Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I pursue early childhood music education for my child?
Music awakens and stimulates neural pathways in the brain that are associated with higher forms of intelligence, such as abstract thinking, empathy, mathematics and science. Music's melodic and rhythmic patterns provide exercise for the brain and help develop memory. Remember singing the ABC song to learn your ABC's? Studying music helps children establish good listening habits, which are essential for achievement in school. Overall, music activities are perfect for child development. Music immerses the child in language, evokes movement, stimulates the brain and fosters physical coordination - all in a group setting that builds community - a holistic experience.
How long do the classes last each week?
Weekly class times are as follows:
Babies and toddlers: 35 minutes
Cycle of Seasons (3-4 year-olds): 45 minutes
Music Makers at Home in the World (4-5 year-olds): 60 minutes
Music Makers around the World (5-6 year-olds): 70 minutes
What is the difference between your Musikgarten program and the __________________ music program down the street?
Let me name the particular strengths of Musikgarten and point out some differences to the other programs available. Musikgarten's pedagogy is one which stretches from the introduction to music as infants to the skills needed to play a complex instrument like the piano. In all of the classes, we have the goal of becoming a comprehensive, well-rounded musician in mind. As a friend of mine says: "I have a 9-year plan for your child, and I hope you will be with me that long!" In Musikgarten's program, there is a particular emphasis on the needs of today's children: movement and listening. In our time when children have an excess of visual stimuli in their lives, they need to learn about their bodies through movement, and then to learn to focus their listening. Our pedagogy is particularly strong in these two areas.
What does is mean when you say Musikgarten has a 9 year developmental plan for my child?
Only Musikgarten has a program that addresses the unique developmental needs of children at each age. Each of the classes are interrelated, as they were written for children to grow-up with Musikgarten. This sequential planning also makes it easier for the students to grow in their musical competence and graduate to instrument playing.
Should Parents attend and participate in the classes?
Parents are an integral part of class in the younger years. As students get older they participate by themselves, but parents take part in the classes towards the end of each lesson. For all classes, parents are asked to include active music making in their child’s life. Sing along with the CD. Play echo games, making up patterns, as we do in class. Put the picture cards or notation games on your refrigerator and play identification games with them as you get ready for dinner. More structured practice is required when the children get to Music Makers: At the Keyboard.
Does Musikgarten today better prepare students for piano lessons?
Yes, in most cases. Musikgarten classes develop students' aural senses more than other pre-piano methods. The Music Makers: At the Keyboard classes are taught in a group session, so that children learn from each other and grow in their comfort of playing with and in front of one another.
Why do the students get Home Materials? Are we supposed to practice at home?
Music class is only a short time; taking the materials home and making music-making part of your family life helps you and your child become very comfortable with the songs and stories. The better your child knows the songs and stories, the more s/he will get out of class. The Musikgarten CDs are such good quality, you will find that the whole family enjoys listening to them!
What if I can't make it one week due to a vacation or other conflict?
Please let us know as soon as you know. That way we can work on a plan to accommodate your needs while keeping your child's progress with music on track.
Do you have a class that would allow me to bring several of my children of different ages to at the same time?
Musikgarten has created a class called "All Together Now," which allows pre-schoolers and toddlers to be in one class at the same time. The program is based on adapting nursery rhymes to a music and movement format. As you might imagine, there is lots of movement to keep the toddlers busy.
As my child gets older there seem to be more and more activities for him/her to do? Why should I continue with music and movement training?
After being in the program for a while, you can see the benefits your child is getting from class. It is our view that the singing, listening, dancing and playing (in class and at home) is the best for your child's wholistic development: language, movement, math skills, and physical coordination - all in a group setting that builds community and self-confidence. While other activities can be fun too, the primary building block of your child's developmental time should be spent with Musikgarten.
My child has music at preschool. Why do we need another music class?
Most preschools do a little singing, but not a comprehensive music program. Musikgarten classes are built on a sound pedagogy which leads to music literacy. There is a very small window of opportunity for influencing how musical a person the child will be for the rest of his/her life; the preschool years are very important to the music development of the child. Only by taking the child through a carefully sequenced series of activities will s/he reach his/her full music potential.