FAQ
At what age can my child start Kindermusik?
No child is too young to start Kindermusik. Our Village classes are designed for newborn babies up to eighteen-month-olds. We offer age-appropriate classes for children ages newborn to seven years.
No child is too young to start Kindermusik. Our Village classes are designed for newborn babies up to eighteen-month-olds. We offer age-appropriate classes for children ages newborn to seven years.
What happens in a Kindermusik class?
Class activities vary depending on your child's age. But most classes involve a mix of singing, instrument play, dancing and movement, storytime, and other activities. Activities are designed to develop and strengthen your child's physical and neural functions, social-emotional skills, early literacy and early math, and much more.
How is Kindermusik different from other music programs for children?
So many reasons! Kindermusik is the original music and movement program. We have been doing this for over thirty years. While some music programs put children of all ages of together in one room, the majority of our classes are geared to specific ages. This means your child experiences class with “peers” and the activities match her developmental stage—just like in school. (We do offer a Family Time class where the whole family can participate in fun and learning together.) Kindermusik is very interactive, and encourages bonding by involving parents and caregivers. Our program is based on a mix of scientific research and learning philosophies of prominent musicians, composers, and development experts.
Class activities vary depending on your child's age. But most classes involve a mix of singing, instrument play, dancing and movement, storytime, and other activities. Activities are designed to develop and strengthen your child's physical and neural functions, social-emotional skills, early literacy and early math, and much more.
How is Kindermusik different from other music programs for children?
So many reasons! Kindermusik is the original music and movement program. We have been doing this for over thirty years. While some music programs put children of all ages of together in one room, the majority of our classes are geared to specific ages. This means your child experiences class with “peers” and the activities match her developmental stage—just like in school. (We do offer a Family Time class where the whole family can participate in fun and learning together.) Kindermusik is very interactive, and encourages bonding by involving parents and caregivers. Our program is based on a mix of scientific research and learning philosophies of prominent musicians, composers, and development experts.
Will my child learn an instrument like piano, guitar, or violin at Kindermusik?
We firmly believe, and research supports, that a solid foundation of basic musical training is the best path for children. This is why we start with concepts like steady beat and fine and gross motor skills. Our Young Child program, for ages five to seven, introduces stringed instruments (the dulcimer) and musical percussion instruments (the xylophone). We feel strongly that this is the best approach to shaping the Mozarts and Bachs of tomorrow. Starting a child on a finger-based instrument too early, while his hand and fingers are still growing and developing, could actually do more harm than good. Simply put, Kindermusik is the best place to start.
We firmly believe, and research supports, that a solid foundation of basic musical training is the best path for children. This is why we start with concepts like steady beat and fine and gross motor skills. Our Young Child program, for ages five to seven, introduces stringed instruments (the dulcimer) and musical percussion instruments (the xylophone). We feel strongly that this is the best approach to shaping the Mozarts and Bachs of tomorrow. Starting a child on a finger-based instrument too early, while his hand and fingers are still growing and developing, could actually do more harm than good. Simply put, Kindermusik is the best place to start.
Do I have to attend the classes with my child?
Most of our classes require that a parent or caregiver accompany the child. Our classes are specifically designed to spark interaction between the parent and child. You are your child's first and best teacher, and Kindermusik tries to strengthen that bond. In our classes for older ages, the children spend most of the class with just the teacher, but parents are included in a portion of every Kindermusik class.
Can my babysitter/au pair bring my child?
We know parents today are busier than ever. If neither parent is available to attend classes with the child, it is acceptable that a babysitter/au pair attend class with the child. To the extent possible, we prefer that the same individual attend class each week in order to ensure the child gets comfortable with a routine and the caregiver becomes familiar with the songs and activities.
Most of our classes require that a parent or caregiver accompany the child. Our classes are specifically designed to spark interaction between the parent and child. You are your child's first and best teacher, and Kindermusik tries to strengthen that bond. In our classes for older ages, the children spend most of the class with just the teacher, but parents are included in a portion of every Kindermusik class.
Can my babysitter/au pair bring my child?
We know parents today are busier than ever. If neither parent is available to attend classes with the child, it is acceptable that a babysitter/au pair attend class with the child. To the extent possible, we prefer that the same individual attend class each week in order to ensure the child gets comfortable with a routine and the caregiver becomes familiar with the songs and activities.
What if my child doesn't participate in class?
Children learn in different ways. Simply because a child appears shy in class, that doesn't mean he or she is not learning. We hear from parents all the time whose children are quiet in class, but when they get home the child sings the songs and does the activities! Just remember that the home is the most important learning environment and you are your child's most important teacher. The classroom is intended to give you tools to bring the music and learning home.
Why are the home materials required?
At the core of the Kindermusik philosophy is the idea that the home is the most important learning environment and the parent is the child's best teacher. The home materials give parents the tools to extend the learning into the home. Using the home materials is the most effective way to get the full Kindermusik experience and ensure your child is truly benefitting from early exposure to music and movement.
Can I try a class first before I enroll?
Absolutely. All Kindermusik educators offer a free class preview to allow you to experience Kindermusik firsthand before you decide whether to enroll. We're sure you're going to love it!
Children learn in different ways. Simply because a child appears shy in class, that doesn't mean he or she is not learning. We hear from parents all the time whose children are quiet in class, but when they get home the child sings the songs and does the activities! Just remember that the home is the most important learning environment and you are your child's most important teacher. The classroom is intended to give you tools to bring the music and learning home.
Why are the home materials required?
At the core of the Kindermusik philosophy is the idea that the home is the most important learning environment and the parent is the child's best teacher. The home materials give parents the tools to extend the learning into the home. Using the home materials is the most effective way to get the full Kindermusik experience and ensure your child is truly benefitting from early exposure to music and movement.
Can I try a class first before I enroll?
Absolutely. All Kindermusik educators offer a free class preview to allow you to experience Kindermusik firsthand before you decide whether to enroll. We're sure you're going to love it!
* You and your child are encouraged to be barefoot or wearing socks in class. We'll be doing a whole lot of moving!
Sick Child policy:Please do not attend class if you or your child has/have experienced the following:
Fever within the last 24 hours
Runny nose with yellow or green mucus
Diarrhea in the 24 hour period prior to class
Vomiting in the 24 hour period prior to class
Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
Lice
Undiagnosed rash or spots on skin, ringworm infection
Severe itching
Mouth sores
Eye discharge or the possibility of pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Significant tiredness, irritability, crying
Uncontrolled coughing; Difficulty breathing, wheezing
Fever within the last 24 hours
Runny nose with yellow or green mucus
Diarrhea in the 24 hour period prior to class
Vomiting in the 24 hour period prior to class
Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
Lice
Undiagnosed rash or spots on skin, ringworm infection
Severe itching
Mouth sores
Eye discharge or the possibility of pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Significant tiredness, irritability, crying
Uncontrolled coughing; Difficulty breathing, wheezing
Ask yourself this important question…if your child is healthy, would you want him/her playing with another child that has your child’s symptoms? If the answer is no, please do not bring him/her to class. If your child exhibits these symptoms, please be advised that in the interest of safety for all children and adults present, you will be asked to leave and make-up the class at a better time.
Makeup Classes: You can make up as many classes as you miss, but they must be made up within the same session you are enrolled in. Makeups do not carry over to future sessions. Please schedule your makeup class with me. Please do not just show up as we only allow a certain number per week in each class to avoid overcrowding. There are no credits or refunds given for any unattended classes or for an unfinished semester. You are financially responsible for the entire class tuition amount and any home materials that you requested or ordered. Thank you.
Disruptive behavior: Children make all kinds of sounds during the class. We call it vocalizing. However, if the child is really upset and is distracting the class, your teacher may ask you to take him/her outside for a hug and some reassurance and come back in as soon as s/he is ready. Should your child become curious about our music player/instruments, please re-direct him/her if your teacher is unable to.
Children with special needs: Music is a help in neurological, physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. We ask that parents talk with their teacher so that we may learn more about your child, and together we can make a decision about how to proceed.
Visitors:We welcome visitors to class and enjoy meeting extended family and friends. When possible, please let us know in advance so we can avoid overcrowding the classroom.
Makeup Classes: You can make up as many classes as you miss, but they must be made up within the same session you are enrolled in. Makeups do not carry over to future sessions. Please schedule your makeup class with me. Please do not just show up as we only allow a certain number per week in each class to avoid overcrowding. There are no credits or refunds given for any unattended classes or for an unfinished semester. You are financially responsible for the entire class tuition amount and any home materials that you requested or ordered. Thank you.
Disruptive behavior: Children make all kinds of sounds during the class. We call it vocalizing. However, if the child is really upset and is distracting the class, your teacher may ask you to take him/her outside for a hug and some reassurance and come back in as soon as s/he is ready. Should your child become curious about our music player/instruments, please re-direct him/her if your teacher is unable to.
Children with special needs: Music is a help in neurological, physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. We ask that parents talk with their teacher so that we may learn more about your child, and together we can make a decision about how to proceed.
Visitors:We welcome visitors to class and enjoy meeting extended family and friends. When possible, please let us know in advance so we can avoid overcrowding the classroom.
Entering Class: Plan to arrive about 5-10 minutes early for class. Arriving a little before class provides time for your child to settle in to the musical environment as they prepare to enjoy exploring instruments or reading books. Occasionally, being late is difficult to avoid - please enter the classroom as quietly as possible.
Participation: Remember that parent/caregiver participation is a key ingredient to success in any Kindermusik program. Your commitment to regular attendance and ongoing participation with your child during class will lead to more satisfaction, sense of accomplishment and enjoyment for your child and you! Please refrain from adult conversation during class time. Your child is sensitive to the adults around him/her. As a side benefit, your teacher's voice will remain in good shape if she is not having to sing or speak above the group.
Cell Phones:Please turn off or silence your cell phone before entering into the classroom. If you should need to talk on your cell phone, please take your child with you, and step outside.
Participation: Remember that parent/caregiver participation is a key ingredient to success in any Kindermusik program. Your commitment to regular attendance and ongoing participation with your child during class will lead to more satisfaction, sense of accomplishment and enjoyment for your child and you! Please refrain from adult conversation during class time. Your child is sensitive to the adults around him/her. As a side benefit, your teacher's voice will remain in good shape if she is not having to sing or speak above the group.
Cell Phones:Please turn off or silence your cell phone before entering into the classroom. If you should need to talk on your cell phone, please take your child with you, and step outside.
Please visit www.kindermusik.com for all available kindermusik classes and times. Please type in your zip code in the class finder.
