Minds On Music – The Kindermusik Blog
For three generations, Kindermusik has helped millions of children around the world build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
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!
Continue reading “Everything You Needed to Know About a Kindermusik Class”
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hey Kindermusik friends – do we have a great interview for you! Soon, we will feature an exclusive conversation with Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs. For the past 15 years, Steve has been delighting children with his live music all across the country. In 2008, he began a relationship with PBS as Mr. Steve, co-host of PBS KIDS preschool destination.
His live shows are filled with joy, laughter, and love. Beyond that, kids might also learn a thing or two! Stay tuned for this exciting interview![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OVHhkqpZf8″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I’ll admit it: I had an imaginary friend when I was a little kid. His name is lost to time now, but I certainly remember playing with him when no one was around. These types of “friends” can take many shapes, from fantastical representations of a beloved stuffed animal (Calvin and Hobbes, anyone?) to simple human forms. And guess what? It would appear that by age seven, nearly two thirds of children have imaginary friends, so you aren’t alone. Having an imaginary friend can be good for your child. Let’s find out how…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
So what are the benefits? Recent research indicates that imaginary friends allow kids to do work out whether a decision is acceptable to a parent. They transfer the behavior to the friend and have a conversation that goes something like this:
“Mommy? Fuzzy Francis wanted to go for a walk in the woods.”
“Well…the woods certainly is a fun place, but you can’t go there by yourself…even if Fuzzy Francis wants to. You need Mommy or Daddy with you, okay?”
This allows a young child to distance themselves from a choice and try it out without feeling anxious about being corrected. The answer is hopefully filed away under “appropriate activity” and learning takes place.
Many parents worry that imaginary friends might curtail making actual friends. Research indicates that this is not the case at all. There is no numerical correlation between imaginary friends and real friends, however, children with imaginary friends, according to pediatrician, Dr. Claire McCarthy, tend “to be very sociable and have better “social understanding,” or the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes.” In other words, having an imaginary friend can aid in developing empathy.
And what about understanding what’s real and imaginary? Well, it seems kids get it. From Dr. McCarthy’s article:[/vc_column_text][blockquote cite=”Dr. Claire McCarthy”]”Parents also worry that having an imaginary friend means that children are confused about what is real and what is not. This isn’t true either. Children know the difference between real and imaginary friends. In fact, children in the study often stopped researchers in the midst of their questions to make sure that the researchers understood that the friends weren’t real!”[/blockquote][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74Nhhc-LxqY”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What about processing difficult life events, such as moving to a new home or school, or the loss of a loved one? Often times, children will have discussions with their imaginary friends about difficult issues, then relay these discussions to Mom and Dad. Again, a child might transfer complex emotional reaction onto the imaginary friends, as in the example above, which frees them to discuss an issue when, otherwise, they might not.
“Daddy, Fuzzy Francis really doesn’t want to move. He’s really sad about leaving this neighborhood.”
“I know, kiddo. It’s tough to leave a place you love for something new. But it’s exciting, too! And guess what? Just like you have us to help you when you are feeling down, Fuzzy Francis is sure lucky to have you to cheer him up!”
In this little scene, the parent acknowledges the emotion (thereby indicating it’s okay to have those feelings), the imaginary friend, and lifts the child up, praising her and her role as supportive friend, all while reminding the child that Mom and Dad are their for her – all if this because the child shared some information about her imaginary friend.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Another recent study tells us that children with imaginary playmates develop better problem solving abilities. How, you ask? Well, as it turns out, they are doing what most of us do – talking things through. How many of us talk to ourselves when working out the details of a task or fleshing out the solution to a challenging problem? I bet that percentage is pretty high! Kids who engage in imaginary play of this type are developing the ability to think through cognitive tasks when talking with those invisible play partners. And that’s a good thing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]These benefits can have a tremendously positive impact on the development of young children. Engage with your kids. Ask them about their imaginary friends. In the process you will help them learn about the world and you will learn more about them.
For more reading on imaginary friends, check out Dr. Marjorie Taylor’s book, Imaginary Companions and the Children who Create Them, published by Oxford University Press.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For the Thornton’s, DeMartino’s, and Carlson’s, Kindermusik is a family event since it’s often Grandma who brings the grandchildren (who are cousins) to class at Kindermusik of the Valley. Kindermusik of the Valley is located in Burnsville, MN, and is an award-winning Kindermusik program owned by the fabulous Helen Peterson. Here’s a peek into their Kindermusik story and why Kindermusik is so special to them, as told by Kristin DeMartino. [/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/183819433″][vc_column_text]
We were first introduced to Kindermusik when my oldest, now almost 5 years old, was only six months old. He attended a class with my mom and they were immediately hooked, which has resulted in each of my children, as well as my sister’s, beginning Kindermusik at a very young age.
I find it hard to put into words what this program has meant to us, but I will start by saying that our educators at Kindermusik of the Valley are phenomenal. This honestly seems like an understatement, and I really cannot say enough to truly represent how they have impacted each of my children. They are genuine, caring and have a way of bringing out a confidence and pride in each and every child they interact with. Every song, every dance, every beat of an instrument, and every idea is praised and encouraged. Creativity is endless, and I love the confidence that Kindermusik has instilled into my kids.
.[/vc_column_text][blockquote cite=”Kristin DeMartino”]”They…have a way of bringing out a confidence and pride in each and every child they interact with.”[/blockquote][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
As a parent, I have also appreciated the connection Kindermusik encourages between music, body movements, and emotion. Each week the kids are encouraged to experiment, whether it be through movements or instruments, with a variety of music. It is so fun to watch them express themselves and their emotions in such a therapeutic way.
In connection with that, I have also appreciated the ease at which the majority of what we do within the class can be carried over to home. My kids love having “kitchen commotions”, “skating on paper plates”, moving with scarves, and just making music with a variety of everyday items.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Overall, I just really cannot say enough about what Kindermusik means to us. We look forward to it each and every week![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Join us for a new regular feature: Kindermusik Reviews. We’ll be looking at various books, but most importantly, children’s books and books on parenting. First up, Zachariah Ohora’s delightful romp through the neighborhood book repository, The Not So Quiet Library.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There’s a monster in the library! Kids will love Ohora’s humorous tale of Oskar and his furry brother, Theodore, and their trip to the local library. Frankly, there’s lots to love about this book if you are an adult, too. The book reinforces many things parents teach their children: brushing your teeth is a great way to start the day, the importance of reading itself, and understanding that there’s a time and a place for just about every behavior (even hungry monsters have to learn self-regulation!).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ohoro’s illustrations are a delight to the eye – colorful and full of whimsy, with a great sense of scale. The five-headed, book-eating monster (each head possessing a comically un-monster-like name, like Winston and Seymour) towers over our protagonists at the outset, which quickly shifts as Oskar and Theodore may headway in explaining that books are not, in fact, for eating – but for reading. They had an appetite for books – just the wrong kind. After this news, the head named Chuck decides that they’ll just have to eat Oskar and Theodore – with sprinkles!
But don’t worry. The librarian comes to the rescue.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Well – who doesn’t like a book that promotes reading? We’ve said it before: kids who are exposed to music at a young age tend to be better readers as they get older. And Ohoro’s diverse characters are refreshing.
The Not So Quiet Library presents string kids who go out with their Dad, read on their own, deal directly with a book-hungry monster (who eventually promises to clean up the mess in the library), and come out smiling.
The story gives us lots to talk about with our kids, too…visiting the library, facing our fears, self and situational awareness…and donuts. We can’t forget the donuts.
Ohoro is an active, award-winning author and illustrator. The Not So Quiet Library is his newest book. Check him out over at FuzzyTown![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Theresa Case provides research based reasons why early childhood, group musical activity is beneficial for each age – from birth to age 7. Get out there and get those little ones making music and moving![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/181921295″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”search-inline”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Find a Class Near You!” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left”][vc_column_text]Select your country and enter your address or postal code to find a Kindermusik class.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bgcolor=”ki_secondary_orange” el_class=”search-inline form-inline”][vc_column][class_finder_form layout=”inline” button_label=”Search” hide_radius=”true” css=”” country_label=”Country” radius_label=”Search Radius”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Have you ever stopped to think about what our everyday lives would be like without music? Try it: no music at all. I’m going to walk you through a world devoid of music. In the end, I’m going to ask you a few questions that will hopefully get you thinking. Grab a cup of coffee. Things are going to get dry really fast. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You wake up in the morning to your usual beep-beep-beeping alarm. As you stretch, you turn the dial (or ask Siri…Alexa…or Cortana) to play some music. The response is “I’m sorry, I’m not sure what ‘music’ means.”
So you listen to talk radio. All morning. Now, this in and of itself isn’t bad. It’s great to stay informed, right? But…there is no theme music, no transitional music, and no closing music. It’s just a voice, droning on about stock prices and politics. Have you run screaming to the hills yet?
You turn on the TV to check the weather. Before the report, a giant green man is trying to sell you peas, but there’s no fun little jingle to tie everything together. Peyton Manning is selling insurance, but not with a catchy tune to which he keeps changing the words. Nationwide is on your side, but not with any music. Red Robin…Yum! is just spoken by a man in a three piece suit holding a hamburger. Nothing gets stuck in your head, making you smile when you share it with your neighbor.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Boring. Uninteresting. Dull.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As you drive to work, it’s nothing but people talking at you…no breaks to hear any people singing or playing instruments. There is no Prince to mourn. There’s no Adele as you know her – there was no music for them to create. All you hear are people chatting – and it all sounds the same.
As you enter the elevator, there is no music to calm your nerves or remind you that things will look up as the day begins. It’s not just another manic Monday. Ruby Tuesday never made an appearance. Billy Joel can’t sing about crashing your party on Friday.
At lunch, you decide to watch a quick episode of Seinfeld on Hulu – but there’s no jerky bass line to transition from scene to scene, almost commenting on the hilarity of the nothingness. And what’s more…when you were watching that movie the night before, there are no cellos and string basses to announce the approach of a great white shark. There are no trumpets, trombones, and French horns to underscore the arrival of Darth Vader. He just walks into the room and says, “Hey guys…I know you can’t tell with all the breathing noises, but I’m pretty evil. Don’t get on my bad said, ‘kay?” There’s no dark musical theme from the orchestra…because in a world without music, there’s no composer and no orchestra to play that theme.
There’s no Take Me out to the Ball Game at the seventh inning. There’s no “fail music” from the tuba, softening the blow when contestants lose on The Price is Right. Jeopardy contestants actually have to look at the clock to see if they are running out of time. At the Olympics, people just stand on the podium in silence as flags are silently raised into the air. People stare at each other uncomfortably.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There’s no Soft Kitty or little girl nailing a dramatic performance of the Alphabet Song.
There’s no protest music…no Woody Guthrie, no Public Enemy, no Bob Dylan. Pete Seeger never asked where all the flowers have gone…because music doesn’t exist.
There’s no Carpool Karaoke clips the morning after and no fanfare when a certain Italian plumber saves a princess from a weird, evil turtle. That turtle probably had a bad day because of…oh, I know…no music.
Music touches every single part of our lives. It’s around us all the time, and even when it’s not, it’s in our head. We hum and tap our feet. We drum out a rhythm on the steering wheel. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Okay…here are our questions – we’re back to a world with music:
Right – from people who trained to be musicians. Most of them started young. They spent countless hours practicing and studying to become the best musical versions of themselves.
You know what we know: research tells us that kids involved in music are smarter, possess a greater level of social and emotional development, and are, on average, happier. These kids test better in math and science. They are advanced readers and have larger vocabularies.
All these things are great, but remember: music for music’s sake is just as viable of an advocacy statement. There are things music does in ways that are completely unique and have unending value.
Get them involved early – as early as you are comfortable doing so. Really – getting that newborn exposed to music and movement right away is a gift. And once your kids are in school, be a booster! Be a vocal supporter for music in the schools. Yes, we need insurance agents and nurses and construction workers and lawyers and engineers (and music can help your daughters and sons get there!)…but we also need poets and artists and dancers and actors…and musicians.
Friends, a life without music is grey and silent. Kindermusik wants the world full of musical color. We’re waiting for you and your little ones. Like the poet Arthur O’Shaughnessy wrote:
Join us. Dream with us. Make music with us. The world will be a better place because you and your child both had a song in your heart.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][class_finder_form css=”.vc_custom_1473077312836{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
We know this, but it’s always nice when we find folks who spread the word: kids involved with music are better learners. Geoff Johnson’s fascinating article also cites Dr. Gottfried Schlaug, a renowned expert on music, neuroimaging and brain plasticity at Harvard Medical School. “Listening to and making music,” he says, “is not only an auditory experience, but it is a multisensory and motor experience. Making music over a long period of time can change brain function and brain structure.”
Because of the way music and music-making engage different parts of the brain, music activities actually help children learn how to learn, in addition to stimulating all kinds of brain function and development. Johnson also highlights a study done by Finnish researchers in 2011. The findings are impressive. “…Finnish scientists discovered that listening to music activates a wider series of networks in the brain, and their method of brain mapping revealed complex dynamics of large-scale neural networks.”
Our brains – and our hearts – are hard-wired to respond to music. Technology allows scientists to see inside our brains, but all the confirmation a parent needs of the power of music even for a very youngest child is to watch her child’s eyes light up in a Kindermusik class at the sound of a favorite dance or lullaby, to feel her child instantly calm at the first sounds of a lullaby, or to see her child kick his legs or start bouncing when the music comes on. And now we know with every certainty that the more intentional and sustained exposure to music, moving to music, and music-making, the more powerful and long-lasting its effects.
The scientific evidence continues to pile up – it truly is long-term exposure to music that has the greatest effect on learning. So start early… and keep it up!
Contributed by Theresa Case whose award-winning Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in upstate South Carolina has been inspiring children and families to learn and make music together for over 20 years now.
[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]
[/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]
[/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]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As the summer of 2016 winds down and thoughts turn to the start of school, music educator, Jane Boyle, finds herself reminiscing over the past 19 years of teaching. This year, she will start her 20th year as a music educator. When you are a music specialist, you have the honor of teaching EVERY student in the school. Because her career has taken her to many different states, school districts, and schools, the number of students she has had the privilege to teach is very large. They have all had a tremendous impact on her. Her hope is that she has had an impact on them as well. [/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
It’s my favorite time of year! After the long summer, school is about to start. We are all refreshed, excited, full of energy and ideas, and ready to start a new year! Okay, maybe you’re not quite there yet, but come the first day of school, we will be ready to rock!
I have been thinking about all of you a lot this summer…and not just my current students I’ll see in a few weeks, but all of you. After 20 year of teaching in six different states, I have taught thousands of you. It makes me wonder…what lessons have stuck with you over the years? Musical concepts, composers, games, songs…or life lessons of cooperation, hard work, commitment, self-worth, and pride. To each of you I share these thoughts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
It’s hard to believe that some of you are married and probably with children of your own. While I may have only been with you a year or two, I hope the lessons we shared together made an impact on your life. I remember we made great music! I remember my first concert as an elementary chorus director. I remember a fun hula celebration. I remember the whole school singing What a Wonderful World outside by the flag just days after 9/11. I remember six middle school musical productions. I remember the all-kindergarten musical production. I remember the all-district elementary chorus festival. These are just some of the moments I remember. Sometimes a memory will make me smile, others make my eyes a bit watery remembering the intensity of those special moments. We shared laughter and tears and it makes my heart so full to remember each one. What about you? Are you still singing? Do you still play your instrument? It’s not too late to make music a part of your everyday life. When you were with me, some of you would ask the question, “Why do we learn music? I’m not going to be a music teacher.” My answer was always the same: You learn music because to listen to it, to understand it, to appreciate it…it will enrich your life. As parents, I hope you are fostering that love of music in your children right from birth. Sing to them and dance with them. Find opportunities for group instruction right away – like Kindermusik! I cherish those moments with my children when they were babies. Keep music in your lives![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
I will see you in a few weeks! I have so many exciting opportunities planned for us this year. You are all so bright, energetic, and eager to learn. I can’t wait to see how much you’ve grown and to hear about your summer adventures. I promise to take time to listen to each of you. Together, we will learn and grow. We have built a great foundation as a team over the past three years. We will experience life and continue making music together. I hope it will enrich your life as much as it does mine.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
I can’t wait to meet you! Incoming Kindergarteners – we will have so much fun together! We will sing, dance, and play instruments every week. I promise help you become the person you are meant to be – music is magical like that. You will inspire me everyday. I hope to inspire your love of music too![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Musically with love,
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Jane Boyle is a 20 year veteran music educator. She has taught in New York, Illinois, Hawai’i, California, Indiana, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. During her career she has done just about everything from preschool, elementary, and middle school music education to church and community choirs. She has dedicated her life to the musical education of young people. And yes, when her kids were young, they attended Kindermusik! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]