Kindermusik, The Premier Music Program for Young Children

For years, Kindermusik classes have catered to young children, serving families by promoting music as an important part of their child's education. During the most important stage of a child's educational development, before age seven, Kindermusik develops his/her sense of rhythm, melody, and movement to give them a good beginning that never ends.

Kindermusik is a unique program of music learning and enjoyment which nurtures the total development of the child. The curriculum has been created to facilitate children's exploration of their world through music. Its goals and objectives are very specific and can be accomplished during fifteen-week semesters of weekly instruction. The child's instruction includes listening, vocal development, movement, ensemble work, playing instruments, ear training, and musical games. This fosters a life-long love of music and a joy in making music as an individual and as a part of a group. The child learns about writing and reading music and has all the necessary pre-requisites for successful instrumental study when the Kindermusik sequence is completed. Kindermusik is a program developed some 25 years ago in Germany, and adapted to American children in 1980. Today, there are approximately 2,000 Kindermusik programs available in the United States involving nearly 30,000 children.

One of the comments made by families impressed with last year's classes are as follows:

"Kindermusik was the single most rewarding educational experience my son has had, and the most enjoyable for me. Not only did he begin to learn the structure of music, (but) we learned together how to make music a personal and interactive experience.

Parents also commented on the classroom environment:

"I thought this was a great introduction to music. The class was small and intimate. Mr. Johnson was committed, soft-spoken, gentle, and interesting . . . just having this exposure made available is fabulous.

This approach to teaching music education is through highlighting the primary connection of students to their own music making.

With insightful arguments, educator and author, Frank Smith, makes much the same point in "Reading Without Nonsense", applying it to the spoken and written word. As described in the Music Learning Theory, a "backwards" experience, which is music first, ( by singing), is a more practical approach. This description of Gordon's approach to music education is only a brief overview. (For a more in-depth account of The Gordon Learning Theory, see the exclusive interview with Mr. Gordon, published at this site, on September 21st.)

Kindermusik itself, is a registered trademark which is licensed to teachers who complete a required training course. Each of the four Kindermusik curricula are based on the age of the child and his/her developmental needs. Additionally, there are other classes available for use in day-cares and summer programs. I have enjoyed working with this age group immensely. Kindermusik is well-organized and teacher-friendly.

Here are some helpful complimentary links:

The Official Kindermusik Site Kindermusik International nurtures the development of children newborn - seven and involves families in the power of musical learning.

Kindermusik® And Voice of Clayton Quality music and movement classes for children and their families, newborn through age seven years. Day care and preschool programs available and Summer camps, too.

Betsy's Kindermusik SiteSinging, dancing, finger games, home projects, instruments and more, all leading children.

Reading Without Nonsense A book by Frank Smith. Reading must make sense to the learner, and so must reading instruction. This book is one of the most important educational books of the past decade.

Kindermusik® is a registered trademark of Kindermusik International, Inc.

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