life time. It will take hard choices sometimes and an investment that we are a little hesitant to commit to.

So it all comes down to choices. Do we choose for our child? Do we decide that maybe we don't need ALL the bells and whistles on that car? Do we decide to eat at home more often? Do we decide that maybe we don't need that new pair of shoes as much as we think we do? Maybe forgo that cup of Starbucks coffee? (Hard for me to say as my son works for them!) Tough choices!

This is why at Musical Beginnings we try to work with our families to make sure they don't have to miss out on the development opportunity that only happens one time. We have a convenient monthly payment plan that brings Kindermusik and the developmental benefits right to your family. There is no need to put anything on the back burner!

The 1st payment for all of our classes is just $65. This helps in covering the at home materials. Look at what your price per class will be:

Village (newborn to 18 mo) $10 ($9 if you pay in full)
Our Time (1 1/2 to 3 1/2 yrs) $11 ($10 if you pay in full)
Imagine That! (3 to 5 yrs) $11.50 ($10.50 if you pay in full)
Young Child (Kindergarten & 1st gr) $13 ($12 if you pay in full)
Family Time (all ages) $12 1st child (drops dramatically for subsequent children)

So don't hesitate any longer! Call our office or go on line to register. Materials are still being ordered, so it's not too late!

Web site

Enroll in a Kindermusik class today!!!

The Value of Bonding and Development

2011-08-23T13:35:00.002-04:00

This article is adapted from a blog post by Christa Sigman, Kindermusik educator extraordinaire from Athens, Ohio.

It’s enrollment time for many activities for families – dance, soccer, gymnaastics, Scouting, music lessons, art lessons and - yes – especially Kindermusik. All of these activities place demands on parents – time, money, energy and stress about making the right decisions because, though many of us try, our children (and we) cannot possibly do it all.

I remember when I first enrolled Hannah in Kindermusik. I did it because I knew her teacher, I didn’t know a lot of other moms with toddlers, and, as an educator, I valued the social interaction she was going to get. I was confident that I was more than qualified to give her a good beginning in music education and language, but we needed to get out of the house. BUT, when we saw the cost we started to wonder if we should really spend the money. We went to the first session as a free trial class. She had a ball and came home already mimicking what we did in class. We paid for it and both of us fell in love. We still felt it was stretching the budget, so we began to ask my mom and Greg’s parents to help us pay for it.

In the meantime, our older daughter was getting involved in Girl Scouting and basketball. WOW, those activities LOOKED less expensive than Kindermusik until we got involved. You see, with Kindermusik it was one price for the entire semester. All her materials and the class were rolled into the total cost. She didn’t need any special shoes or clothing, there weren’t extra field trips, meals out, or travel. Kindermusik began to be the best value we had.

Now our children are a senior in high school and a sixth grader in middle school. Through the years, I have come to realize that Kindermusik was the BEST value we were ever going to get. Soccer, dance, Girl Scouts, 4H and band all appeared to be less expensive initially, but the hidden costs added up quickly and we invest large sums of money each year = even though we limit the girls to one or two activities each.

Not only that, but Kindermusik is the only activity that we have ever invested in that included us completely and targeted so many different areas of development, not just one or two. Talk about value – Hannah learned to play well with others, clean up her toys, sing on pitch, keep a steady beat, move her body and have self-control in stopping, rhyming, reading, counting etc in her Kindermusik class. No other activity has enhanced her development as much (though many of them -especially 4H – have taught her great skills).

In addition to financial investment, activities require the investment of time. We thought one class a week seemed like a lot when Hannah was a toddler and it became more difficult to schedule when she became a preschooler and went to Kindergarten. But, we continued to do it because she loved it. When she began to play soccer that was 2-3 times a week (We were only playing recreationally. I know families who go much more than that), 4H is once every couple weeks but there are extra events that have to be worked in and the projects have to be finished involving hours at home, band is at least 3 days a week – often more, private music lessons require practice every day, etc etc etc. Kindermusik was easy – once a week, 45 minutes and I got to spend that time with her.

I encourage parents everywhere. When looking for activities and choosing for your children, please consider what they will get out of the experience, what they will enjoy and what are the hidden costs. If you have rejected Kindermusik in the past because it was so expensive. Please call your local educator to find out what the value of being enrolled includes. And, what ever you choose, have fun and enjoy the experience. The children grow up too fast.

Here are some cost comparisons for the northern Indianapolis area:

Soccer – Fall session (basically late August through early October, 7 weeks) @$100. Does not include shoes, shinguards, travel. 2 – 3 times a week. Information about refunds unavailable.

Dance – Comparing 4 months like a KM session @ $250 (can be broken into $50 per month). Extra fees of $75 in the fall. Does not include practice dancewear, tights, shoes. (based on a Noblesville dance studio Website). Class once a week for 45 minutes. No information about refunds available.

Gymnastics – Comparing 4 months or 15 weeks of classes which is the same as Kindermusik sessions. $225 tuition. Does not include any special clothing or fees for meets, etc. (Based on a Fishes Gymnastic Studio website). Class once a week for 45 minutes. No information about refunds available.

Kindermusik – 4 month commitment @$52 to $70 per month (depending on the level). Total is an average of $215 per semester. Cost inclusive – 15 classes, 2 CDs, 2 books, Family Activity Guide, 1 or 2 instruments and/or manipulatives, weekly newsletter. 45 minutes per week. 100% satisfaction guarantee!

WHY ?

While other popular activities like dance, gymnastics and soccer do provide certain benefits, only participation in Kindermusik promises more life-impacting growth in all areas of your child’s development – including cognitive, physical, emotional, language and social development – for now and for life!

Activity Benefits	Kindermusik	Dance / Gymnastics	Organized Sports
Helps develop social skills through group interaction	√	√	√
Provides for physical development	√	√	√
Gives parents a chance to socialize	√	√	√
Builds self-esteem	√	√	√
Prepares Child for possible future as an athlete	√	√	√
Prepares Child for a future dance career	√	√
Leads a child toward a lifetime of joyful music-making	√
Provides a flexible, but structured routine	√
Enhances brain development for other skills like spatial and complex reasoning, listening, and reading	√
Allows a child to creatively express and explore individual strengths with art, vocal, dance, and instrumental activities	√
Improves memory and the ability to learn new information	√
Develops a child’s language and auditory skills	√
Is process, not performance, based	√
Supports the home as the most important environment for learning	√
At Home Materials make the weekly experience live at home again and again	√

Like this:

ADDING MORE PREVIEWS

2011-08-22T14:56:00.003-04:00

We are adding preview classes and Play Dates at the following days and locations. If you are interested in taking part in one of these, please call our office.

Monday, August 29th @ Orchard Park Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, August 30th @ Northview Chuch

For the rest of the days and times and other details, please see the blog below!

FREE KINDERMUSIK PREVIEW CLASSES FOR NEW STUDENTS - PLAYDATES FOR ALL!

2011-08-17T17:40:00.006-04:00

Have you been wondering what a Kindermusik class is like? Wondering if your child would like a class? We have the answer for you. We are offering FREE preview classes for families who have not done a class before. The classes we are offering are geared toward the babies and toddlers (up to 3 1/2 years). Check out the days, times & locations that we have available:

FREE PREVIEWS

Monday, August 22nd @ Orchard Park Presbyterian Church (106th & Westfield Blvd)

Village (newborn to 18 months) @ 5:30 p.m.

Our Time (1 1/2 to 3 1/2 yrs) @ 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 23rd @ Northview Church

Village (newborn to 18 months) @ 11:30 a.m.

Monday, August 29th @ East 91st Street Christian Church

Village (newborn to 18 months) @ 10:45 a.m.

Our Playdates are for ANYONE! New students, current students, former students. Ages 1 1/2 to 5 years. Everyone is welcome! Our Playdate will be Picnic Day. And our picnic will happen rain or shine! It doesn’t matter when it is a Kindermusik Picnic Day! Your child will receive a CD or a gift card to download songs from play.kindermusic.com. Also, each child will receive an instrument to take home to make more music.

This will be a 45 minute class with extended play time for those who would like to stay. It is $18 for the 1st child and all others are only $8 in the same family. If a family would like to use this class as a FREE preview, you are welcome to do this. However, you will not receive the music or the instrument.

We have our Picnic Day Playdate scheduled for the following days, times & locations:

Tuesday, August 23rd @ Northview Church @ 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, August 25th @ Northview Church @ 10:00 a.m.

Monday, August 29th @ East 91st Street Christian Church @ 9:30 a.m.

So come ready to sit on the “ground”, “eat” some food and enjoy the “park”. We will have a great time.

All of these events require you to reserve your spot. This can be done either by calling our office at 317-867-3077 or emailing us at kimusik@musicalbeginnings.com We look forward to hearing from you!

Posted by Mrs. Kim who is very excited to begin singing and dancing with her little friends again.

Simply Music Piano Classes - FREE Introductory Sessions

2011-08-17T17:16:00.004-04:00

We are so proud and excited about offering Simply Music piano classes. These classes have students playing from the very first lessons. The pieces are both hands together and they are great sounding songs!

To let people know more about our classes we require that you attend a FREE Introductory Session before enrolling in a class. These sessions are scheduled throughout the year as long as we are opening new beginning classes. Here are the current ones that are available:

Thursday, August 18th @ 4:20 p.m.

Friday, August 19th @ 3:40 p.m.

Wednesday, August 24th @ 6:00 p.m.

Please call to save your spot. This Introductory Session is for both student and parent. There is no obligation when you come to one of these sessions.

Piano lessons are for children 7 years old and in the 2nd grade and up. Yes, we do teach adults! Call us today!!!

Posted by Kim Bemis who is very excited today after teaching her 1st new lesson of this school year cycle.

LET'S READ

2011-07-20T09:24:00.001-04:00

Reading is a vital activity for children. And what better time to read to them than when it is steamy hot outside! You probably have books at your house that you haven’t read in a long time. So start digging! Enjoy those books again. What about visiting the library? If you haven’t been for a while, this would be a great place to spend some time with your child. Besides the books, your local library is full of activities and things to explore.

Many times parents aren’t sure what books would be good for their child. As they grow it is sometimes hard to keep up. Your librarian is a great resource for ideas if you see she has a few extra minutes. Also, here are a few web sites that offer parents ideas for their children.

http://www.parents-choice.org/article.cfm?art_id=209&the_page=reading_list
http://www.readingfoundation.org/index.jsp

So pour yourself and your child a cold glass of lemonade and sit back and read together. It will be some of your best summer memories.

ONE OF THE BEST KEPT SECRETS IN LOCAL CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING

2011-02-09T22:19:00.003-05:00

Clowes Hall on the Butler University campus offers an educational series for preschool and school-age children. Plays and musicals, typically about one-hour in length, are performed by local and touring production companies and can be seen weekdays throughout the school year. Tickets are usually between $7 and $10 and may be ordered in advance or purchased at the door (Some performances do sell out.). Upcoming preschool performances include Three Classics by Mercer Mayer, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites and Click, Clack, Moo. See a complete schedule on the Clowes Hall web site.

I’ve never seen this series promoted anywhere but the Clowes Hall website. The shows are attended mostly by school groups so perhaps Clowes focuses its marketing efforts to educators. Regardless, individuals are also welcome. I took my three-year-old daughter to see The Berenstain Bears musical last fall. The show was based on three different books and explored good nutrition, stranger danger and honesty. My daughter loved it, and I admit, I was entertained too!

WHAT TO DO ON A SNOW DAY

2011-02-03T10:01:00.007-05:00

So now we are on Day #3 of our snow days adventure. Are you going crazy yet? As moms, it is always a challenge to figure out what to do with your child to keep him or her occupied when you feel the 4 walls closing in on you. Normally, I wouldn't have this issue as my children are grown, but it was decided with the circumstances surrounding where my daughter lives and because her husband is employed in the moving snow and melting ice business, that she and her 2 children should come to my house to ride out the storm. So they are still here and we are trying to "entertain" an almost 4 and almost 6 year old. Here are some ideas we have come up with:

Play games - children need to know how to take turns and how to loose gracefully. This would be a great time to work on this.
Make a band - Gather all your instruments from around the house (both real and pretend) and have a band. Remember to use pots, pans and plastic ware from your kitchen too!
While you have your band instruments, why not have a parade? March all through the house. Make different parade routes.
Have an inside snow storm - Gather some boxes of tissue and start pulling them out FAST! Before you know it "snow" will be covering the ground.
If it snowed, you have to have a SNOWBALL FIGHT! - Scoop up a mound of ice cold snow, and roll it into a ball just so, now pull your arm back nice and slow, let go of that snow, look at it go! Too fun!!!
Indoor ice skating - Get some paper plates (the cheap kind are best) and stand on them. Move your feet to get to skating. Be careful, it's slick!
Make an instrument - Get an old carton that you have saved (sour cream, cottage cheese, coffee can, ziplock bowl with lid) and use it to make a shaker instrument. Experiment with by putting different things into the container to see the different sounds you can get from the same shaker.
Have a beach party! Get out your beach towel, sunglasses and if you are brave, put on your swim suit. Sing summer songs, eat lunch on your towels and just pretend you are at the beach! If you have a fireplace, you could do this in front of it pretending the fireplace is your campfire on the beach.
Bake something to have on your beach picnic. The Our Time students from last semester sang a lot about measuring and pouring. Let them do this. (I know... it will be messy, but think of the fun you will be having!

Above all, I just want to encourage all you moms to enjoy these precious days. You will talk about the "ice storm of 2011" when your children are adults. I hope you all have fond memories of this time together!

Posted by Kim Bemis ("Gamma"), who is really enjoying having two of her grandkids here for the storm even though there is a thick layer of crumbs (almost as thick as the ice outside) under her island in the kitchen.

AMAZED

2011-02-01T14:49:00.004-05:00

Charlie is a big boy.

He will not let you call him "baby", even if meant as a term of endearment. He has good reason to feel this way. In the month of December he did two amazing things: he dropped the binky in 2 days & potty-trained in a week. That last part bears repeating...
he potty-trained in A WEEK!

I feel like I've been shouting it from every mountain top I can find. Yes I think my child is a genius. This isn't meant to put down my friends who have older kids still happy as clams in diapers. It's more a celebration fueled by relief. He has mastered such a basic thing, all on his own. He got it. He's not my difficult child. Halle-freakin-lujah!

The relief surrounding this milestone is based on our experience with Jack. We started potty-training him just after his third birthday. I was home, he was old enough, preschool was just around the corner; it was time. Or so I thought. (perhaps even more so it's what everyone told me.) Age & readiness aren't always the same thing however, made very clear to us by how tough Jack was to potty-train. He had very few accidents at night, but on a good day he would have at least two while awake & playing. And that was just #1. Poop was so much more complicated, and honestly still is as he approaches 5 years old. I think we're finally learning that Jack doesn't notice the physical cues that he needs to poop. So with encouragement, a conscious effort not to yell & good reading material in the bathroom I think we've finally made some progress.

But you can see how this two year process with Jack had me dreading doing it with Charlie. If Jack, our resident people-pleaser, had such a hard time, what would our feisty child be like? Little did I know the level of determination Charlie possessed. He made up his mind that he wasn't going to wear diapers and made it happen. Simple as that.

So far, this is one of the most amazing parts of parenthood. When you think you have your child figured out & then they WOW you. The best part is, I know it won't be the last time this happens. They are such incredible, evolving little beings. How lucky we are to witness their lives as they unfold.

And while I bask in the ease of this milestone with him, I'm fully aware they may not all be so easy. That said, I think I'll have Andy teach him how to drive.

Posted by Mrs. Aly who is so glad to have 2 big boys in her home. You can still join her in a class on Thursday mornings in NE Indy!

CHARLIE & A CUP OF TEA

2011-01-17T09:14:00.003-05:00

My son Charlie is my spirited child. Unlike his older brother, Jackson, the people-pleaser of the family, Charlie tends to be more physical and a little more feisty. He can be a very sweet and loving little guy, but it’s not always a given. (I guess I should add that he’s also 2 ½, an age of natural feistiness.) As we tend to do with our children, I envision Charlie becoming an athlete of some sort when he grows up. He’s fearless and excited to try just about anything that involves moving his body at full speed.

This year Jackson started M-F preschool, giving me 3 days a week with just Charlie. (Charlie goes on Tuesdays & Thursdays) This was the first time I had ever had that kind of time with him & I was really looking forward to it. I signed us up for Mrs. Ellen’s Our Time class on Mondays for some guaranteed “mommy & me” time each week.

Both of my guys are observational learners, at least at first. So it was no surprise to me when for most of our first weeks of class Charlie held tightly to me, unwilling to participate. As a Kindermusik educator, I tell parents all the time that this is quite normal & they’ll be amazed to hear how much their child repeats outside of class. I truly believe this, but of course was skeptical when it came to my own child. That changed however when I overheard Charlie playing in his bedroom one Monday afternoon. I could hear him reciting a finger play exercise from our class. “Here a cup, here a cup, here a pot of tea” he said, in a very soft, loving little voice. He even repeated the poem (Cup of Tea), with the hand movements, to his dad later that night. We were amazed at how gently he acted out the poem & poured the cups of tea.

That’s what I love about Kindermusik. It speaks to kids in a way that we as parents might not always understand. I never would have guessed that a little poem about having a cup of tea would register with Charlie, but it did. In fact, I feel the class has taught him to explore his gentle side a bit more in general. He now jumps up to help put away instruments or toys, whether or not he was even involved in the activity. (Apparently sometimes cleaning up is the best part!) He plays the instruments & explores their sounds rather than instantly throwing them down. It seems I am now the observer in our class; watching and soaking in this new, wonderful facet to my child’s personality. I can’t wait for our Spring semester to start, as Charlie & I continue this fascinating journey together.

by Aly Schroeder, proving that even Kindermusik educators are continually amazed by the power of music!

CHILDREN DO REMEMBER

2011-01-07T08:10:00.004-05:00

Today as I did some office work, my three-year-old daughter played in the floor and asked if she could listen to the “washing ‘chine” song. I immediately knew what she meant – the song “Washing Machine” from the Milk and Cookies Volume 1 CD – but I was shocked she asked for this particular song since it was from Kindermusik class so many weeks ago. It was another example of how the things she learns in music class really do sink in and stick with her.

A similar thing happened last week as I was driving my three kids in our mini-van. We were listening to the Zoom Buggy CD so I could refresh my memory before teaching my next class. My six-year-old daughter sang along to “Little Red Caboose” and announced to us all how much she likes that song. What she didn’t remember was that as a toddler in Kindermusik, she liked that song then too. Years later, it sill resonates with her. Wow!

Monday, during the Our Time class I teach at East 91st St. Christian Church, I watched my young students with awe as they played a steady beat on the drums while I sang “Polly Put the Kettle On.” Maintaining a steady beat is a skill we’ve worked on all semester because research has shown children who can keep a steady beat have enhanced language development. So as we sat on the floor singing and tapping the drum, I saw the amazing results of our 15 weeks of fun! Even when we think kids aren’t listening or understanding, we find out later, sometimes much later, the impact of our words, actions and examples.

Posted by Ellen Gullett, mom of 3 children, Kindermusik mom for more than 8 years and now a Kindermusik educator. Join her in a Monday morning class!

THEY GROW SO QUICKLY!

2010-09-24T13:28:00.002-04:00

Our children grow up so quickly! I was reminded of this when I taught the Village class this morning. What a wonderful class. Full of sweet, precious babies and their mommies. I love it! But it reminds me of how quickly they grow. My children were that age the day before yesterday, I'm sure of it. I thought this video would also give many of you a laugh and be another reminder that time does really fly.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcVXCeWk0PE&feature=player_embedded

Have a great weekend!

Emotions and our Children

2010-09-22T10:48:00.009-04:00

Having been a Kindermusik teacher now for 13 years, I have seen many children come and go. My own children never had the opportunity to do Kindermusik as I didn't know about it when they were small. My baby was 11 when I started my program and although they know all the songs and what Kindermusik is all about (they heard me practicing!), they never got to sit on my lap and participate. However, I do have grandchildren who now have the opportunity to reap the benefits of a Kindermusik class.

This year I get to be the "parent" in one class because my 5 year old grandson is in his mom's Young Child class. The excitement was high as we anticipated our first Young Child class. Who wouldn't be excited? He was going to learn about notes and the beat and get to READ rhythms and notes on the staff. What fun! So we went to the first class. Got there way too early, so we did all the things you need to do to prepare for a class. We had our things and then went to the bathroom. Thinking he didn't need me for that task, I sent him alone. He came out calling for "Gamma". Not a good sign. He had peed his pants, something that hasn't happened for a long time. I proceeded to clean him up. We had found a few toys in a room to play with while waiting and we went to pick them up. He didn't want to do this. He wanted to continue playing, but still said he wanted to go to class. I had created a real dilemma for him. And the melt down began! I always tell parents not to arrive too early. I had not followed my own advice.

So for the next 10 minutes (5 minutes beyond when class began) he was crying. Very upset! I would talk a while and then be quiet. Finally, he began calming down, so he went into class. I was EXHAUSTED! I was so afraid that I had contributed to him not enjoying Kindermusik anymore. I thought this was going to be hard for many weeks. I just wasn't sure this was going to be the experience for either of us that I was anticipating.

Oh my! Parents! Parents have said things like this to me as they withdrew from class. I totally understand now! It is hard! Sometimes parents just aren't ready to do the hard work that raising a child can present. It's just easier to stay home or go to a park and let your child run. Now while these things are fine, your child will not get the value and benefits from a Kindermusik class this way.

So as I learned, you just have to be willing to do the hard work sometimes to reap the benefits in your child's life. My grandson is now in week #3 of Kindermusik for the Young Child and he seems to be fine. So I'm timing my entrance better and we never mention the toys in the other room! (And by the way, the picture at the top doesn't have my grandson in it!)

CHILDREN AND THE MASS MEDIA

2010-09-01T11:50:00.004-04:00

How Setting Limits Will Benefit Your Children By Greg Taillon

Gone are the days of children coming home from school, eating homemade chocolate chip cookies and then going outside to play with their friends until it’s time to do homework. Today, older children are often home alone after school. As a result, they sometimes are tempted to spend their time being entertained with video games, watching television, downloading music and chatting on the Internet instead of doing their homework and more active leisure activities. These temptations are all competing for children’s time at the expense of their education, health and well being.

Childhood obesity, school violence, ADHD and poor reading and math skills can all be tied to too much mass media play in childhood. Too many children are neglecting schoolwork and exercise in favor of eating chips in front of the TV. Fast-paced video games and television shows have shortened children’s attention spans. Recreational reading is almost nonexistent. Even worse, the violence children see on TV is being replayed in the schools, and basic reading and math skills are lagging way behind.

Too Much Media Exposure

Children spend more than 38 hours per week being entertained by the mass media – almost four times the amount of time they spend on schoolwork. As a result, academics are suffering. According to research and standardized test scores, American students are struggling to read at proficient levels, and most recreational reading has stopped. Math skills are also lagging. Once children fall behind with basic academic skills, they have a hard time catching up. This will have long-term ramifications on them, as the future will bring about more advanced jobs and fewer qualified people to fill them. These jobs include medical personnel, engineers, college professors and other highly educated or technical professions.

Overexposure to television starts at an early age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no TV for children younger than age 2, and no more than two hours per day of high-quality programming for older children. The truth is that many children watch much more than the recommended guidelines. (read more)

Don't want YOUR kids to fall into this category? Sign them up for a Kindermusik class or a Simply Music class. It will not only bring music into your home, but it will get your kids away from the influences of the mass media.

KINDERMUSIK OPEN HOUSE

2010-08-25T04:48:00.003-04:00

Come join us at our Open House this year! It is coming up on Saturday, August 28th from 9:30 a.m. until noon and will be held at Northview Church in Carmel.

Northview Church is located on the SW corner of 131st (Main Street) and Hazel Dell Pkwy in Carmel. We will meet in the lower level in room L1.

Throughout the morning we will have short demonstration classes where you can see what Kindermusik has to offer you family. The demonstrations will be offered at the following times for the specified age groups:

10:00 a.m. - Big Kids ages 3 and up
10:45 a.m. - Our Time ages 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 years
11:30 a.m. - Village up to age 18 months

So come find out what Kindermusik is about, participate in one of our short demonstration classes and get your child enrolled for a fun semester of music & learning.

For those who enroll on Saturday, you will receive an extra $5 off your tuition plus a FREE children's CD by Skip Ewing. (While supplies last.) You can check out our schedule on our web site so you come prepared to take action. www.musicalbeginnings.com

No reservation is necessary. Just come and have a fun morning with your child. We look forward to meeting you!

SIMPLY MUSIC

2010-08-22T08:09:00.005-04:00

Many families are looking for a good piano program for their child or children. There sits the piano, or maybe your child has been begging to get a piano. Either way, Simply Music is a breakthrough program that can have your child (or even YOU) playing pieces, hands together, within the first month of lessons. Yes! It is amazing! By the end of your first year of lessons the student is playing 30, 40, even 50 songs. Any place! Any time!

Simply Music is the largest playing-based music education institution in the world, with educators at over 475 locations throughout the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It presents a revolutionary, Australian-developed piano and keyboard method for those who would like to learn how to play. This breakthrough program has students of all ages playing great-sounding blues, contemporary, classical and accompaniment pieces - immediately - from their very first lessons.

Simply Music educators look at music in an entirely new light, transforming the teaching and learning process. The program sets a new standard in music education, and presents the possibility of a new era in self-expression through music.

Laura Newby & I are anxious to speak with parents about this method and how it can bring new self-assurance and pride to your child's life. Call us to see about one of our Introductory Sessions. We have two coming up and we would love for you to call to save a place in one of them.

Thursday, August 26th at 7 p.m. or Wednesday, September 1st at 7:00 p.m.

Call today! 317-867-3077

2010-08-20T20:38:00.002-04:00

"Music therapy probably isn't going to replace your current treatment for ADHD. But it may help to enhance your treatment and make it more effective."

This quote is taken from an article. I have placed the link below. For a long time Kindermusik educators have realized the importance music can play in the life of a child. Especially those children who are faced with a challenge in life. Even from the earliest of ages a child can benefit from the power of music when it comes to brain development, social and emotional development (often underestimated in this day and age until a child gets into their teens), cognitive and language development and, of course, musical development.

So join us in a Kindermusik class where your child can benefit from the music therapy that takes place in our classes. It will be an investment that no one can ever take away from your child!

http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/c/1443/117811/music-therapy-adhd

Music & the Brain

2010-06-24T12:06:00.002-04:00

Check out this article. It never ceases to amaze me how much power music has! How exciting!!!

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100220-music-brains-language-stroke-dyslexia/

SICK TEACHER'S KIDS

2010-03-04T07:43:00.002-05:00

We have 2 teachers with sick kids. Aly's son is sick, but I will be subbing for her. So come on out Epworth families to sing and dance with me. I'm really looking forward to it! Then Laura's son is sick too. Don't have another sub, so the classes at Northview this morning are being cancelled. We will extend the semester by a week. So please sing and dance at home and Carmel families we will see you next week!

MUSIC HAS A PROFOUND EFFECT ON SHAPING OUR SENSORY SYSTEM

2010-02-23T08:48:00.002-05:00

Once again, we see the effectiveness of music in our child's life. Are you taking this time to give your child a gift that will last his entire life? Keep musical activities in your child's daily life. It will benefit her more than you can imagine! Read on:

http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/neuroscientist-think-twice-about-cutting-music-schools.html

MUSIC IS A POWERFUL TOOL

2010-02-21T12:28:00.005-05:00

Music & language development go hand in hand. To have a more verbal child, make sure that music is a part of your child's every day life. Check out this link.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100220/ap_on_sc/us_sci_words_and_music

NO DELAY FOR US

2010-02-10T07:01:00.002-05:00

The schools districts where we offer our Kindermusik classes on Wednesdays (Hamilton Southeastern & Zionsville) are on a 2-hour delay today, so our classes will run at the regularly scheduled time. Please be careful and we hope to see you at class. If you cannot make it to class, please give our office a call so we can schedule you a make up class time. Keep singing!

SNOWING TODAY!

2010-02-09T05:55:00.002-05:00

It is snowing today, Tuesday, February 9th and schools have been cancelled in all 3 school districts where we hold classes. Therefore, our classes are cancelled also. Have a great day snuggling at home and we will see everyone next week!

FAMILY TIME CLASSES BEGIN SOON

2010-02-02T16:12:00.004-05:00

Our Family Time classes will begin the week of February 15th. We are very excited to be offering the unit Here, There and Everywhere. Check out this link to see a video of some of the exciting things that happen in a Family Time class.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV5SqF0KZc0

The home materials that you receive when enrolling in a class are phenomenal. Here is a picture of this unit's great additions to your Kindermusik library and instrument collection.

A family in our class could be Dad with one child, Mom with 3 kids, Mom & Dad with 2 children! YOU define this! We just want you to come to enjoy each other and have a fun musical time together!

Call our office to register or go to our web site. We look forward to sharing the joys of music with your family!

MOMMY GUILT

2010-01-19T20:51:00.003-05:00

Do you have it? Most moms do and it isn't something that will go away with time. As your children grow, the guilt will follow you along and through the years. Get used to it. No, put it in it's place!

As moms, we have to do the best we can and then sit back and pray that God will bless our efforts. As a mom, I was always seeking out the best way to parent by reading, talking to friends and just listening for good advice. What can I do that is best for my child? How can I be the best mom I can be. We cannot re-do how we spend our time, so we need to spend our time wisely.

How much time we really spend with our children is something we all need to think about. Even as a parent of grown children and now grandchildren, it is a battle to make sure I spend quality time with each of them.

I once had a mom of 4 girls in one of my Kindermusik classes. All of her girls have now completed the entire Kindermusik program and graduated. She told me once that one of her friends asked her how she found the time to do Kindermusik with all she had going on. She told her friend that doing Kindermusik forced her to get down on the floor and pay attention to Kendall and no one else. It was their special time together in the week.

So when you enroll your child in a Kindermusik class, you are not only doing it for the child, you are doing it for yourself. Take that special time to focus just on that one child. Get away from your home where the voices of the laundry, toys on the floor and other undone projects will be drawing you away from your child. Just sit and focus on the wonder that is your special little one! And you can know that the fun you are having with the music will change your child's life in ways you can only imagine.

Oh yes! And tell the guilt to stay in it's place. You aren't going to listen to it right now!

KINDERMUSIK ENROLLMENT SPECIAL!

2010-01-18T19:54:00.007-05:00

We are looking for children 3 to 5 years of age (not yet in Kindergarten) and children under the age of 18 months. Do we have a special for you!

Tell a friend and if you both enroll this week in one of the "SPECIAL" classes you will receive the following value! Enroll in one of our Village (newborn to 18 months) or Imagine That (3 to 5 years) classes from now until this Friday, January 22 at 5 p.m. and you will receive an extra $10 off you tuition.

This offer is for new students only and cannot be combined with other coupons. However, you can use it in conjunction with our pay in full discount of $15. So you could be saving $25 on this semester's class!

So go to our web site to check out the schedule and then give our office a call before the end of the day on Friday so we can get you registered with your discounts! 317-867-3077

YOUR BABIES POTENTIAL!

2010-01-15T12:05:00.003-05:00

Check out this link to see how you and your baby can enjoy a Kindermusik Village class. Your baby is so full of potential and hope and promise. Begin today to nurture what is within your child. You will be amazed at the things you see your baby doing and great developmental leaps that he or she makes. So join us! Our new session begins January 25th.

WHY GROUP LESSONS

2010-01-07T10:08:00.001-05:00

Here is an article that I wrote about why our studio offers group piano lessons. We are getting ready to start another beginning group in February. Call to save your child a place!

WHY GROUP LESSONS
by Kim Bemis

I first began teaching almost 20 years ago in the traditional private piano lesson mode. Then about 12 years ago I began taking a careful look at the way I was teaching, my goals, and the goals I had for my students. I thought about the fun I had playing the flute in the band when I was in high school and the fun I had in all the choirs that I participated in from Junior High through college. There were so many valuable experiences that I gained through these group activities throughout the years. It seemed that I could duplicate that group experience, the feeling of being in a band or on a team, for my piano students. We could have a “piano band”.

When I taught in only private lessons, I would teach the same concepts multiple times a week and hear the same questions over and over again. This gave me another reason to consider the group lesson experience for my students. When we are in school in a classroom the students learn from each other over and over again. This could also happen in the piano studio.

As I launched my first group lessons some things became quickly apparent. The students were learning musical concepts faster in a group and the lesson preparation was at a maximum. We played our lesson material together in an ensemble fashion. So slowing down or going back to correct your mistake was no longer an option. Musicianship skills grew so much faster than I ever imagined.

Another benefit from learning in a group was the performance capabilities. The students were used to playing for others, so when it came to recital time a lot of the performance jitters had already been worked out and the students were more confident performers.

In a class situation I could also alter the manner in which I taught theory concepts. We were able to play games to enforce the theory concepts and thus learn from each other as we played together. This could never happen in a private lesson. Theory time became the students favorite part of the lesson.

I mentioned earlier that lesson preparation was at a maximum. I think students will practice more to keep up with their peers. This is what Steven H. Roberson, professor at Butler University has written in Motivating Groups:

“Tactics for motivating groups do not differ substantially from those useful in motivating individuals. In fact, the task is often easier, given that research has demonstrated that most people learn best in groups. That is how youngsters are accustomed to learning in school.”

Over the years the results have become clear. My students have enjoyed piano as I’d hoped, have continued lesson far longer than when I taught on-on-one, and have achieved a higher level of proficiency. All in all, the group piano lesson as proven to be a better value for the majority of piano students.

NO SNOW DAYS YET

2010-01-07T07:18:00.002-05:00

Kindermusik classes WILL RUN today, Thursday, January 7th. Drive carefully to your class and have a great time!

OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

2009-12-05T14:08:00.003-05:00

This is something I look forward to every year! We have such a great staff of teachers and I really enjoy them as women, not just because of the wonderful job they do teaching your children. We have been going to LePeep in Carmel for at least the past 8 years. Every first Saturday in December you will find us there! It is a great time for us to just relax and enjoy each others company! We catch up on what is going on in everyone's family and then share funny stories from our classes.

Your children are very blessed to have these ladies be a part of their lives. They are all wonderful, loving, caring moms. Wives who are committed to their families and in turn, they are committed to your families. They give your child the best early childhood music education through Kindermusik! What a great beginning!

We missed Holly, Jennifer & Mindy at our breakfast, but know they were having a great time with their families today. So why don't we all take some time today to enjoy those around you, especially your family!

written by Kim who is ready to go spend some time with some great friends!

I WAS IN THE CIRCLE

2009-11-29T07:43:00.006-05:00

As the director of Musical Beginnings and the teacher of 8 classes this semester, I am on the floor and singing and dancing with many of you every week. Last week I had the privilege of being in the circle as a caregiver in 2 different classes. My daughter's babysitter fell through and she asked me to keep my granddaughter, Taylor, for the morning. I had already planned to go be with an Our Time class both mornings. Taylor is 2 1/2 years old (perfect OT age), so I decided to take her and go participate in the class instead of just observing.

Since my "baby" was 11 when I began Musical Beginnings, I have never really had the pleasure of being a Kindermusik Mom. So when I get this privilege every once in a while, I really treasure it.

The first thing I noticed is that I didn't really notice what the other children in the class were doing as much as what Taylor was doing. My focus was so much more on her. I didn't see the misbehaving of other, but I really notice EXACTLY what "my child" was doing. It was a little frustrating that she wasn't participating as much as I would have liked her to. She was an "observer" for the first half of the class. In the middle of the class she felt she needed to share information that had nothing to do with the class. (She apparently had money in her pocket and decided to tell everyone!) Toward the end of the class she became a little more rambunctious than I would have liked her to be. I was afraid another little one might get hurt.

All of these different feelings were very interesting to me. Many times I get calls from parents who are concerned about one or more of these reactions from their own child. All of these situations are very normal for a child in a Kindermusik class. Probably the most interesting thing that I noticed was that other children in the room were having some of the same reactions to the class, and I DIDN'T NOTICE! Most of the time, moms or other caregivers don't notice what the other child is doing nearly as much as the parent does. We often worry unnecissarily about what OUR child is doing when no one else is noticing!

So relax! Have fun with your child! Cherish the "floor time" that you have with your little one! And above all, know that what you are doing is having a profound affect on your child's development. You are giving him or her a gift that will last a life time!

FAMILY MUSIC CELEBRATION

2009-10-16T08:41:00.003-04:00

Come join us on Saturday, October 17th at Castleton Square Mall for a fun time of music & movement for the entire family! We will be there from noon until 2:00 p.m. There will be a special time of music for the little ones ages 3 months to 18 months. We will also have a craft area where you can help your child make a shaker instrument. Bring the entire family! It's going to be cold outside so you will want to be inside with us. We hope to see you there!

Movement is the Key to Learning

2009-10-12T14:09:00.003-04:00

by Anne Green Gilbert

Movement is the key to learning. I first became aware of this as a third-grade student in elementary school. My kinesthetic intelligence flourished in a classroom-where movement was central to my teacher's curriculum. I remember a sort of paradise where everyone liked school that year, we all got along, and the knowledge imparted is still in my memory bank forty years later.

Movement is the key to learning. Oddly enough, it was when I became a third-grade teacher myself fifteen years later that I remembered this concept and used movement and dance to save myself from drowning in a classroom so heterogeneous I felt I was teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. Spelling words by forming the letters with bodies, forming punctuation marks and expressing the feeling of sentences through movement, learning multiplication by moving in sets of threes and fours, discovering the difference between lunar and solar eclipses through planet dances, and choreographing our way across the Oregon Trail somehow made everyone equal. The gifted children discovered a new and exciting way to learn, the slower learners quickly became actively engaged and successful, the non-English speaking students could finally understand the curriculum through our new nonverbal approach. Instead of dreading the long school day, we eagerly awaited our next movement experience. Attendance went way up; test scores rose substantially: there was laughter; racial tension dissipated. We became a homogeneous company of classmates dancing our way through the third-grade curriculum.

Movement is the key to learning. I so firmly believe this concept that I decided to do a research project to prove it. Of course many renowned educators and scientists had noted the educational benefits of movement for years. The names of Jean Piaget, Rudolph Laban, and Marian Diamond come to mind. Five years after my own experience as a third-grade teacher in Illinois, I was training teachers at the University of Washington and received a federally funded grant to conduct research in the Seattle Public Schools. During the 1977 school year, 250 students from four elementary schools studied language arts concepts through movement and dance activities for twenty weeks. The third grade students involved in the study increased their MAT scores by 13 percent from fall to spring, while the district wide average showed a decrease of 2 percent! The primary grade project students also showed a great improvement in test scores. Most significant was the direct relationship the research showed between the amount of movement the classroom teacher used and the percentage increase of students' test scores.

Movement is the key to learning. Forty years after my own third-grade experience, I am still using movement and dance to teach people of all ages, and every single day I see some little miracle happen. Students cannot sit still for very long before the blood and oxygen flow to their brains significantly slows down, thereby slowing down the learning process. Bringing dance into your classroom will not only increase learning, but will make your classroom a healthier, happier place to learn and teach.

Emotional Awareness - Know Yourself

2009-09-25T14:53:00.002-04:00

Who knew that Goldfish loved music too! Check out this great idea.

Kindermusik on Wednesdays

2009-09-21T23:37:00.004-04:00

Here is a slide show of some of our Wednesday classes that meet in Zionsville & Fishers. You will see kids from Our Time and Imagine That classes. Watch the fun they are having!

ABC MUSIC & ME CLASSES

2009-09-12T09:03:00.005-04:00

Did you know we offer Kindermusik classes at daycares and child development centers? Kindermusik has been doing this for over 2 years now and we love the program we offer! Life is busy. And many times with 2 full-time working parents (outside the home), there just isn't enough time to do the many things that we want to with our children. We want to be able to give our children the very best. Kindermusik is here to help! We can bring our classes right into your child's daycare! Following is a slideshow of some classes we did just last week. We would love to speak with your daycare provider about bringing our program into their facility to bring music & movement to YOUR child!

2009-09-07T19:55:00.006-04:00

We Fight H1N1 Pro-active Changes Are Critical to Help Protect Your Child’s Health

Kindermusik and Musical Beginnings take your child’s health very seriously. That’s why we
are pro-actively taking preventative measures to help keep H1N1 out of our classrooms!

Lessons have been re-written to avoid activities where children are in close contact
• Instead, we encourage dances and activities among same-family members.

We do rigorous instrument and classroom cleaning
• We have hand sanitizers* available for grown-ups to safely apply to children’s hands.
• We use recommended cleaners* for my instruments after each usage.
*We follow the Center for Disease Control and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommendations for hand sanitizers and cleaners.

New in-home lesson options will be available online
• If you miss a class but want to continue the learning and enjoyment of Kindermusik, We can show you where you can access lesson-related videos and activities online.

Ask about our generous make-up class opportunities
• If your child is sick, especially with a fever and/or flu-like symptoms, we recommend they
stay at home.
• We have a variety of ways you can make up a missed class so you get your true value of your
Kindermusik semester.

Remember that Kindermusik cares!!!

SUMMER FUN

2009-06-25T18:35:00.001-04:00

What fun we are having this summer in our classes. The "Zoo Train" has gone around and around and around the zoo and we have been "Splashing" with our friends. Our babies have even been having very "Busy Days"!

But summer is not over! We have so much more to do!!! Join us in July while we are "Silly All Over". Or maybe you would prefer to do a "Carnival of Music". Whatever you pick it is sure to be a hit! Summer is for fun and different things, and our summer classes give you just that!

Call or go on line to register. July classes begin Monday, July 6th. And remember, we have to have time to get those wonderful Kindermusik home materials ordered for you. That is one thing that stays the same. You will get wonderful materials to use at home. We want you singing, dancing and playing instruments all week long!

We hope to see you in a class real soon!

WHAT NOW?

2009-03-17T21:54:00.000-04:00

You have a new little one? Not sure what to do now? We are here to help! Come join us in a Kindermusik Village class. Our expert Kindermusik educators will help you with ideas on what you can do with your baby to help him develop to his fullest potential. Learn songs and dances to liven up your days. Make friends with other parents who are beginning to traverse the road of parenthood like you are. We promise to help you along the way!

In class we will tell you how what we are doing will help your little one grow and flourish. The home materials you receive will be so helpful in bringing home what we do in class. You receive both books and CDs for your use at home.

Call today to get a spot in one of our classes. 317-867-3077

Posted by Kim who loves singing and playing with the little babies...

Singing with Your Baby!

2009-03-15T21:35:00.000-04:00

When you are with your child in class or return for Family Sharing Time, you’ve probably noticed how much fun it is to sing with your child. Some people get a little intimidated. They think, “I’ve never had any vocal training.” But whether you have been singing in a choir for years or have never even attempted Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, your voice is the most important voice to your child. You are their sense of security and they love you for that. So don’t be afraid to sing! Your child will love it!

The benefits from singing are numerous: it exercises your lungs and the muscles around them and can help with circulation and blood flow. Singing strengthens your facial muscles. And, studies have shown that singing can help reduce anger, depression, and anxiety by releasing
endorphins.

Singing to a child is a priceless gift that can:
• soothe fears and reduce irritability;
• enhance child’s grasp of language and sense of beauty;
• remind a child that she/he is cherished;
• enhance communication and intimacy.

Singing to and with your child provides security, warmth, and comfort. So go ahead. Put on your favorite CD in the car and sing away. Sing in the rain, the shower, and the house…just sing whenever and wherever you are as often as possible!

By Kim who has always loved to sing!

SUNSHINE AND WARMER WEATHER...MAKE IT FAMILY TIME

2009-02-07T09:59:00.001-05:00

I knew it wouldn't last forever! I mean the snow and cold weather. I also realize that this little break from the harshness of winter isn't here to stay. It is only February! So we need to enjoy it while it is here.

With a little break in the weather it's a great time to get out of the house. Our Family Time classes begin this week and we are really looking forward to getting them started! Family Time offers your whole family a chance to enjoy music together. The younger children learn from the older ones and the older kids get to be the "leaders" in the class. The dynamics of a Family Time class are so much fun!

This semester we are offering 3 Family Time classes:

Wednesdays - 5:45 p.m. at Zionsville Presbyterian Church
Thursdays - 9:15 a.m. at Northview Christian Life Church in Carmel
Thursdays - 6:45 p.m. at Fishers United Methodist Church

So call today or go on line to catch this 10-weeks of musical fun and development for your family!

Posted by Mrs. Kim who is so thankful for sunshine and warmer weather!

SO MUCH SNOW

2009-01-29T00:27:00.001-05:00

I can't believe all the snow that we have now! I hope that you and your children got to play in it some today!

I am constantly watching the weather forecasts and school closings so that I know what we are doing. Currently (midnight), Washington Township schools in Marion County are closed for Thursday. This means we will not have classes at our Epworth United Methodist Church location. I'm so sorry!

Carmel currently just has a 2-hour delay, so we will have classes at Northview Christian Life Church as scheduled.

Check your school closings in the morning for the up to date news. Stay warm!

Posted by Mrs. Kim who is up way too late!

NOT OFF TO A GOOD START

2009-01-28T06:27:00.001-05:00

Good Morning, Kindermusik families! Our new semester is NOT off to a good start. (Apologises to those of you who like snow.) Our new classes today were supposed to begin in Zionsville and Fishers. Because of the snow, schools are cancelled in Zionsville and Hamilton Southeastern school districts were these classes were to be held. Therefore, we will NOT begin our semester today.

If you have further questions, our policy is outlined on our web site, on your confirmation email and on our blog listing from December 7, 2008.

We will get you all started next week, February 4th.

Posted by Kim, who is snowed in with her husband and 2 of her grandkids....not all bad!

NO SINGING?

2009-01-19T21:54:00.000-05:00

A week without Kindermusik classes....I must say it is very different and it is just Monday! I will say that there are things that I enjoy about the administration of a business. I like working on my computer. I like talking to moms (mostly, but with a few dads) and sharing with them about the benefits that a Kindermusik class will bring to their child's development and how it can change their child's life. I love organizing. (However, you would never know it by the way my office looks right now...it has actually run over into the dining room!) I love working with the great group of educators that I have and helping to guide them.

Now for what I miss. I miss the SINGING! I love to sing and there is something missing from my life when I'm not singing. I love the looks of excitement on the little faces when they come in the room and are so ready for class. I love watching little ones explore instruments and am always amazed that they can still come up with something that I haven't seen before! I love watching the interaction between a child and his mom (OK...sometimes a dad, grandparent or nanny). The look of love that passes between them. I love the excitement of a little one who just can't help but let out a squeal! I love seeing the eyes of a shy child as she sneaks a peak at me. Wanting to make that connection, but still not really sure yet.

Children are fascinating and full of wonder.

I will enjoy spending this week working in my office. Answering phone call, sending emails, preparing for the next semester, working on curriculum, organizing the new home materials. But I will be so ready next week to begin our classes again and get to spend time with little ones and their caregivers. Helping to guide them through a class to get the most they can out of a Kindermusik class.

It is full of wonder, imagination, excitement and love. I hope you will be there with us!

Posted by Kim who is really missing her little ones!

COLD WEATHER CREATIVITY

2009-01-18T11:18:00.000-05:00

The forecast this week is warmer, but face it; it's still winter! When the weather outside is frightful, inside playtime can be delightful! Here are some ways to use your furniture and the space in the garage.

1. Cushion Mountain - Pile couch cushions and pillows in the middle of the living room and climb the mountain.

2. Pillow Path - Arrange pillows or cushions in a path spaced a bit apart. Jump from pillow to pillow. How else can you move your body down the path? Towels also make excellent paths.

3. Chair train/bus – line up a column of kitchen and/or dining room chairs. Your child “drives” and dolls and stuffed animals are the passengers. Don’t forget the road trip tunes from your favorite Kindermusik CD.

4. Table Hideout – Remove all of the chairs from around the table. Drape a large bed sheet over the table creating walls. Play “peek-a-boo” with the sheet, crawl in and out, and/or have your child set up toys, pillows, and books to personalize their hideout. Homemade tents are so much fun!

5. Garage Gym – Move the cars out of the garage and use the space for riding, running, dancing, and more. Roll, bounce, and toss balls onto targets. They don’t need to be fancy, just tape a piece of paper to the wall. Make a “Tricky Trail” on the floor with masking tape. Walk the trail, run the trail, leap, skip, jump, and gallop down the trail.

(Masking tape trails work in other rooms too. They’re great roads for all those little cars and trains.) Turn the garage into an imaginary park, train station, or whatever you imagination dreams up. Bring a CD player out to the garage so you can move to the music.

So use your imagination! A little "mess" in the house is so worth the fun and memories your child will have. Let us know what you come up with!

Posted by Kim who hates cold weather and has really cold toes!

Discovering more than Music at Clarksville’s Kindermusik class.

2009-01-17T08:51:00.000-05:00

I found this article and just love the mom's approach. Many mothers think that if their child doesn't do everything in a Kindermusik class the way it is "supposed to be" that the child won't learn in class. That is so not true! Check out this article.

This morning Elle-Girl and I attended an event held in an upstairs practice room at the incredibly renovated new Mary’s Music Store downtown. The event was a preview Kindermusik class taught by Tiffany Hilliker. Kindermusik is a free form way of teaching children music by positive parent interaction and helping form a well rounded child. The class starts out with a happy hello song where you bounce your young child in your lap while singing “Hello” to the other children. The class then continues to teach predictable routine practices and interactive song and dance opportunities. The children get to experience different musical instruments and play with bright colorful streamers. The classes are completely child centered, however I must admit, the parent has a really good time as well.

As a mother of a busy toddler I thought that Elle-Girl would really get into this class. She always dances whenever music is on, she enjoys throwing mommy’s scarves up in the air and running through them, and loves singing silly songs and playing the drums on pots and pans.

However, the morning did not play out how I had imagined it. Elle-Girl did not want to sit in my lap during the “Hello” song, nor did she feel like sharing the plush puppy dog during the Sharing song. Sharing is really not a typical thing for children this age to do anyway, but some how the other toddlers in the group were than happy to pass the dog around. At one point a small duck was pulled out of Mrs. Hilliker’s box of plush animals and the usually reserved little Elle-Girl, who I swear to you has NEVER taken another toy from a child promptly stood, plush puppy dog still in hand, and took the duck from her “sharing buddy” Hayden. I didn’t feel it was necessary to try to explain Elle-Girl’s long time passion for things that go “Quack” I just quickly tried to resolve the situation.

After a cool down period with a quiet little Japanese Lullaby song, in which Elle-Girl stood looking at all the other children laying down as if to say “If you think I’m laying down for a nap at 10 in the morning, you’re crazy!” ,we all gathered together to hold hands and dance in a circle. Guess who was standing outside of the circle? Elle-Girl.

Tiffany instructed me to go ahead and join the circle, and perhaps when Elle-girl sees how much fun I’m having she will want to join. With a doubtful smile I joined in with the other mothers and their children and danced and skipped in a circle. While we were heading around and around I happen to notice what my child was doing, she was dancing along with us, but in her own circle. Even going in the direction we were going and stopping and doing the all the motions with us. I wanted her to join me, I wanted her to be like everyone else. Just then the mother beside me said something that I think will stay with me for a long time, she commented on how she was her own circle, and “what would the world be like if we didn’t have women like Oprah, or Hillary Clinton, that moved to their own circle?” you could also add women like Rosa Parks, Barbara Walters, Amelia Earhart, or my favorite Annie Lebowitz. At that moment, I found joy in my little independent girl, who has her own ideas and enjoys other children, but does not feel like she has to do what they are doing. I hope she always feels free to dance in her own circle.

I would encourage any parent to give Kindermusik a try. You never know what your child will discover there, or what you may discover about your child!

About Beth Britton

Beth Britton, Domestic Engineer (aka stay at home wife/mother) blogger, photographer, lover of antiques and the smell of an old quilt fresh off the line. After venturing into the Social Work field at APSU she quickly realized her 'gifting' was working with children, and became certified in Early Childhood Education. Beth can be found outside on nature walks with her daughter, on her front porch having coffee and talking of nothing with her 'Love', or in her church nursery wiping noses and rocking babies. She is ever striving toward a simpler life.

WHEN DO WE CANCEL?

2009-01-14T22:10:00.000-05:00

Well, it has finally arrived! The first measurable snowfall of this year. Please remember the following when determining if you have class or not:

If school is cancelled in the distric WHERE YOUR KINDERMUSIK CLASS IS HELD, then you do not have class.
If there is a 2-hour delay, we will go ahead and have class as scheduled.

This is our last week of classes for the Fall 2008 semester. We would hate it if you missed class, but please use common sense when deciding whether or not to attend class.

Above all...KEEP WARM! And sing whether you go to class or not!

FAMILY MUSIC CELEBRATION

2009-01-10T16:05:00.001-05:00

The first Saturday of this year we took some time to gather as families and enjoy some time together. This was for our kids 1 1/2 year and older. We first did our craft which was a snowman suncatcher. Very pretty! Thanks to Mrs. Holly for putting this together for our little hands. Here (picture #4) you see Dad and Ali putting theirs together!

We then had a great time singing, dancing and playing instruments! All of our songs and activities had a weather theme concentrating on snow. The pictures show us using our bells, parachute and streamers. It was really a good time.

We then had milk & cookies because that is the name of the unit that the Our Time kids are doing. They were yummy!

This Family Music Celebration was especially fun because of all the grandparents who were in attendance. It is so much fun to do these things with the whole family there! We hope that you can be at the next one!

Kindermusik Classes Today, Wednesday, December 17th

2008-12-17T07:20:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

Today we are scheduled to have classes in the Hamilton Southeastern school district (Fishers) and in Zionsville school district. Because both schools just have a 2-hour delay, we will be holding our classes as scheduled. If you feel you cannot get your child out safetly to class, please stay home. Give us a call and we will schedule a make-up day for you. Otherwise, we will see you at class this morning. Evening classes will still be held as scheduled. Stay warm!!!

Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

2008-12-10T11:38:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed how much pleasure your toddler can find in touching a
pansy petal to his cheek? ...or the fascination in the eyes of a three
year old who has discovered a spider crawling on its web? Everyone who
has a one-on-one relationship with a child can get "back to basics" in a
blink of an eye. Even fuzz-balls under the fridge can capture a little
one's interest. Think about the toys you or your child loved most.....
probably a cuddly bear, a houseful of "little round people", wooden
building blocks, Colorforms shape sets, or play pots and pans, dishes
and some play dough "food". A two year old can still spend hours
playing with soapy suds or digging in the sand. Remember the basics when
choosing toys and there will be less frustration for you AND your
children. No batteries, raucous electronic voices or beeps, software
that disappoints, violent games, or lost pieces in the bottom of the toy
box. A gift of a big plastic tub with snap-on lid filled with age
appropriate art supplies and blank paper, a plastic drop cloth, and a
collection of "stuff" such as tissue tubes, stickers, rubber bands,
feathers, scraps of fabric and construction paper might be one of the
best gifts you could give. But don't just set it down in front of your
child.... "Let's see what we can make!" could be the magic words. Don't
insist on conformity or beauty. Just the experience of construction can
bring great satisfaction. There are some good books on home-made
instruments for parents and children to make together, combining music
and craft/art. Let me hear of your successes and/or disasters. We can
all learn from each other!

By Kim, who doesn't want a kitten in HER house!

SNOW/WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY

2008-12-07T14:15:00.000-05:00

We hope that we don't ever have to cancel a Kindermusik class because of the weather, but we want all of our little ones to always be safe! So in case we do have a lot of snow that the big snow plows aren't able to keep off the roads, here is our cancellation policy!

School Cancellations - If the school district where your Kindermusik class meets cancels school, then your Kindermusik class will be cancelled.

2-Hour Delay - If the school district where your Kindermusik class meets has a 2-hour delay, your Kindermusik class will meet as scheduled. We can't figure out how to get a 2 year old to delay her nap for 2 hours. Go figure!

Please notice that you may live in a different school district than where your Kindermusik class meets. Please take this into consideration.

Evening Classes - If you are in an after-school or evening class, please call our office to see if we are having class that day. Even if schools are cancelled sometimes the roads are clear by noon. If this is the case, we will go ahead and have our classes.

You can also always call our office and if I'm out playing in the snow, there will be a message on the voice mail telling you if we are having classes or not. I also realize that if you are a parent who doesn't have children in school, you may not be very familiar with the school districts. Here is a list:

Zionsville Presbyterian Church Zionsville School District
Carmel Parks Monon Center Carmel-Clay School District
Orchard Park Presbyterian Church Carmel-Clay School District
Northview Christian Life Church Carmel-Clay School District
Fishers United Methodist Church Hamilton Southeastern School District
East 91st Street Christian Church Hamilton Southeastern School District
Epworth United Methodist Church Washington Township School District, Marion County

As always, if you have any questions, please give us a call!

Posted by Kim Bemis who is trying to stay warm on this cold Sunday afternoon!

PLANNING AHEAD

2008-11-29T23:17:00.000-05:00

We all seem to plan ahead any more. Now I'm not talking next week or even a few weeks away. I'm talking about months in advance! Because we do this as a society, I am forced to do this in my Kindermusik business. We are currently in our last day of Priority Enrollment for our current students. November 30th is the last day for this.

On Monday, December 1st we will open our enrollment for families who would like to get into our program. Our classes tend to fill quickly and are limited in size. So please call or register on line to get a class that meets your family's needs.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-23T20:18:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday! I love being with family. We laugh, we reminisce by telling stories, some of which are even true! It is a holiday that hasn't been spoiled by too much commercialism. In fact, I think that the retail market has totally forgotten about Thanksgiving. They just can't figure out how to commercialize this holiday! So they opt to skip it in favor of Christmas.

As I look at my family, I often think of how it has changed over the years. I no longer have any grandparents around the table. I miss them! I am now one of the grandmas sitting at the table. I would have loved for my grandparents to know my grandchildren.

All people don't appreciate family ties the same way I do. Some relationships can be very difficult. Family can often bring out the worst in us. I want to challenge you at this Thanksgiving season to try to look at others seeing the best in them. What about them do you like? What redeeming qualities does that person have? What good memories do you have of that person?

Being thankful...I don't do this often enough! What am I thankful for?

A husband who tolerates me no matter what.
Children who have grown up to be responsible adults.
Parents who are still in good health and love me unconditionally.
Grandchildren who let me shower them with kisses!
Music
Being able to share music with so many children.
Being able to make music in praise to God.
ALL my Kindermusik families

So let's all think of the many blessing we have in our life, beginning with our family. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. God bless you all!

Macy's Pre-Thanksgiving Day Parade

2008-11-22T20:39:00.000-05:00

What a great kick-off to the holiday season we had today at Castleton Square Mall. Macy's was kind enough to ask us to be the "band" in the their Pre-Thanksgiving Day Parade. We had 45 children plus their parents, some grandparents and friends that came to march through the store with instruments and balloons. Macy's was also kind enough to give away some great coupon savings to everyone who participated. They also did a drawing for several really great prizes. It was exciting to have everyone come and participate! Enjoy a slide show of some of the exciting moments!

Kindermusik International Convention in Raleigh, North Carolina

2008-11-22T19:46:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I was privileged to go to the annual convention that Kindermusik International puts on for all of it's educators. There were three of us from Musical Beginnings who were able to attend. Mindy Lerch and Christina Gibson went to Raleigh with me. We learned so much and were so inspired by the speakers, staff of Kindermusik International and all the other Kindermusik educators that we were lucky enough to rub shoulders with. Kindermusik has 4800 educators world wide and I can say with assurance that I work with 6 of the best Kindermusik educators in the world. They each one are caring, knowledgable educators who want the very best for your children. Which one are you fortunate to have working with your family?

From Village to Family Time to Young Child

2008-10-21T19:43:00.001-04:00

Whether your child is a baby in our Village class (0-18 months) or you have opted to do Family Time (6 months to 7 years), you and your child are having fun in a Kindermusik class. Maybe you are doing Our Time (18 months to 3 1/2 years) or Imagine That (3 - 5 years) and your child is loving the music. For those who have a child in Kindergarten or 1st grade we are working on rhythms and learning to read music and play it on our instruments. We are all having fun and learning so much! Here is a slide show that will give you just a peek inside all of our different levels of Kindermusik. Kindermusik parents are giving their children a gift that will last a lifetime! This is what we have been doing in October.

2008-10-21T19:42:00.001-04:00

Rain Hat Day in Imagine That

2008-10-20T15:10:00.001-04:00

Last week was our rain hat day. Our theme for Imagine That this semester is Hello Weather, Let's Play Together! What fun you can have with this theme. We have been making and bringing things from home. This past week the students were to make a rain hat and bring to class. Everyone in my class had a rain hat. As you can see, they were quite the fashionable children! We can even have fun and sing in the rain!

Imagine That!

2008-10-11T22:12:00.000-04:00

Yes! Imagine That! This is the name of the class for our 3 - 5 year old children. It is the most amazing time that I have all week. This age child is just that; so full of imagination. So full of stories to tell. And not necessarily all true ones! Having taught Kindermusik now for 11 years sometimes I feel that I have heard everything. But when I enter this class, I am almost always guaranteed that I will hear at least one new idea. One thing that I have never tried. It is often the highlight of my week.

It saddens me that many times this is the time that parents decide to not do Kindermusik any longer. What their child misses developmentally is such a great loss. Only music can help in ALL developmental areas. It is truly a whole child experience. A 3, 4 or 5 year old needs the comfort and familiarity of a Kindermusik class to explore and develop in every area. Making it a priority to find both the time and resources to let your child continue is one of the greatest gifts that a parent will ever give their child.

HOW DOES MY CHILD FEEL TODAY?

2008-09-10T07:33:00.000-04:00

We have done it! We have started another semester of Kindermusik studio classes. What fun we have had this first week. With the beginning of a new semester also comes the challenges. We have already seen some "questionable children". What you ask is a "questionable child"? That is the child who many see as not being healthy enough to come to a class. (Maybe we should call it the "questionable adult"!) Please ask yourself this question before you come to class.

Would I want MY healthy child to be in a class next to a child who has my little one's symptoms?

We realize as a mom/caregiver you are probably considering these things:
1. We really should stay home...but I really need to get out of the house!
2. We really should stay home...but I have paid for the class!
3. We really should stay home...but I'm GOING CRAZY!

We know what a hard job is it being a mother and we know that isn't the ONLY job that you have. If your child is sick, please call or email to let us know and then we can schedule a make up class for you. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and consideration to others! (And to the teachers also! We don't like to get sick either!!)

The following are a few guidlelines that we would like you to consider.

SICK CHILD POLICY
Please be considerate of other children when deciding whether or not your child is healthy enough to attend class. Follow these guidelines and if your child has any of these symptoms, please keep him/her home:

Fever within the last 24 hours
Runny nose with yellow or green mucus
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
Lice
Rash or spots on skin, ringworm infection
Severe itching
Mouth sores
Eye discharge
Uncontrolled coughing; difficulty breathing; wheezing

Ask yourself this important question – when you are feeling healthy, would you want to play in class with another child that has your child’s symptoms? If the answer is no, please do not bring him/her to class. If your child exhibits these symptoms, please be advised that in the interest of safety for all children and adults present, we will ask you to leave and make-up the class at a better time.

LITTLE WONDERS

2008-08-21T19:37:00.000-04:00

Aren't they though? Children are just little wonders. I find myself smiling at them without even thinking about it. They make me laugh, whether it is by their smile or something funny they say. The way they switch meanings and words around can be hysterical.

We did 2 demos today and it was a ball. They were both very small, but full of fun. We had 2 "babies" today that smiled when we sang and so enjoyed all the different movements we put them through.

Then we did a Family Time class with 4 boys and 1 girl. They were everywhere; exploring, playing instruments, checking out everything they saw! I never get tired of the wonder of children. Just when I think I've heard every idea, here comes another one.

When was the last time you sat back and enjoyed the "wonder" that is your child? Have you ignored the mess they are making and just watched them explore? Have you seen the wonder in their eyes as they notice something for the first time?

Take the time to sing and dance with your child. Watch the sparkle in their eyes! It is awesome! Don't miss a minute!

SING YOUR BABY TALK

2008-08-14T19:54:00.000-04:00

Even before your baby is born, she responds to the sound of your voice. Researchers have observed that babies in the womb as early as five months will respond to the sound of a mother’s certain vowels with a kick or a wave.

Later, when your baby is born, you’ll naturally talk to her in a sing-song language called “motherese,” or “parentese.” Research shows that this language is one of the first sounds your baby tries to imitate with cooing and babbling.

Studies have also pinpointed the musical notes that children can most easily recognize and imitate. So mix up your language-building parentese with singing, regular talking, and rhymes, and your baby will be exposed to a variety of sounds.

Kindermusik tips:

Your baby: In the first year, your baby is more interested in listening to the sound of you singing. So choose songs that you love, hold her close, and dance with her.
Your toddler: Simple songs that go back and forth from two notes—called the sol-mi interval—are easiest for toddlers to repeat. Songs with this interval include: “Rain, Rain, Go Away,” and “Starlight, Starbright.”
Your preschooler: Start adding more notes with songs like “Mahna, Mahna,” “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” the “Theme from Star Wars,” “Baa baa, Black Sheep,” “The ABC Song.”

SUMMER FUN

2008-08-10T13:56:00.001-04:00

When the weather is nice, don't let the kids stay inside! Get them out and moving!! One fun summer activity is blowing bubbles. You can blow them yourself or now there are bubble machines that are very affordable. (Right now they are on clearance!) Get one and have a blast in the backyard! Invite some friends and run, run, RUN!

Adults like bubbles too!

Bye, bye bubbles!

SUMMER PIANO (?) FUN!

2008-08-06T13:06:00.000-04:00

What a great time we had this summer in our "Summer Fun Days" activities. Sure we played the piano a little, but not entirely. We spent 3 hours exploring other aspects of music that we don't always get to do during our regular weekly lessons. It was a great time! Check out the slide show!

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

2008-08-03T14:37:00.000-04:00

From the time your child wakes up in the morning to the time she goes to bed at night, sounds surround her: Alarm clocks, noises at child care, traffic, and the television.

The ability to focus in on one sound and distinguish it from background noise is different than simply hearing - that's why listening is truly a learned skill. You can help your child develop the awareness for listening when you spend time with her, give pause and listen to the nuances of sound. Developing good listening skills is vital to helping your little one learn to follow directions, learn to read, as well as to play an instrument.

Here are some Kindermusik tips:

YOUR BABY: Sit comfortably and hold your baby up on your knees so that you're facing each other. Imitate her facial expressions and sounds. Give long pauses, allowing her to notice that you're "listening".

YOUR TODDLER: When you hear an interesting, easily repeatable sound, such as a doorbell, a knock on the door, or footsteps, ask you toddler, "What's that sound?" Imitate the sound yourself and then ask if she can make the sound, too.

YOUR PRESCHOOLER: PLAY A SOUND VERSION OF "I spy." "I hear with my little ear something in the kitchen." The guesser has to ask questions about the sound then identify the noisemaker. Or, play "If you can hear me," game: "If you can hear me, hop on one foot." The sillier the actions, the more fun the game will be for your preschooler.

More Than Child's Play

2008-07-20T18:10:00.000-04:00

A child's play is pleasure...and so much more. Experts (and experienced moms and dads) understand the importance of play to a child's development. Play is how children learn, hone their relationship-building abilities, develop social skills, and bond with others--especially loving parents.

This is why and how Kindermusik is here to support you as a parent! Simply put, Kindermusik is a music and movement program for children, ages 0-7. You'll play, listen, and dance to music that will impact you and your child in profound ways. That's because every song, story, and two-step has a carefully chosen purpose in this creative curriculum--one that's designed to stimulate and strengthen the vital neural wiring taking place in your child's mind right now. We as Kindermusik educators, will guide you every step of the way so you know how each activity contributes to your child's overall growth and development. You can learn more about Kindermusik classes by calling and signing up for one of our many demonstration classes going on in August. We hope to see you there!

Touching Your Baby

2008-06-12T15:16:00.000-04:00

At Kindermusik we realize how very important it is to touch our little ones. In every Kindermusik Village class we do an infant massage. Babies do learn to love this. Watch this video to see how very important this simple activity is for your baby.

http://videos.stltoday.com/p/video?id=1929133

PEEK-A-BOO

2008-05-29T23:02:00.000-04:00

Is there a more universal game than this for little ones? Our new summer class for the 0-18 month crowd is getting lots of practice in this time honored game. We will be doing this same class beginning again in July. Come join us or even join us again if you are doing the class currently!

Peek-a-Boo, Peek-a-Boo, Peek-a-Boo, I love you!
Peek-a-Boo, Peek-a-Boo, I love you!

Peek-a-Boo to Mommy!
Peek-a-Boo today!
Peek-a-Boo to Daddy!
Were glad you're here today!

You will be glad to be in a Peek-a-Boo class with your little one this summer. Give us a call!

THe End of Another Year

2008-05-18T01:01:00.000-04:00

They come so quickly! The end of another year. The passing of time. Children grow so fast and there is nothing we can do to stop it! We take pictures, we scrapbook, we try in so many ways to preserve those memories!

It has been a joy seeing your children grow and develop in this past year. To see the changes developmentally, socially, physicall and emotionally is truly rewarding. Many of you will be back for more. Others will not. I hope that we have been able to show you the many, many benefits that this Kindermusik class has brought to your child and your family. He or she will never be the same. They have been touched by the power of music!

What Fun We Had at our Family Music Celebration!

2008-04-20T16:47:00.000-04:00

We had such a wonderful time yesterday at our Family Music Celebration! We did activities about transportation focusing on legato (smooth) and staccato (bumpy) as we did them. Our trains went through tunnels, in our boats we saw the stars twinkling at night (the stars were our flashlights), and then we had big wheels on our buses in the form of parachutes. Thanks to all the families who came! You were all great! We missed all of you who didn't get to join us. Maybe next time! Here are some pictures to enjoy!

FAMILY MUSIC CELEBRATIONS

2008-04-12T20:00:00.000-04:00

In days gone by families used to sing, dance and play instruments together. This very rarely happens any more. Society has been convinced that you must be a "professional" to make music. Because of this, we as families miss out on so much fun. Well, we are here to help you put the fun back into music. Come join us on Saturday, April 19th for a musical time with your family and many others.

Where: Fishers United Methodist Church

SE corner of 116th & Hwy 69/37

Enter by entrance #4

Go upstairs to room #273

Village (ages 0-18 months) - 9:30 a.m.

All other ages - 11:00 a.m.

You MUST be registered to attend, so please call our office at 317.867.3077 or email us at kimusik@musicalbeginnings.com

We need the names of all people who will be attending. Thanks so much and we look forward to a musical good time with you and your family!

Spring Break

2008-04-04T15:48:00.000-04:00

Spring time is here and we are taking our Spring Break. Zionsville Presbyterian had is this week, March 31 to April 4. All of our other classes have it from April 7 to April 11. Please make a note of this. Enjoy some "down time" with you child. Going and going all the time isn't good for children. Letting a little one have some time to just be with mom and dad and let all they have been learning soak in is a good thing. So kick back and have a great Spring Break!

Kindermusik Home Materials...priceless!

2008-03-07T07:25:00.000-05:00

Unlike most other music programs for young children, Kindermusik is designed as an everyday musical experience. That is why Kindermusik puts so much energy into creating high quality "At Home" materials that are second to none. Thoughtfully crafted sets of materials are purposefully incorporated to provide the most complete and the best possible musical learning experience available for the entire family.

Following are some helpful and practical ideas for helping to make your child's life even more musical:

Play your At Home CD Children love repetition and the more you play the CD together, the more your child will be comfortable with the songs and activities.
Use your At Home CD and literature book to add music to your nightly bedtime story ritual.
Sing to or sing along with your child. Sing to a pet or even a stuffed animal.
Swing and sway to music, or dance through the water droplets of a sprinkler.
Record your own songs and listen to your own voices and music.
Vary your movements and instrument playing. Maintain a steady beat, move to a faster beat, then a slower beat.
Discuss the music you hear. What does it sound like? What types of instruments do you hear?
Sing or chant favorite tunes to help pass the time while waiting in line or while sitting in the pediatrician's office.
Explore musical sounds with home-made instruments, using boxes and other assorted containers, scrapers, shakers and jingles.
Attend community concerts and other local musical events to give your child a taste of many types of music.

Music at home is a great memory builder for your child. In years to come he will mention the things you did together at home when he was little! ...priceless!

Does Your Child Have a Laptop?

2008-02-25T07:54:00.000-05:00

All children need a laptop. Not a computer, but a human laptop. Moms, dads, grannies and grandpas, aunts, uncles - someone to hold them, read to them, teach them. Loved ones who will embrace them and pass on the experience, rituals, and knowledge of a hundred previous generations.Loved ones who will pass to the next generation their expectations of them, their hopes, and their dreams.
~General Colin L. Powell - founder of America’s Promise - The Alliance for Youth

What a wonderful thought! In today's society, we are so worried about our children having the latest and greatest in technology and the amenities of this world. But are we equally (or more) worried about the relationships that they are developing? Having a child on your lap to read to or sing with is something that we at Musical Beginnings support wholeheartedly! So get that laptop out just for that special child in your life. It will help him grow into an emotionally responsible adult. It will help her have the emotional skills to deal with life!

Musically, Kim

On this Eve of a New Year

2007-12-31T18:02:00.000-05:00

On this eve of a New Year it gives me time to reflect. Have I communicated to you (the parents of small children) the importance of music in a child's life? Have I shown you what a difference it can truly make in a child's skill levels and overall development? I am constantly looking for ways to improve my communication with young families. Do you have any suggestions? I would welcome them as I feel it is vital to have a consistent musical activity in a little ones life. The power that music has is unmistakable. Think of your own memories and how many of them are related to music. It is a vast array I'm sure. Get your little one away from the TV screen, the video game, or the movie and get up and dance. Sing a song together. But more importantly do this on a consistent basis. Do it intentionally! Kindermusik can help you with this. Your child will thank you!

2007-12-10T08:04:00.000-05:00

Education...it's such an important part of our lives! Even as adults we need to continue learning and striving to be better all the time. You wouldn't want to go to a doctor who graduated from medical school and 10 years later had never taken any more classes, read any more medical journals...well you get my point. Here at Musical Beginnings we think it is important that we, your teachers, keep learning and growing also. In October every educator attended the Kindermusik Convention in Chicago. We heard from excellent speakers such as Dr. Becky Bailey, Daniel Levitin & Maria Bailey. Not to mention the Kindermusik great such as Carol Penney and Michael Dougherty (pictured with us), Kindermusik chairman & CEO. This all took time away from our family, friends and even adjusted our teaching schedule. But it was well worth it to learn more and be rejuvenated to come back to class more excited and even better than ever.

These ladies that I have the privilege to work with are outstanding! They each one really care about you and your children and have a heart to give your child the very best!

Welcome!

2007-12-02T19:31:00.000-05:00

Hello Moms, Dads & all those interested in early childhood music!

I am venturing into an unknown area....the blog! Sounds pretty ominous to me! I'm not really sure what to do or where to start! I do know that many times I have thoughts or ideas about music for our children and don't know where to go with them. I think this will be a good starting point. Therefore, from time to time you will see an addition to my blog giving you ideas and thoughts on music for your children. Stay tuned!