by elizabeth
Are you like me? Every year at this time I spend a lot of time racking my brain for the perfect gift for my children. I want to find something that will get a lot of play time, something that is good for them developmentally, and something that won’t glue them to a screen for hours on end. Through the years we have gone through innumerable dolls, dress up clothes, blocks, puzzles, and stuffed animals. This year we get to venture into the new world of balls, dinosaurs and cars!
If I am realistic, though, I know that just a few months from now these new toys will be collecting dust under the bed, stubbing my toe at midnight, or wind up broken and in the garbage.
This year, why not give your child the gift of music? Not only will you see your child’s grace and self confidence flourish over the next few months, but you can be sure to give them a gift they will never grow out of. The skills children learn in our music classes they keep for their entire lives. This past week in our toddler class every single child echoed correctly a simple rhythmic pattern. It was a truly magical experience to see what they have learned in the few short weeks they have been in class, and even more inspiring to know that they will never lose that beat.
If you are interested in giving music classes as a gift, but would really like something to unwrap on the big day, please let me know. I will happily order your family materials early for you, and you will have a head start on listening to the Cd’s and playing with the instruments. To see our class schedule or to register, please click here.
by elizabeth
Where are We Going?
One of my favorite parts of the Musikgarten curriculum is its sequential nature. Musikgarten has a nine-year plan for your child, starting at birth, which can develop them into musically minded people at a very young age. Because the curriculum is so stable, activities are repeated year to year, with new musical elements added on as children mature.
Over the next few months, I want to explore the highlights of each of our different classes for you. But for today, I wanted to give you a general overview! Many parents don’t realize that you can go for a full nine years without repeating any particular class!
- Music for Babies (0-18 months — two unique semesters available)
- Music for Toddlers (15 months -3 1/2 years — four unique semesters)
- Cycle of Seasons (3-5 years — 2 unique semesters)
- Music Makers at Home (4-7 years — 2 unique semesters)
- Music Makers Around the World (5-8 years — 2 unique semesters)
- Music Makers at the Keyboard (6-9 years — 6 unique semesters)
These classes aren’t even including the special summer programs we run! Currently, at Little Songbird Music Studio, we offer all classes up through Cycle of Seasons. Starting in the fall, we will be adding both Music Makers classes for young elementary aged students. The following year, we plan on adding the keyboard class. So stick with it! The cumulative effect of the program is priceless! For more information on the philosophy of certain classes, please see Musikgarten’s website!
by elizabeth
A Good Value?
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but, umm, the economy isn’t doing very well these days! Many families want to enroll their children in activities, but schedules and finances limit the number and type of activities each family can take advantage of. Because of its holistic nature, Musikgarten is a great value. Take a look at this checklist to see if your child’s activities are as all inclusive as the Musikgarten curriculum. Does this activity address your child’s:
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social development?
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gross motor skills?
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fine motor skills?
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language acquisition?
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imagination?
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creativity?
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coordination?
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concentration?
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musical intelligence?
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confidence?
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body awareness?
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instrument readiness?
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literacy?
Many children’s programs address some of these developmental areas, but very few address them all. Musikgarten has been working for over 20 years to develop a comprehensive, holistic curriculum to address the needs of the whole child. In fact, many dance and sports teachers love our program, because our alumni come to them better prepared with natural grace and coordination.
by elizabeth
As I’m typing this, there is still snow on the ground, but summer will be here before you know it! Registration is now open for summer classes, for children birth to age 7! Many families have lots of summer activities going on, but don’t let that keep you from signing up! Our summer tuition schedule is flexible and keeps families’ busy lives in mind! For more info, click here!
