MusikgartenTM- ages birth to 5 years
Early childhood – a time of rapid growth and brain development – is the optimal time to start your musical journey together. Developmental benefits of an early childhood music and movement curriculum include: Language, Self Expression, Memory Skills, Concentration, Social Interaction, Fine Motor Skills, Listening, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Goal Setting, Coordination, Music Playing, Creativity, Family Involvement, Self Esteem, Confidence, Poise, Family Interaction, Parent/Child Bonding, Emotional Development, and Voice Expression.

I choose to use the Musikgarten curriculum because all aspects of the lesson plans are musically sound, the materials and recordings are made of natural materials and products when possible, and it utilizes songs and stories from folk traditions around the world. I currently offer the following courses:

• Family Music for Babies (newborn to 18 months): Designed for parents and their babies to take together, this 30-minute weekly class helps you learn how to play musically with your baby. The curriculum features bouncing and rocking songs, wiggle and peek-a-boo games, a CD featuring a children’s choir and instrumentalists, a book describing the activities and games to play with baby at home, and a cloth instrument pouch with rhythm sticks, rattle and scarf.
• Family Music for Toddlers (16 Months - 3.5 Years): Participate with your toddler for 30 minutes each week in singing, chanting, moving, dancing, listening and playing simple instruments. This curriculum stimulates musical interaction between child and parent, channels a toddler’s energy productively, facilitates expression of feelings, assists memory through repetition, and develops further musical aptitude and focused listening. Family packet includes a CD, parent booklet, and an instrument or scarf.
• Cycle of Seasons (3 – 5 years): Celebrate your child’s love of nature and growing independence through activities involving the seasons in this 45 minute class. Musical play activities nurture your child’s ability to use language and participate in dramatic play within a musical context and develop listening, focused attention, imagination, creativity, and self-expression. This course features singing, chanting, moving, focused listening, musical games; exploring musical instruments, creative movement and storytelling. Family packets for each season of the year include an outstanding CD, 8 full-color illustrated cards, and a parent activity book, all in a cloth Musikgarten pouch.

Classroom Policies for Musikgarten

• Please try to get to class on time.
• Please participate in class activities. You are a very powerful role model for your child. Your participation in singing, moving, and listening cues your child that it is safe, enjoyable, and important. I’m really not concerned about your “musical competence.” It’s enthusiasm that sustains the energy and focus of the class!
• Please don’t carry on conversations with other adults during the class, particularly when we are singing. I count on your voices to sing and support. Your focus and attention on class activities model attitudes of respect and enjoyment of music.
• Please play the family materials at home. It will help you and your child participate more actively in music making, both at home and in class.
• Please let me know if you want to bring extra family members to class. I aim to make classes very inclusive, so visitors don’t often get to sit on the sidelines. I welcome grandparents, extra parents, etc. but it can get to be overwhelming if there are too many visitors all at one time.
• Thank you for telling your friends about our classes. Please feel free to give them my phone number, and either you or they can call me ahead of time for an invitation to visit the class with you.
• Thank you for keeping individual bottles, snacks, and toys out of the class area, since children are sometimes irretrievably distracted by the idea that food or toys are present but unavailable to them.
• Thank you for keeping sick children at home. Feel free to arrange to attend another class during the week as a make up, if possible. Be sure to call first, in case there has been a change of schedule.
• Thank you for communicating with me. I am always eager to hear how music is being expressed and enjoyed in the life of your family. Let me know if your child has a favorite song or activity, and I will try to work it into the flow of a class. Also feel free to let me know of any questions or concerns you might have.