When should we start piano lessons? When should we start violin lessons? It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked. Often by parents of toddlers and preschoolers.
The sad thing is that typically; start when you’re three, quit when you’re four. Start when you’re four, quit when you’re five. But start a little older, after having group music classes, and you’re more likely to have success and fun with your instrument. Group classes teach beat, rhythm, phrasing, pitch matching, music concepts, and vocabulary in a joyful,
active way. An older child of 7 or 8 years who has learned basic music skills from a group music program will quickly pass up a child who started private lessons at a young age.
The progress for the older child who had group music classes first (especially classes that have a music education curriculum, such as Kindermusik, not just a sing along) is fast and successful and these children tend to stay in music much longer because they do make good progress.
One private teacher put it this way, “The progress of the young child starting private lessons as a first-time music experience is painfully slow.” Just as babies learn to understand language before they can speak and read it, young children need to learn to walk to a beat, echo sing pitches accurately and have an understanding of basic music concepts before starting to learn music reading and the specific skills of playing an instrument.
What do we think is best for the 3, 4, or 5-year-old?
The Kindermusik classes! And...the parent who listens to music or plays the piano or another instrument at home, encourages their child’s musical interest!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
WHEN TO TAKE PIANO LESSONS....An often asked QUESTION!
WHY BABY MUSIC? Music Promotes Learning
Research has shown that babies, from fetus to toddler, respond intuitively to music and benefit from it.
Naturally and instinctively responding to music, the infant and toddler exposed to music can later concentrate and learn more quickly, showing advanced verbal skills, vocabulary, and coordination. Research has also shown that music for very young children generates neural connections, enhancing higher brain functions that enable a child to reason in subjects such as math, physics, and engineering.
The impulse to move, speak, sing and play rhythmically is a natural and vital part of being human. After one year of music, children starting music at a later age have far less gain in their musical intelligence than children having that year of music at a young age. Just as babies learn to speak and understand our language before they learn to read and write it, music is also learned best this way!
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Music Promotes Learning!
Music is an essential component of child development. When included in a child’s early education, the following benefits are often seen:
QR The richer the music environment a child inhabits, the richer the brain network.
QR Music, at a very young age, has a dramatic impact on a child’s language and vocabulary development.
QR Rocking, swaying and moving through space stimulates the vestibular system, improving balance.
QR Timing activities develop motor skills and coordination.
QR Listening, comparing, and responding to various types of music develops thinking skills, while songs, rhymes, and finger games strengthen memory.
QR Repeating patterns & counting beats develop listening & sequencing skills. QR Participating in group dances & musical games encourages social skills and boosts self-esteem.
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Obviously music is very valuable for the joy of the music itself. Music improves the quality of life. Both adults and children are happy when music is added to their day. Stressful situations seem easier to handle when singing a song or humming a familiar tune!
Early exposure to rhymes, tickle games, songs, and instruments reinforce core first-year developmental milestones such as eye contact, object permanence, and bonding. Babies become aware of the sights and sounds around them which aids in language emergence and focus. Floor activities help to naturally develop babies’ core strength and social skills with other babies as it provides stimulation of the vestibular system.
Our approach to music comes from the Orff Schulwerk philosophy, a joyful and exciting experience for very young children using singing, movement and instrument playing to teach music. By participating in these lessons, the child will become a better musician and will be more successful in future musical pursuits.
THE TV-ADHD CONNECTION...Put your child's KM CD INSTEAD and let them imagine they are conducting a symphony....
You'd think a child who can sit glued to a TV screen for hours would, if nothing else, develop a decent attention span. Unfortunately the opposite may be true. When researchers studied 2,500 children, they found that the more TV kids watch between ages 1 and 3, the greater their risk of having attention problems at age 7. Each hour of TV viewed per day, experts noted, increased the risk of symptoms similar to those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by almost 10%. The study didn't examine parental styles or program content and it didn't rule out the possibility that kids with attention problems may be more likely to be put in front of the TV. The rapid pace and intensity of television exceed what a child would experience in the real world....As a result kids who watch too much TV in early childhood-a critical period of brain development-appear to grow accustomed to a high level of stimulation, which may lead to attention problems... The AAP recommends no more than 2 hours of TV per day for kids over 2 and none for those younger....
AGE-BY AGE GUIDE TO GROSS-MOTOR SKILLS
When motor skills develop normally, it's a good indication a child's brain growth is also on track, says Ellen Schumann, MD, a pediatrician with the Marshfield Clinic in Wausau, WI...Below, you'll find gross-motor milestones to watch for, these are general guidelines, says Dr. Shumann...Some kids will reach them earlier and some later...Consult pediatrician if you're concerned....
1 month....Lift head momentarily when held against your shoulder....
3 months..Push up with arms while lying on stomach...
4-7 months...Roll from back to stomach and, later, vice versa....
6-7 months...Sit without support...
9 months...Crawl, pull to a stand
11 months...Move about while holding unto furniture...
12-14 months...Stand without falling, squat, begin walking...
18 months...Run, throw a ball while holding it overhead with both hands...
2-21/2 years...Run well, jump up with both feet, throw a ball overhand...
3 years...Ride a tricycle, walk upstairs one foot at a time
4 years...Hop on one foot, skip, walk downstairs one foot at a time...
5 years...Jump over an object, balance on one foot for 3-5 seconds...
UNREALISTIC PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS...
When it comes to our children, parents dream big....Athletic prowess, an Ivy League education, a high powered career... Such hopes although well intended can be burdensome for our kids..How can parents help...Be realistic and accept the child you've got...Support and encourage strengths and interests, but realize that no amount of pressure can turn your child into a genius or star athlete...When a child faces a challenge stay calm and exude confidence. ALL YOU CAN DO IS TRY YOUR BEST! Expressing your anxiety will only increase the stress... Above all, keep matters in perspective..How many A's kids get or how popular they are in school doesn't predict future success.....
ENDANGERED MUSICAL MINDS?/Start right start with KINDERMUSIK!
What a child has heard in the first six years of life cannot be eradicatd later. Thus it is too late to begin teaching at school, because a child stores a mass of musical impressions before school age, and if what is bad predominates, then his fate as far as music is concerned, has been sealed for a lifetime.....Zoltan Kodaly.....This is why I always hesitate to recommend formalized music lessons until 2nd grade....I want the children I teach to store masses of love for music....To have fun and enjoy their musical experience. ....Remember it is the process, not performance....
In human beings, the density of synapses increase sharply during the first months of life, reaches maximum at the ages of one to two (roughly 50% above the adult mean density), declines between the ages of 2-16, and remains relatively constant until the age of 72....Howard Gardner, Frames of Mind 44-45
The strength and efficiency of synaptic connections determine the speed and power with which your brain functions. THe most important news about synapses is that they are formed, strengthened, and maintained by interaction with experience. It is much more difficult to reorganize it in the first place. Organization inhibits reorganization. Carving out neuronal tracks for certain types of learning is best accomplished when the synapses for that particular skill are most malleable, before the firm up around certain types of responses....Jane Healy, Endangered Minds 52-53
A MUSICAL PERSON.....THINKS TUNES....FEELS RHYTHMS.....RESPONDS TO EXPRESSIVENESS IN MUSIC.....
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
KINDERMUSIK FALL SEMESTER BEGINS WEEK OF AUGUST 29th...
I am excited to see all my Kindermusik families once again. Get ready for an amazing musical adventure this year....I've been through two incredible seminars this year and am looking forward to implement some of their musical ideas into my curricula. See everyone soon.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
HOW PRECIOUS IS THIS!...Snowflakes Fairies!
Imagine That children love to pretend...This was our unit on Snowflakes...They pretended they were SNOWFLAKE FAIRIES...IMAGINE THAT!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS JANUARY 3RD...
With the beginning of a NEW YEAR, goals are made...In Kindermusik this year my goal is to ensure every child feels worthy to create, explore and enjoy music. Music is an incredible component in the life of every human being...Music brings saneness in a world that is continually spinning out of control...Music helps us control and balance our lives if we stop, listen, relax and meditate on the beauty that is being heard. This year in Kindermusik, let the outside world come to a halt when entering the studio...Bask in the joy that music brings to your children...Watch your children delight in singing, playing instruments, dancing and pretending...Make sure you enrich your child's musical experience by playing your child's CD at home and adding or scaffolding extra activities that encourage your child's ongoing love for music education....MUSIC IS INCREDIBLE...Let it's healing melodies permeate your children's lives as well as yours this year....
Friday, July 23, 2010
ALL KINDERMUSIK CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 30th!
Just a note... to remind everyone to start getting excited for our Fall semester classes to start. We have a few more openings in my OUR TIME classes on Tuesday and Wednesday's both times are still available, and my IMAGINE THAT classes on Monday and Tuesday afternoon between 1-2pm. YOUNG CHILD classes are filled however if I get enough children I will open another class at 9:45 on Thursday Morning. I will also be offering a Baby Village Class on Thursday, if anyone is interested call or email me.
SEE YOU SOON!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
AUTISM-Does my child have it?
AUTISM is a complex developmental disability that typically appears in the first three years of life. It is the most common condition in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) group--also referred to as pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)--and affects individuals to varying degrees, from very mildly to severely.
Children with autism have difficulties communicating and exhibit different ways of learning reacting and paying attention.
According to the Autism Society of America, approximately 1 percent of children in the U.S. ages 3-17 have an ASD, and prevalence is estimated at one in 110 births. There is no cure for autism, but the condition is treatable. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the outcome and reduce the cost of lifelong care.
EARLY SIGNS OF AUTISM TO LOOK FOR IN CHILDREN INCLUDE:
Lack of or delay in spoken language
Repetition of language or actions
Little or no eye contact
Persistent fixation on parts of objects
Little interest in interaction with other children
No interest in "PRETEND" play
Aversion to being held/cuddled
The Autism Society of America has compiled a list of ways to help advance awareness of autism. For information, visit www.autism-society.org and search for "National Austism Awareness Month."
You can also learn more about ASD from:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, www.ninds.nih.gov
Autism and PDD Support Network, www.autism-pdd.net
Monday, April 12, 2010
KINDERMUSIK SUMMER CAMPS! SIGN UP NOW
Our annual May Kindermusik camps will begin May 4-5. See my Summer camp registration for dates and times!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS WEEK OF JANUARY 11th!
Happy New Year Kindermusik Family!
I am so excited to start teaching the Spring curricula! Who couldn't love Shiny Dinah, Jack In the Box, Bongo the talking Drum and Timmy the Top. The older Children will learn about Beethoven, Bach, play musical baseball, take musical journeys to Japan, Europe, Africa and South America as well as learn to play the recorder and glockenspiel. These musical treats will be enjoyed by all that attend this semester.
Monday, December 7, 2009
LAST WEEK OF CLASSES DECEMBER 14th, 2009
Next week will be the end of my fall semester kindermusik classes. Our ending class will be a culmination of song, instrument play, movement, and SANTA. Don't miss out on next week's Kindermusik with Santa class. If you would like bring 1 dozen goodies to share with our kindermusik community. I hope you have enjoyed having your child attend my classes. A lot of work, dedication and time has been spent in preparing classes for your child's education and enjoyment. As always if you have any suggestions or comments please let me know. I am always trying to improve the quality of my teaching.
Thank you for your support! Susan
RUN, RUN, AS FAST AS YOU CAN and sign up for Kindermusik lessons SPRING SEMESTER!
Classes are filling up for Spring Semester. To guarantee your child's place in their preferred class, sign up ASAP. Any questions please email or call me.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
CLASS CHANGE
I will be out of town on Monday October 5th and Tuesday October 6th. I have set up make-up classes for Our Time Wiggles and Giggles and Imagine That See What I Saw on Friday October 9th. Tuesday Our Time classes will be held on Friday, same time as Tuesday's classes. Imagine That See What I Saw will be held on the same day at 1-1:45pm and 2:00-2:45pm. The Monday class will be 1-1:45pm, and the Tuesday class will be 2:00-2:45pm. If you cannot arrange your schedule to come on Friday please call me, and I will accommodate you the best I can. Thank you for your help with this change.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
WELCOME BACK KINDERMUSIK FAMILIES Fall 2009
This will be my 16th year teaching Kindermusik in my home studio. Can you believe it? Time flies! I still get excited talking about Kindermusik and teaching it's wonderful musical concepts. I am totally committed in giving your child the best musical training they can possibly get, and we all know how important musical training is to your growing child's brain. I would like to remind you of a few items you can help your child with to ensure a successful Kindermusik year. 1. Play the CD a ton! They are yearning to listen to the music. I know it might drive you crazy, but the child needs this to solidify the neural pathways of their brain. They are making neural connections with the music they are listening to and the Kindermusik classroom. You will see unbelievable language development and motor skills appear if you do this. 2. Support the home activities your child will be asked to do, and let your child build his/her self esteem and confidence by bringing them to class and showing them to their fellow musical friends. They love the projects they have made and brought from home. 3. Read their at home books to them, along with other books that scaffold or connect the activity I am teaching. 4: Bring them on time to class, and make sure you come 10 minutes before the class ends to be with your child for their sharing time. Sharing time is a time I go over all the activities we have worked on in class and what you need to do at home to help them have an incredible musical experience. A CAUTION!!! BE SURE TO COME IN MY FRONT DOOR WHEN COMING BACK FOR SHARING TIME OBSERVING YOUR CHILD VERY QUIETLY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASSROOM. When you come in the garage door, it takes all the magic out of the classroom.
MAKE-UP POLICY: There are no make-up lessons in my YC1 or YC3 Kindermusik classes. I have no other times I teach these classes. If you need to make up an Imagine That or Our Time class, contact me ASAP and I will let you know of a class time that will work for me and you. I teach several OT classes and 2 IT.
NEW THIS YEAR! I will be having a Daddy/Child Pajama Party each semester. It will be free to whoever would like to attend. Dad's never get to participate, so I thought this would be a fun thing to do for the wonderful Dad's who support Kindermusik. After the class we will have a milk and cookie time. I will have this TUESDAY NIGHT before THANKSGIVING at 6pm, and 7pm. Mark your calendars now.
If you have any suggestions or questions, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I am here to serve because I love you all sooooo much.
OOPS, Parking! Remember to park in my driveway or in my mother's driveway which is on the south side of my studio. Please do not park on the road or block the dirt road in front of my house. THANKS!
