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Who Knew? Kindermusik Changes Lives in Jordan

Kindermusik in Jordan

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Recently, Kindermusik Educators Christa Beck, Jessica Hanson, Leslie Edwards, and Rosalind Cross traveled to Jordan to share their music with 40 kids and their parents. Christa shares the experience with us here at Minds on Music. Who knew they’d change lives? Well…we did![/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Who knew…four Kindermusik educators from three states, Jessica Hanson and Leslie Edwards from Wisconsin, Rosalind Cross from South Carolina, and Christa Beck from Pennsylvania, would venture on an outreach trip to share the benefits of music to children across the world? . Along for the ride, was one fabulous brother, Ben, our fearless driver, encourager and ready-to-fill-in-wherever-needed guy from Indiana. On August 22, each of us set out on a 6000 plus mile journey and met in Amman, Jordan to begin a whirlwind week of connecting, teaching, singing, sharing, loving, and learning.  [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Christa Beck teaching at the music camp at Alliance Academy of Jordan
Christa Beck teaching at the music camp at Alliance Academy of Jordan

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Who knew…that we would teach over forty students, ages 0-12 during a week-long music camp filled with singing, instrument play, moving, crafts and games? We connected quickly with the staff and students who attended Alliance Academy of Jordan during our week of camp. We looked forward to arriving at the school each day to see the joy-filled faces of the helpers (kids included) waiting for us to arrive. The “language barrier” never was a barrier; we found ways to communicate through the beauty of music and movement, and especially through the blessing of students who knew English so well. The children were eager and excited to learn. In four days, we were amazed at the ability of the children to grow in inhibitory control, playfulness, and musicianship.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Kindermusik in Jordan
Jessica Hanson teaching at the music camp at Alliance Academy of Jordan

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Who knew…that over 25 teachers would come to our teacher training workshop? We spent one evening with a roomful of educators soaking up the principles of Conscious Discipline, Brain Gym, Kindermusik and child development and how music is so important in the midst of it all.  How fun to see the teacher’s excitement as these new ideas began to take hold!

Who knew…that one child named Adam would make particularly remarkable strides in his learning during the week? It was such a delight to see Adam’s mom experience positive changes in him as he explored and learned throughout the week. In her eyes, we could see hope.

Who knew…that we would experience mutual encouragement, love and support from the local Kindermusik educators in the Middle East? These connections continue to grow through social media. Our Kindermusik family is never far away, even if they are living on the other side of the world.[/vc_column_text][blockquote cite=”Christa Beck”]The world is smaller when you spread kindness and love and music.[/blockquote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Who knew…that we would experience so much GOOD that is happening in the Middle East? The amazing work of the AAJ school, sincere and open conversations between Christians and Muslims, a sing-a-long in the Dead Sea with Muslim women, and the fascinating history and beautiful country that is Jordan touched each of us!

Who knew…that we would see one of the seven new wonders of the world, Petra, sleep in the Arabian desert, climb rocks, hike river canyons, slide down waterfalls, float in the Dead Sea, and ride camels? We had no idea the incredible beauty or adventure in that country.

Who knew…the sweet connection that would develop between the four of us? The way we worked together, our flexibility, enthusiasm, and willingness to jump in where needed was an essential component to this trip. We used wonderful social constructivism to create lesson plans, solve problems (our crazy craft suitcase arrived three days late), and build one another up. It is a connection that will last a lifetime.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Who knew…that humans are humans are humans are humans are humans? We knew, and we believe it even more strongly now than ever before. The world is smaller when you spread kindness and love and music. It’s that simple. Peace.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Christa Beck is a Kindermusik Maestro Educator in Western Pennsylvania. Leslie Edwards and Jessica Hanson share their musical gifts with families at Take Note, a Kindermusik studio in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Rosalind Cross brings music to her community at Kindermusik of Greenville in South Carolina. 

All images courtesy of Christa Beck.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Educator Spotlight: Christa Beck

Educator Spotlight

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Maestro Educator Christa Beck loves what she does. That love is evident in the smiles of the children and parents she serves in her studio. Theresa Case interviewed this successful teacher so that we might get to know Christa a bit more.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Christa Beck has been changing lives as a Kindermusik Educator for 15 years. Her studio, Kindermusik with Christa Beck, is a multi maestro educator award winner, recognizing those that are among  the top programs internationally.

TC: What are some of your hobbies?

CB: Baking, running, reading and eating delicious meals that my husband has cooked. We also love to go out to eat; to experience new restaurants and breweries (and Pittsburgh has lots to choose from!).

TC: What do your Kindermusik kids call you?

CB: Miss Christa

TC: How do your Kindermusik families describe you?

CB: Fun, energetic, silly, smart, kind, loving, patient and always smiling.

Educator Spotlight Christa Beck
Always smiling!

TC: What’s your favorite part of teaching Kindermusik?

CB: Enabling parents to use music to connect with their children in ways they have not known before, in a positive, joyful, supportive environment.

TC: Do you have a favorite Kindermusik song?

CB: I have about 100 “favorite” Kindermusik songs. I loved learning all the words to traditional bedtime songs like “Hush Little Baby,” and “You are My Sunshine” early on in our Kindermusik experience. My children joke that I have a song for just about everything (from toast, to trains, to animals, to cleaning the house). I do randomly burst out in “Kindermusik” songs on a daily basis.

One of Miss Christa’s favorites!

TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik dance?

CB: ‘Liza Jane…I love the energy, the fiddles, the fantastic rhythm for dancing.

TC: If you had to name just one secret to success in the Kindermusik classroom, what would it be?

CB: Genuinely know and care for your families, and always give them 110%.

TC: What are some of the most touching moments you’ve experienced as a Kindermusik educator?

CB: I love the moment when a baby has learned to walk, and the parents in the class all cheer for that first walk across the Kindermusik classroom. When a toddler begins to sing in class, so pure and clear with no inhibitions, my heart smiles and knows this is the most right place to be in the world. Preschoolers are fun, silly, smart and energetic people. I love watching the self-confidence emerge, friendships blossom, and kindness happen naturally in our classes.[/vc_column_text][blockquote cite=”Christa Beck”]Every single child matters.[/blockquote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: Describe a teaching experience or favorite Kindermusik family that has especially impacted you as a teacher:

CB: I have always been particularly touched by special needs children. I am acutely aware of the extra effort it takes some children to reach certain milestones. I still remember my first Kindermusik child with Down’s Syndrome, Megan. She had been working so hard on walking and around age 2, finally walked across the room during class. The pride and joy of that mom, and the support of the families in that class had tears of joy flowing. I realized at that moment, how much our Kindermusik communities matter. Every single child matters. And what we are doing in the Kindermusik classroom matters. I’ve never lost sight of that.

TC: What do you feel has made your studio business a success?

CB: First and foremost, being the most well-prepared that I can for each and every class. Knowing the songs, knowing the activities, understanding why they are important, and learning more every day about early childhood development. Second, knowing, caring about, and loving my Kindermusik families. I believe in the value of each and every child and parent that comes through my doors each week. My hope is that shines through, and in turn has helped our studio become successful.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://animoto.com/play/Nfw6eJE8vvsSSdsYd00ikQ”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: What’s something new and exciting that’s happening with your business?

CB: We’ve been celebrating our 15th year all year long with fabulous events. A giant “on the farm” playdate at our local organic CSA, Jingle Jam holiday playdates, a recent Sweetheart Ball with 120 people in attendance, and more class offerings that ever before. We focus on adding new and exciting things to our business every year.

TC: What’s next for your Kindermusik program?

CB: I am taking Kindermusik to the Middle East this summer through a mission trip organized by another Kindermusik educator (Jessica Hanson.) My goal has been to have the studio families not only support this trip financially, but also share some of the different music from the two cultures with each other. I look forward to taking materials from our studio to leave in Amman, Jordan, and bringing activities and music back from the other side of the globe. My strong belief is that every child has value, and that music can be a universal means of communication; sharing healing and love from one country to the next.

I also hope to continue to grow our Kindermusik baby classes; to share with parents how much music can make an impact on children’s lives, particularly during the earliest years.

[/vc_column_text][blockquote cite=”Christa Beck”]Truly a labor of love…[/blockquote][vc_column_text]TC: If you could share one tip with a new Kindermusik educator, what would it be?

CB: Being a successful Kindermusik educator takes time, talent and hard work. If you believe in it, live it, breathe it, and give as much as you can of yourself, the rewards that come back are priceless. It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked, and the best time I’ve ever had in any career. Truly a labor of love.

Theresa Case’s award-winning Kindermusik program is part of Piano Central Studios, located in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Are you interested in becoming a Kindermusik Educator?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_button2 title=”START HERE” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kindermusik.com%2Fteach-children-music%2F||target:%20_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row]