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4 reasons why music therapists love Kindermusik

why_music_quotes13American writer Sarah Dessen is not a Kindermusik teacher nor does she specialize in early childhood special education. However, she seems to understand how music can reach individuals of all

abilities. She wrote: “Music is the great uniter, an incredible force, something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.”

In Kindermusik, we say it this way: “Everyone speaks music.” In the classroom, Kindermusik educators celebrate the individuality and contributions of each child. It’s no wonder music therapists love recommending Kindermusik and teaching Kindermusik. With our similar child-centered philosophies, music therapists are discovering Kindermusik offers opportunities for both their practice and their clients.

4 reasons why music therapists love using Kindermusik as part of a special education curriculum

  1. The Kindermusik curriculum naturally integrates typically developing children and children with special needs into one welcoming and loving environment.
  2. Kindermusik classes support the work done in individual music therapy sessions. Music therapists and families appreciate how Kindermusik takes many of the concepts children with special needs work on in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and puts it into a group learning environment.
  3. Music therapists understand firsthand the benefits of music on children, including cognitive stimulation, self-expression, self-awareness, and increased motor movements.
  4. Music therapists can use their music therapy skills to reach more children and to expand their income potential.

Teaching children as a Kindermusik educator

“Being able to integrate typically developing children and special needs kids was just a dream come true,” explains Julie Wade, music therapist and Kindermusik educator. “The Kindermusik curriculum enables you to do just that in a positive therapeutic environment.”

Listen to what else Julie loves about being both a music therapist and Kindermusik educator. Plus, hear from her students, too!

 

Learn more about becoming a Kindermusik educator!

 

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The teacher makes the difference

When you have a Google alert set for “Kindermusik,” you end up with a whole variety of posts on the subject.  One recent alert contained some comments from a mom who made the insightful observation that the TEACHER makes all the difference in the quality of your Kindermusik experience.  She couldn’t be more right.  Here’s a little of what she had to say:

“I recently enrolled my 18mth old in an Our Time class.  She LOVED it.  I loved that the teacher wasn’t busy corralling kids, everyone was left to enjoy and experience the class however they wanted/needed to.  The teacher was energetic and informative on WHY activities were chosen and made transitions from one activity to the next very smooth.  I would recommend the class to anyone IF the teacher has good reviews.”

As a whole, Kindermusik educators are a group of loving, nurturing, musically inclined individuals who have two things in common – a love for children and a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and their families through music.  Personally, I am very blessed to have a wonderful staff of eight Kindermusik teachers teaching with me here at Piano Central Studios.  You know what?  We’re all different.  We have different personalities and different teaching styles even though we follow the same lesson plans.  The beauty of it all is that parents and children have different personalities and learning styles too!

Just like the Kindermusik teachers on my staff, not all Kindermusik programs are the same.  Often it is “love at first sight.” Sometimes it’s just a matter of allowing time to adjust to a new environment and a new experience.  But sometimes it’s necessary to try out another teacher or another program offering Kindermusik.  As independent educators and programs, we all bring different goals, gifts, abilities, and experience to the table.  Don’t be afraid to seek out the Kindermusik program – and the Kindermusik educator – that’s just right for you!  That’s one of the reasons why KI’s Class Finder is set up like it is – to help parents find a class that’s conveniently located with scheduling and educators that meet their needs.  I think this mom said it best, “I’d try again with another instructor before writing it off completely.  [Our teacher] Ms Amy really loves her job and it shows in how she teaches the class.”

To read this mommy’s comments in their entirety, click HERE.  To try a FREE Preview Class, click HERE.

Shared by Theresa Case, M.Ed., whose Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Upstate South Carolina is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.