Note: This blog post was contributed by Kathy’s Music in Pittsburgh, PA (Top 1% Kindermusik Maestro program worldwide).
"…[A]ll human beings are born musical and will respond to music. Because classical music, with its complex repetitive patterns, has far-reaching effects on the child and his brain development, it is the perfect experience."*
Our Kindermusik classes are designed to develop the whole child in general (language, fine & gross motor skills, social & emotional development) and to develop musical aptitude specifically.
Often classes will focus on melodic direction, listening for high sounds and low sounds and moving our bodies high and low for a true multi-sensory learning experience.
However, in our Kindermusik Young Child program, we teach kids to read and write music starting with melodic direction. To get things started we use the familiar "Star Light, Star Bright" song. The children are "tuning" in to sounds and pitches, learning to differentiate and identify. It’s really just the first step, but starting with something familiar puts them on the path to reading music.
Help your child to "tune" in to sounds and pitches by extending your child’s listening opportunities at home. Consider adding to your music collection with a CD or mp3 files. Some possible selections include:
- Mozart: The Complete Piano Sonatas and Variations, recorded by Daniel Barenboim, (On this recording you might especially enjoy the variations on the familiar "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or "Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman.")
- Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, and Fanfare for the Common Man, recorded by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and
- Holst: The Planets, recorded by Andre Previn and the Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra.
As you and your child listen to various pieces of music, talk about them. Discuss distinctions and preferences. Early exposure to a wide variety of music will ensure your child’s acceptance and appreciation of music for a lifetime!