At what age can my child start Kindermusik?
No child is too young to start Kindermusik. Kindermusik with Missy offers age-appropriate classes for children ages newborn to 5 years old.
What happens in a Kindermusik class?
Class activities vary depending on your child's age. But most classes involve a mix of singing, instrument play, dancing and movement, storytime, and other activities. Activities are designed to develop and strengthen your child's physical and neural functions, social-emotional skills, early literacy and early math, and much more.
How is Kindermusik different from other music programs for children?
So many reasons! Kindermusik is the original music and movement program. We have been doing this for over forty years. While some music programs put children of all ages together in one room, the majority of our classes are geared to specific ages. This means your child experiences class with “peers” and the activities match her developmental stage—just like in school. Kindermusik is very interactive, and encourages bonding by involving parents and caregivers. Our program is based on a mix of scientific research and learning philosophies of prominent musicians, composers, and development experts.
How long is each class?
Each class, regardless of whether it is a babies, toddlers or preschoolers class, is 45 minutes long.
How many classes are in each month?
There are 4 guaranteed classes in each month. You can see which weeks we'll have class, and which weeks below to which "month's" classes, on our calendar page.
Will my child learn an instrument like piano, guitar, or violin at Kindermusik?
We firmly believe, and research supports, that a solid foundation of basic musical training is the best path for children. This is why we start with concepts like steady beat and fine and gross motor skills. Kindermusik's Young Child program (although not currently offered at Kindermusik with Missy), for ages five to seven years, introduces stringed instruments (the dulcimer) and musical percussion instruments (the glockenspiel). We feel strongly that this is the best approach to shaping the Mozarts and Bachs of tomorrow. Starting a child on a finger-based instrument too early, while his hand and fingers are still growing and developing, could actually do more harm than good. Simply put, Kindermusik is the best place to start.
My child has special needs. Will he or she be able to participate?
We welcome special needs children and have found they thrive in the Kindermusik environment! If needed, please feel free to contact Missy at KindermusikWithMissy@gmail.com to discuss your child's needs.
Do I have to attend the classes with my child?
Yes, all our classes require that a parent, caregiver, or other adult accompany the child. Our classes are specifically designed to spark interaction between the parent and child. You are your child's first and best teacher, and Kindermusik tries to strengthen that bond.
Can my nanny/grandparent bring my child?
We know parents today are busier than ever. If neither parent is available to attend classes with the child, it is acceptable that a nanny/grandparent attend class with the child. To the extent possible, we prefer that the same individual attend class each week in order to ensure the child gets comfortable with a routine and the caregiver becomes familiar with the songs and activities.
Can grandma and grandpa come with us?
Absolutely! We welcome anyone who is in the child's life to join us in the classroom.
What if my child doesn't participate in class?
Children learn in different ways. Simply because a child appears shy in class, that doesn't mean he or she is not learning. We hear from parents all the time whose children are quiet in class, but when they get home the child sings the songs and does the activities! Just remember that the home is the most important learning environment and you are your child's most important teacher. The classroom is intended to give you tools to bring the music and learning home.
Why are the home materials required?
At the core of the Kindermusik philosophy is the idea that the home is the most important learning environment and the parent is the child's best teacher. The home materials give parents the tools to extend the learning into the home. Using the home materials is the most effective way to get the full Kindermusik experience and ensure your child is truly benefiting from early exposure to music and movement.
Can I try a class first before I enroll?
We are not offering trial classes at the moment. There are a couple reasons for this - it allows us to have the same group of families attending class each week and provides consistency and continuity for all enrolled families. Also, attending one class doesn't really give you an indication of how much your child will enjoy or benefit from the classes. Children (and adults :D) thrive in environments where they can build relationships with others and where the routines and rituals of class are familiar, allowing them to open up to the learning experience. It can often take 3-4 weeks for this to happen. Regular attendance also allows children to enjoy a progression and mastery of the music skills over time - I really love this aspect of the program.