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?
Family Music for Babies and Family Music are 30-minute classes with parents/caregivers.  Cycle of Seasons and God's Children Sing are 30-minute classes for children only (with the occasional parent helper, as needed).  Music Makers: At Home in America and Music Makers: Around the World are 45-minute classes.  Music Makers: At the Keyboard I and II are 60-minute classes. Nature Trail classes, Spring Break Camp, and Summer Camps last 2 1/2 -3 hrs., depending on the age group.

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 instrumental playing and performance.

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 private music lessons?
Yes, in most cases. Musikgarten classes develop students aural senses more than other pre-private-lesson 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?
Children and parents can have so much fun at home and in the car with Musikgarten songs and dances. In class you learn the songs, but at home is where you really have fun with the songs and dances. It's a great family bonding time. Try it and you won't have to ask this question ever again!

What if I can't make it one week due to a vacation or other conflict?
In most cases, we offer several sections of each class.  You are welcome to do a make-up class in one of the other sections, but we do ask that you call the teacher of the make-up class in advance to insure availability.

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, dancing, socialization, and instrumental playing (in class and at home) is very beneficial for your child's holistic development: language, movement, math skills, and physical coordination - all in a group setting that builds community. While other activities can be fun too, we believe music to be a primary building block of each child's overall development. We have seen the proof of this in our students - Jennifer has even had the privilege of hiring former students back as instructors.