Uncategorized Archives - Page 8 of 70 - Minds On Music

The Gift of a New Year

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The New Year is upon us! Over the past month many of us have been dwelling on resolutions. What can I do in 2017 that will make me a better version of myself? What can I change? What can I add? What can I take away? We all do it to some degree. Well friends – you’re reading a music blog. Hopefully it won’t be overly surprising that we make some music-based suggestions that can hopefully have a positive impact on your new year.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

It Starts with Music

There’s a rather old tradition in many English speaking countries in the world. The song, Auld Lang Syne is sung. As a musician, I love that important moments of our collective life on this planet are marked with music. It’s a ritual – something that carries special meaning and is repeated time and time again. That song looks back across the previous year and reminds us that as we look forward, to not forget all the good times of the past – those close connections with friends and family, time spent together enjoying each other’s company.

As this new year starts, what new traditions might you start? What memories will you create – memories so strong and moving that they will be the memories you think of when singing Auld Lang Syne at the end of 2017? And…how might they be musical memories?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Outside Your Regular Routine

Experience something new! I’m a classically trained musician who never had much time for popular music. It was never that I didn’t like pop music. It was an “only so many hours in the day” kind of thing. So…I am going to experience a concert in 2017, something I’d never go to normally. I’ve already started looking.

Check your area’s concert listings. Is there a bluegrass band that looks interesting and you’ve never experienced bluegrass? Maybe a symphony performance? Try something new and expand your musical horizons. Get a group of friends together, or find something family friendly that works for the kids.

Perhaps your town or city has an annual New Year’s event that involves live music. Go! Experience life – and do it in real time with your eyes. Limit how much you experience the world through a five inch screen. Take a few pictures and then be in the moment with friends and family. See smiles first hand. Make memories in the original hard drive – your brain! And get this, when you make new memories and music is included, hearing that music again brings back those memories with greater richness.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This suggestion makes me thing of the group, Postmodern Jukebox. This is a fantastic collective group founded and lead by Scott Bradlee. They take some iconic songs and reimagine them, quiet amazingly, in completely different styles. Musical theatre as 70s soul…pop as 40s jazz – what this group does is incredibly creative. Old favorites can be experienced in a new way. Here’s the group performing Madonna’s pop anthem, Material Girl, as a Roaring 20’s number, featuring Gunhild Carling singing, rocking it on trombone, and tap dancing![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/RUuQ4hoXsCM”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Music + Movement = Magic

Trust me on this – I’m a doctor! Well…a music doctor. And we are experts at music and movement. Like so many of us, I am going to try my best to get in better shape in 2017. And now I’ve announced this to all of you…so keep me honest!

The right music can positively affect physical activity. Samantha Lafave over at Fitness Magazine wrote a great article on selecting the right playlist for your workout. Here are the basics:

That first piece on the playlist sets the pace and the tone. Go high energy!
Variety is key: having lots of music to choose from.
Pay attention to the lyrics. Samantha tells us:

There’s a reason T-Swift’s “Shake It Off” is so popular—the song is catchy, feel-good and relatable. Cook deems it the perfect mid-workout song. When you’re ready to give up, it can literally help you “shake off” negative thoughts, she says. Same goes for Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and Kelly Clarkson’s “What Doesn’t Kill You (Makes You Stronger).” Tune in to the empowering words next time you’ve hit struggle city to power through.

– Samantha Lafave, Fitness Magazine

Don’t forget to pick music to which you might have a personal connection. It makes the experience more meaningful. And don’t forget cool down music!

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Fill the New Year with Music!

It’s a solid prescription. Exercise – with music. When you’re with friends and family – let that time be filled with music. Try something “musically new” this year. And as far as your kids? Well…the earlier you expose them to musical activity, the more they will appreciate it as they get older. It will just be part of their story. Beyond all the developmental benefits music impacts as they grow, music will bring joy into their lives – yours, too! Get them moving and grooving, singing and playing this year. We are waiting for you with life changing Kindermusik experiences.

Happy New Year from all of us at Kindermusik International![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Science Center Stage: Music Improves Brain Development in Children

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We talk often about how music impacts our lives in countless ways. With our little ones, we focus on the positive effects of music as children grow – specifically development in the language, social, emotional, fine and gross motor, and cognitive domains. All of these domains are controlled by that mysterious organ – the human brain. Science tells us that the brain LOVES music and responds in wonderful ways. Dr. Boyle shares recent research on the topic in today’s post.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Music is like an intangible vitamin for the brain. It’s not just listening to music that’s key; participation in musical activity unlocks accelerated brain development. When adding movement to the equation, benefits increase.

Movement + Music

As we move and increase our heart rate, the brain receives more oxygen. Research indicates that improved oxygenation of the brain improves cognition. Adding music into the equation lights up important areas of the brain, which have already been primed with physical activity. While listening to music, parts of the brain responsible for motor skills, emotions, and creativity glow when viewed with magnetic resonance imaging.

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What’s Going on in There?

Think of it this way – taking part in musical activities is like a “work out” for the brain. Here’s what’s going on:

The visual, motor, and auditory cortices are activated.
- When these areas are activated regularly through music, they are strengthened. That strength can be applied to other tasks.
Increased activity in the corpus callosum – the pathway between the brains two hemispheres.
- This allows for information to travel throughout the brain more efficiently.

All of this can lead to greater executive function and problem solving skills. While recent research in neuroplasticity tells us it’s never too late to change established brain function and learn new things, it certainly is highly beneficial to start musical activities early. Birth to age seven is such an important period in brain development; music’s benefits on the brain are particularly impactful during this time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Oliver Sacks, author and neurologist, wrote extensively about the impact of music on the brain. In this video, Dr. Sack’s became the subject of his own research. He had himself scanned while listening to different music – specifically to see if his love of Bach’s music would show up on MRI scans. His emotional response to Bach was actually observed on the screen![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/AUT9UTVrwp8?t=10s”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So…don’t wait! The brain knows what it wants…music music music! Get your young ones started early. Listening is wonderful. Partaking in musical activities is better. Involving the body and having a parent join in on the fun is the best! Find a Kindermusik class near you and start building those neural connections today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Kindermusik Reviews: The Book With No Pictures

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Many of us know B. J. Novak from the hit mockumentary comedy show, The Office. He played Ryan the temp, a character that had quite a rise and fall over the course of the series. A year after The Office ended, Novak stretched his literary wings with The Book With No Pictures, a children’s book devoid of, as the title tells us, pictures. At first, I was skeptical. Then I read it. And read it again. And read it to my 13 and 10 year old sons. And to my 4 and 6 year old nephews. This book is gold. [/vc_column_text][blockquote cite=”Dr. Boyle”]”Any book that mentions a hippo named Boo Boo Butt will be a hit…with just about everybody.”[/blockquote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The book is genius…really. I actually found myself saying out loud, “Why hasn’t anyone done this before?” In a very direct and simple way, Mr. Novak has underscored the power and importance of words. He does this in an entirely creative and entertaining way. This is a book meant to be read to kids by adults and reminds us of the jurisdiction an author has over a reader. In fact, the book comes with a very clever warning on the back cover:

The Book with No Pictures warning — B.J. Novak’s warning to adults being asked to read The Book With No Pictures

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Why We Love It…

Each time I read the book, I found myself laughing out loud. My wife laughed out loud. My oldest son – now in the throes of teenage angst – his outer shell of indifference fell away and he laughed out loud. My young nephews couldn’t control themselves. Novak does this with words and words only. The magic here is that we walk away knowing that words are important and can impact us. In this case, the silliness is almost overwhelming, but in an entirely entertaining way. An adult reader can really play up the notion that they aren’t in control and must read every word as printed. Kids love this aspect of the book. Part of this is the sheer goofiness of Novak’s text, but more importantly, it puts kids in the driver’s seat. The book is their proxy. It acts on their behalf, making the reader say crazy things they never would ordinarily say. To a child, seeing an adult be silly, seemingly against their will, it priceless entertainment. And let’s face it, any book that mentions a hippo named Boo Boo Butt will be a hit…with just about everybody.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the book also requires the reader to sing – and not just sing, but to make up a tune to go with the words, “Glug, glug glug…my face is a bug…I eat ants for breakfast right off the ruuuuuuug!” Any book that gets people singing gets extra points from us. You should probably start working your melody now.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/SiiS2NDkfI4?t=2m53s” title=”B.J. Novak reads sections of his book, The Book With No Pictures”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Book With No Pictures is a refreshing entry into the children’s book world. It hits all the right notes – it gets everyone laughing and cleverly displays the power of the written word, demonstrating to kids that words can take us places and make us experience emotions all by themselves. Now, this book certainly had help from some fantastic designers who chose spot on typefaces and colors for the words found within. These choices don’t simply entertain visually, but actually help the reader play the part of the “out of control” narrator. Statements meant to be blurted out are in large fonts and the tormented inner monologue are much smaller. This emboldens the reader to say these as asides, almost under the breath.

monkey — Brilliant typeface choices encourage the reader to play the part

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Book With No Pictures delights all who come in contact with it – readers and audiences alike. It gets kids excited about reading and even gets the reader singing. B.J. Novak has hit a home run with his first children’s book and we can only hope there will be more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Gift of Love: A Parent’s Perspective of Kindermusik

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As a Kindermusik teacher, I am always observing as I am teaching – mostly observing the children so I can adjust and adapt to them, but also actively working to “see” things through the parents’ eyes too. When I look through the eyes of a Kindermusik parent, there are some of the really precious things that I get to celebrate, acknowledge, and even just hold in my own heart.[/vc_column_text][blockquote cite=”Theresa Case”]”I melt at the pure and absolute delight on a parent’s face in the closeness and sharing that happen in every class.”[/blockquote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I share the feeling of pride that glows on a parent’s face when their child starts tap-tap-tapping with his own shaker, gets completely absorbed in Story Time, or quietly starts singing a few words here and there.

I melt at the pure and absolute delight on a parent’s face in the closeness and sharing that happen in every class.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I smile at the humor on a parent’s face when her child suddenly starts singing very loudly or urgently begins sharing a very important, but very unrelated, story to share with me.

I gently nod my head as a parent and I make eye contact during Quiet Time, acknowledging that the snuggles and cuddles in the little years go by all too quickly.

I hug the parent with happy tears in her eyes who is absolutely overjoyed at how her child who has been in multiple different kinds of therapy is now comfortable in class, engaging in activities, and making friends with the other children in class.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I clap and celebrate right alongside my families; with full hearts we share the bittersweet moment of watching our Kindermusik “babies” proudly march across the stage as Kindermusik graduates.

I am a Kindermusik educator, and these are only some of the amazing things I am privileged to glimpse through a parent’s eyes because of the power of Kindermusik and the difference it makes not just in the life of a child, but also in the heart of a parent.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Shared by Theresa Case, who has been sharing the joy of Kindermusik with children and families at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, South Carolina for over 20 years now[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Gift of Health: Music Boosts the Immune System

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s science! While those of us “in the know” – musicians of all types – have always understood that music has positive health benefits for us, it’s not common knowledge. Dr. Boyle shares research with us that explains how the magical art of music has a scientific effect on our minds and bodies – just in time for one of the busiest months of the year!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][blockquote cite=”Jonathan Weiss, Medical Daily”]”A large scale review covering over 400 scientific papers on the topic of the neurochemistry of music has found that music may be better than prescription medications for some issues and has broad benefits for the body and mind.”[/blockquote][vc_column_text]First, let’s remember that there is an entire field that uses music to impact well being – Music Therapy. Though it’s been around for over 70 years in the United States, many people are surprised to learn that it exists. Music Therapists use a variety of musical methods with clients to benefit physical and mental health. Beyond this formal therapeutic use of music (which, no surprise to Kindermusik Educators, often pairs music with movement), music can significantly influence health in our everyday lives – particularly boosting our immune system!

Holiday…or Cold and Flu Season?

For many of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter months mean colder temperatures and a greater increase in the occurrence of everyday colds. The stronger the immune system, the better we are at fending off the sniffles and sneezes of the season. Couple weather shifts with an increase in stress levels (for a variety of reasons), many of us will be susceptible to annoying coughs and stuffy noses. So, what can music do for us?

According to Dr. Daniel J. Levitin, a neuroscientist (and in interest of full disclosure – a musician), science is able to explain how music shapes actual neurochemical events in the body that may lead to a stronger immune system. It’s fairly common knowledge that stress impacts our ability to fight off germs. Music reduces negative stress in the body, thereby increasing our own body’s natural defenses. This magical art actually lowers the presence of stress hormones.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Photographed by Thomas | © 2016 TK Photography — © 2016 TK Photography

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Cortisal Down…Immunoglobin A Up

Music is intangible – you can’t touch it. It floats through the air and arrives at our ears…and simply changes us. As far as the immune system is concerned, and according to the work of neurocognition expert, Dr. Ronny Enk, music specifically lowers levels of cortisal, the stress hormone, and increases levels of immunoglobin A, an antibody that supports positive immune function. Dr. Enk and his team played joyful, dance music for one group, and random tones for his control group. The folks that listened to music experienced the benefit described above. This is a real, physical response to music. This is measurable…quantifiable.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

More Music = More Health

So…what does this mean for us? During this holiday season, there are so many opportunities to experience music. Church, concerts, even listening to music around the house – think of these contacts with music as “aural vitamins” for your immune system. Reducing our levels of stress by taking part in music making is even more beneficial. Singing can regulate your heart rate and breathing. Making music with others increases social bonding, which is one of the things we need as human beings.

These benefits are for all of us – young and old alike. In fact, the benefits are incredibly important for those at the extreme ends of life’s journey – infants and our seniors. Sing to your kids! Invite the grandparents to a concert – or visit them and make music together. It will have an impact on the quality of their well being.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Want to experience the health benefits of music first hand for both you and your little one? Find a Kindermusik class near you and try a class on us![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Science Center Stage: Gratitude

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s that time of year…families in the United States will gather around tables across the country, eat turkey and stuffing, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce, and perhaps watch a parade or football game. The Thanksgiving holiday finds its roots in communal meals to celebrate the year’s harvest. Now, we often take time to give thanks for a host of positive things in our lives. But…did you know that practicing gratitude on a regular basis has a positive impact on your health? Take a break from meal planning as Dr. Boyle explores the benefits of gratitude. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Practicing Gratitude Changes the Brain

I think we have all experienced that good feeling when we express genuine thanks for something – that warm sensation in the chest. As it turns out, when you take time to practice gratitude, it physically changes the brain in wonderful ways.

In a recent study by scientists at Indiana University, brains scans of research subjects who regularly practiced gratitude, in this case writing letters to important people in their lives, showed increased activity in the brain when asked to consider donating money to a charity group. The control group showed similar brain activity, but not as much as the group that had regularly been practicing gratitude. So what does all this mean? Well, good things for us…and good things for those around us. Dr. Christian Jarrett, a psychology writer for NYMag explains:

This result suggests that the more practice you give your brain at feeling and expressing gratitude, the more it adapts to this mind-set — you could even think of your brain as having a sort of gratitude “muscle” that can be exercised and strengthened (not so different from various other qualities that can be cultivated through practice, of course). If this is right, the more of an effort you make to feel gratitude one day, the more the feeling will come to you spontaneously in the future. It also potentially helps explain another established finding, that gratitude can spiral: The more thankful we feel, the more likely we are to act pro-socially toward others, causing them to feel grateful and setting up a beautiful virtuous cascade.

Just think, you can go to the gym, work out, and see a physical result. This study shows us that we can exercise the part of our brain that responds to gratitude, we can see a mental result, and that mental result impacts us in real ways.

Positive Effects of Practicing Gratitude

Feeling more refreshed after sleep
Lower stress levels – up to a 25% reduction of stress hormones according to a 1985 study!
Increased happiness

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What Does Practicing Gratitude Look Like?

It can take many forms. You can keep a journal and each day, take time to write down something for which you are thankful – and why you are thankful. You can tell those around you why you are grateful for them. You could even, like the subjects in the Indiana University study, write a letter every week to someone important to you, letting them know how thankful you are that they have been part of your life.

I started a Facebook project earlier this year – each day, I went to a friend’s wall and let them know why I was lucky to know them, sharing how they have positively impacted my life. I tried my best to do this first thing in the morning. I found that when I was able to do this, it set a much more positive tone for the day.

You can also start right at home. Take time to tell your spouse or partner, you children and even your furry family members how thankful you are for their positive impact on your life’s journey.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Tend the Garden of Gratitude

This takes time, but the benefits are worth it. As you increase your gratitude practices, both outward and inward, you’ll find that happiness is a more present companion in your life. If you start the day with gratitude, why not end the day this way as well? Before hitting the pillow, take a brief moment and think about one or two things that happened during the day for which you are grateful. They don’t have to be huge things – small things work just as well. Did someone hold a door for you? Did a fellow driver let you go first? The power of positive thought is pretty amazing. Psychologists are not suggesting that you ignore the challenges in your life, rather that we do our best to not forget the joys. Did your daughter put her PJs in the hamper without being asked? Hooray! Did your son say thank you to the delivery guy? Huzzah!

Take a moment and watch this TED Talk by Br. David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk who works to encourage interfaith dialogue and author of Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtBsl3j0YRQ”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Don’t hold it in. Tell those around you how much they mean to you. When you do this, you change two lives – that person’s life…and your own. The more you practice gratitude, the greater the impact on you and your circle. An act of gratitude causes inward and outward ripples of positivity. Start with a gratitude journal or writing a letter or two and grow from there. Practicing gratitude is a powerful mechanism to increase the quality of our interpersonal relationships.

In case you didn’t know, friends, Kindermusik is grateful for you![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Big Brains! Music Feeds Brain Development

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Science tells us what we, as music educators, already know: music is good for brain development. We constantly see study after study that verifies what we see on a daily basis in the young musicians with whom we interact. Recently, a study at the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute indicated that early exposure to musical instruction increases the development of the brain in children below the age of seven. The study reenforced the connection of music and stronger math, language, and reading skills. And we also know that when you make music with another person, you are more likely to empathize with them.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This study began in 2012 and over the course of the past 5 years, the researchers followed the progress of 3 groups of students, all six to seven years of age at the study’s outset. Dr. Assal Habibi explains:

We started the study when one group of children were about to begin music training through the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles program. This free community-based music program was inspired by El Sistema, a music program that was started in Venezuela and proved to be “tranformative” in changing the lives of underprivileged children.

The second group of children were about to begin a sports training program with a community-based soccer program. They were not engaged in music training.

A third group of children were from public schools and community centers in the same areas of Los Angeles. All three groups of children were from equally underprivileged and ethnic minority communities of Los Angeles.

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So What Happened?

The researchers constantly checked in with all students in the study, measuring different points of brain development. The findings have been promising, and indicate that musical instruction during early childhood can have a positive impact on how quickly the young mind develops and acquires new skills. Sound processing, as you might imagine, is a big part of music, but also language acquisition. Dr. Habibi expands…

Children in the music group…had stronger brain response to differences in pitch compared to the children in the other groups. We also observed that musically trained children had faster development of the brain pathway responsible for encoding and processing sound.

This finding supports previous findings and highlights music’s important benefits particularly in the development of language and reading.

Check out this TEDxYouth Talk at Caltech on music and the brain by Dr. Beatriz Ilari. Dr. Ilari is a music education professor at USC.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLQbqXJF-2M”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Life Long Benefits

As it turns out – these benefits can last a lifetime. Musical experiences like Kindermusik, can increase brain capacity and the level of active connection between different areas of the brain. So much of brain development occurs in the first seven years of life; these are the years that music can have an incredibly positive impact on the process and well beyond.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So get involved! Check out a class near you and see how our award-winning curriculum can enrich the life of your child…and you. Our classes involve music, movement, and lots of fun. We help your kids develop big brains![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][class_finder_form css=”.vc_custom_1479179928634{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Let’s Play: Is it an Instrument?

Music. It’s all around you! You hear it in obvious places like the radio and TV, but music is also happening in nature and on the streets. It’s found in the rhythmic drive of jack hammers (albeit a bit annoying) and in the songs of birds. I’m going to give you the answer to the question I’ve posed in the title of this post: YES, IT’S AN INSTRUMENT! Anything and everything can become an instrument if you stretch the imagination. Let’s explore the possibilities…

Let’s Start with Percussion

This is the easiest place to start. Just about anything can become a drum – a bucket, a pot, a tennis ball can. If you collect a bunch of differently sized items, you can create a drum set! The folks over at Wikihow bring us three different methods of turning a coffee can into a drum.

But don’t stop there! How about creating some shakers, made from various household items. The folks over at Howcast show us how.

What About Pitched Instruments?

Homemade percussion instruments are pretty easy – you can bang on just about anything. But what about something that can make different tones or pitches? The crafting geniuses over at Mess for Less designed a homemade harmonica out of craft sticks and rubber bands! It’s a nifty little project that can be made rather quickly, providing lots of musical fun! This site has countless other ideas for activities and crafts – definitely worth bookmarking.

Strummies!

Okay – I’ll admit it…the name made me smile. Strummies are homemade “string” instruments that are super easy to make and very versatile in the sounds they can produce. What do you need? Teach Preschool provides instructions. Have fun! Decorate your instrument – make them personal. What do you need?

Empty boxes of various sizes
An assortment of rubber bands
A musical imagination

Box Guitar

Making homemade string instruments is lots of fun. Don’t limit yourself to boxes as your sound chamber. Try empty tubs of margarine or those plastic containers that pre-sliced deli meats come in. Each will provide a slightly different sound quality. If you want to get really crazy, you can even make a homemade guitar out of a shoe box. Once again, Wikihow gives us detailed instructions.

The Landfill Harmonic

Speaking of instruments created from repurposed items, if you haven’t heard of the Landfill Harmonic – or the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, you need to! In this Paraguayan where the primary money making activity is separating recyclable materials from trash, Favio Chavez has created something magical. This is an entire youth orchestra making music on instruments created from refuse. The groups story is told in the documentary film, The Landfill Harmonic. Take a look at the trailer here.

The Sky’s the Limit

Pretty amazing, huh? So look around your house…what might make an interesting sound? Have an old tennis racquet? Cut out those strings and add some rubber bands! Some extra PVC pipe taking up space? Cut some different lengths, paint them some flashy colors, and viola! – you have a pipe xylophone! There really is no limit to what you can use to make music. Remember, it’s all around us! So carve out some time to try one of these little projects with your young one. The journey is just as fun as the destination.

How Kindermusik Prepares Your Child for School

Early childhood education is important, and at Kindermusik, we believe that you – the parent – are your child’s first and best teacher. But what to do with your child until he is 7 years old? Our classes are the answer!

Music classes in the early years that include parental involvement and focus on learning in a fun, developmentally appropriate way inspire a lifelong love for learning.

Music classes give your child a place to practice those all-important social skills, like cooperatively play, sharing, and following directions. The best music classes will encourage your child to think creatively, developing critical thinking skills and the ability to problem-solve.

In an environment where process, not performance, is stressed, music classes build self-confidence and a willingness to try new things.

Practice with steady beat, enjoying movement activities, and playing instruments help develop coordination and motor skills necessary for cutting with scissors, holding a pencil, or kicking a ball, for example.

Music classes that are teaching children rhymes and then later, the basics of beginning to read music pave the way to literacy.

Music classes that gradually increase a child’s independence at the class help the child more successfully transition to the school classroom.

In these classes, children have the opportunity to bond and interact with their teacher, learning to listen and respond to someone other than the special adults who surround them at home. Science and research have proven time and time again that music positively impacts a child in all areas of development – social/emotional, language, cognitive, physical, and literacy.

Check out this TEDTalk by John Iversen on how music impacts our brains – particularly young brains.

From music skills to life skills, it’s all there in Kindermusik, where music and learning play! Try a class today!

Everything You Needed to Know About a Kindermusik Class

What’s it like taking a Kindermusik class? Curious? Haven’t taken the step to a attend a free class in your area? Well, Theresa Case, a Maestro Kindermusik Educator and regular blogger for Minds on Music, answers just about every question you might have!

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