"How Our Kindermusik Team Evolved" by Sue Winters

            It was official in the fall of 1997!   Wendy Ensz and I established a partnership in owning a Kindermusik business.  It was called Kindermusik at USF.  It actually got its roots with Sandra Landry, the former owner.  Wendy and I took it over when she moved away from Sioux Falls.  We each taught several classes for newborn to nine years of age.  We also split up the administrative duties and decided to swim or sink. I’m proud to say, we have been swimming ever since. 

            Wendy is the best partner anyone could ever have.  She handles many responsibilities in a very efficient and thorough manner.  She creates superb brochures and makes sure we have a pay check each month along with many other responsibilities. 

Her first love will always be the children and sharing the gift of music with them and their families.  Miss Wendy has done a great job teaching and administrating for 13 years now!  She is very proud of all of her Kindermusik graduates as many of them have gone on to private lessons for vocal, instrumental, and piano instruction. 

            Myra Katherine Fritz learned of our program at USF and, fortunate for us, she joined our team when she moved to Sioux Falls ten years ago.  The families have become very attached to her.  She is known by her students as Miss Myra.  They are very fond of her and want to stay with her for many years.  She is currently teaching newborn-preschool age children.  Myra Katherine is quite the writer and inspired us to start this blog.   

            As our program began to grow and grow, we were blessed to have found our next teacher, Becky Schaefer.  She was teaching at a school full time but was looking for more part-time work since her children were young.  Miss Becky is loved by all her Kindermusik families.  She is teaching newborn-preschool age children also.  Becky is super organized and is quite creative.  She has generously shared these gifts along with her quality teaching for several years now. 

            The next teacher to join us was Tarina Stroh.  Thanks to her, we have an eastside location at Hillcrest Church.  Miss Tarina is a firm believer in the value of Kindermusik not only for her own children but for all the young families she meets. Tarina teaches newborn-early elementary students.  She is amazing at creating things for young children that are fun, educational, and very inexpensive.  We appreciate the ideas she brings to us from being a preschool teacher. 

            Kristi Prouty is our newest team member.  She joined us a few years ago willing to teach keyboard classes since I was ready to retire from teaching Kindermusik and keyboard.  Not only do the keyboard families love Kristi, the families of younger children love having Miss Kristi for their teacher.   Kristi goes above and beyond to help out wherever she is needed.  Her flexibility and love for teaching is enjoyed by all. 

            We have recently changed our name to Kindermusik by Bright Beginnings Studios.  You have probably discovered from reading this blog that we have the best Kindermusik team possible.  That is why we do not list who teaches specific classes on our website because we are confident that our families are in good hands no matter who their teacher is.  Our team is strong because of the networking and support we give each other.  We consider all of our families to be “One Big Kindermusik Family”.   If you are not part of that family, and would like to be, please contact us by phone 605-728-6782 or by email kindermusik.brightbeginnings@gmail.com.  You can also check us out at our website:  brightbeginnings.kindermusik.net.   

Preachin' Kindermusik by Ms. Myra

Today the teachers of BBS Studios (which is technically Bright Beginnings Studios, but I can’t consistently spell beginnings and I can’t say it without getting all tongue tied, so for today it’s BBS Studios,) anyway, today we visited with families at the Children’s Expo at the Pavilion. We had lots and lots of families stop by and it was so energizing to talk about subjects that I love (music and early childhood) with Moms, Dads and Grandparents, many of whom had never heard of Kindermusik. Sometimes I get a little too excited, though, and sound like a preacher trying to get the congregation all fired up for the morning potluck (or worse, like the preacher who’s brought out his yearly hell-fire and brimstone sermon.)

I really can’t help myself. I start off with the basics: we are an early childhood music and movement program for newborns through age 7 (and keyboard up to age 9.) We address all areas of development including cognitive, language, physical, social, emotional and musical. But before I know it, I’m off on some tangent about the crucial early childhood years and if you miss these precious opportunities for development, well, you never get them back. It’s too late. As Kindermusik says, “A good beginning never ends.” And, well, a bad one never really goes away. Then it gets worse. I try to talk about the science and the research. I began telling one first-time mom of a 4 week old about all the little parts in your head….let’s just call them balls, I said….the balls on the right side need to connect with the balls on the left side and with every year that passes you lose the chance to make those connections. The window is half closed by age three and by 5 it’s pretty much all she wrote. That’s it. That’s all the time you have. And it goes by fast. Blink and she will be in Kindergarten. She look horrified and scared and excused herself from the conversation with a gentle, “Well thank you for the information” and left. I’m sure I sent her spiraling into a pit of post-partum depression since I basically just told her that her newborn should just go ahead and get her kindergarten shots.

Another conversation that went somewhat better was with a Mom whose son was slightly younger than my daughter Emma Claire. We bonded over the joys and challenges of parenting. She was a stay at home mom and talked about how much work there is to do in the day and how on many occasions she puts her son down for a nap only to realize she’s spent no real time with him. I can identify. Yesterday was my day off and instead of spending time with Emma Claire, I drug her all over town from one church to another transferring Kindermusik materials, unpacking boxes, etc. At the end of the day, the best I could say was that we had been together. Quality time? Not so much.

There will always be errands to run, calls to return, groceries to buy and meals to prepare. There is never enough time for programs like Kindermusik; you have to find time. You have to find the time; take the time; make the time. I didn’t mean to spook the new mommy, but the truth is that in 5 or 6 years her daughter will be getting those shots and she will either remember with joy all the special time they spent together on the floor reading books; time in the backyard tossing a ball; time in Kindermusik playing, dancing, singing, bonding and creating a good beginning that will never end, or she will wish desperately that she had.

Kindermusik is a place where you can come away from everyday life and be totally involved with your children. “All involved. All the time.” We invite you to join us this fall for a time of exploration; a time of discovery; a time for you and your children. Now, can I hear an “Amen!”

Ahhh, the Routine of Fall! by Wendy Ensz

Bittersweet. Summer vacation ends; the new school year begins. What I love about summer: the warmth, down-time for my teenage boys, visitors from out-of town, and lots of sunlight. What I love about Fall: ROUTINE! Yes, I am certainly one who likes a set schedule, structure, and consistency. Perhaps one reason why teaching music to young children is my passion, is that the lessons provide a balance of what I love about both Summer and Fall.

Summer in music class exists all year long. There is warmth in the friendships that develop between children, grown-ups, and teachers. There is down-time, in class during exploration or rocking times, and out of class when the children are choosing to listen, enjoy, and create their own music, any music! There are visitors, as families can make-up Kindermusik classes they miss, meaning we all get to make new friends and live new group dynamics. And there is sunlight – nothing is more bright than a child making music from his or her heart.

Routine? YES! Kindermusik classes meet once a week, at the same day and time, for the entire semester. A hello song begins the class, and a goodbye song (and for the younger children, George the monkey!) ends the class. In between is some mixture of structure and un-structure, but all with the following musical aspects: singing, listening, moving – LOTS of moving!, creating, playing instruments, and reading. And all of these activities consistently revolve around the “follow the child” philosophy.

While I plan to cherish every possible moment this last week of summer, I also greatly anticipate our Fall Kindermusik session. Below is the upcoming Kindermusik class schedule; registration is only a click away:  http://brightbeginnings.kindermusik.net/ . Ahhh, the routine of Fall!

DAY / TIME / LOCATION / START DATE

Multi-Age &/or Family Time
Hello Weather, Let's Play Together
(Newborn – 7 Yrs.)
Mon. 6:00-6:45 p.m. Hillcrest 8/30
Wed. 6:00-6:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/25
Thr. 9:10-9:55 a.m. First Pres. 8/26
Sat. 9:10-9:55 a.m. First Pres. 8/21
*For Preschool Age class times, see below.
-------------------------------------
Village - Zoom Buggy
(Newborn – 18 Mos.)
Mon. 9:15-10:00 a.m. C. Baptist 8/23
Tues. 6:00-6:45 p.m. First Pres. 10/5
Thrs. 9:00-9:45 a.m. C. Baptist 8/26
-----------------------------------
Sign & Sing - Session A [Unit 1]
(Newborn – 18 Mos.)
Mon. 9:15-10:00 a.m. C. Baptist 11/8
Tues. 6:00-6:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/31
-------------------------------
Our Time - Milk & Cookies
(1 ½ – 3 Yrs.)
Mon. 10:15-11:00 a.m. C. Baptist 8/23
Mon. 6:55-7:40 p.m. Hillcrest 8/30
Wed. 9:00-9:45 a.m. C. Baptist 8/25
Wed. 9:50-10:35 a.m. C. Baptist 8/25
Thr. 10:00-10:45 a.m. C. Baptist 8/26
Thr. 6:00-6:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/26
Fri. 9:15-10:00 a.m. First Pres. 8/27
------------------------------
Imagine That!-
Hello Weather, Let's Play Together
(3 – 5 Yrs.)
Wed. 10:40-11:25 a.m. C. Baptist 8/25
Thr. 10:05-10:50 a.m. First Pres. 8/26
Thr. 7:00-7:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/26
Fri. 10:15-11:00 a.m. First Pres. 8/27
*For Multi-Age class times, see top of column.
-------------------------------
Kindermusik for the Young Child
(4 ½ – 8 Yrs.)
Semester One:
Mon. 11:35 a.m.-12:35 p.m. C. Baptist 8/23
Sat. 8:50-9:50 a.m First Pres. 8/21
Semester Three:
Mon. 4:45-5:45 p.m. Hillcrest 8/30
Sat. 10:15-11:15 a.m. First Pres. 8/21
----------------------------------
Keyboard Adventures
(6 ½ – 9 Yrs.)
Semester One:
Tues. 7:00-7:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/31
Sat. 11:10-11:55 a.m First Pres. 8/21
Semester Three:
Tues. 5:00-5:45 p.m. First Pres. 8/31
Sat. 10:15-11:00 a.m. First Pres. 8/21
----------------------------------------------

"The Value of Music" by Kristi Prouty

During the past 6 months or so, I have begun looking for good deals, values, and using coupons for my purchases. I haven’t always done this, but with 2 children at home and only a part-time income, it has sort of become a necessity. It has also become fun for me. I know some of you might think I sound like a nerd, but I get really excited when I keep my grocery bill under budget for the week or find a really great deal on something. I use coupons whenever possible, and I also have some money-saving blogs that I check regularly. I have come to think of it as another job, and an exciting new challenge!

I also look for good values when I’m choosing activities for my children to be involved in. I don’t want to pay a lot of money for something that they won’t like or benefit from. I want to put them into activites that will be fun, rewarding, engaging, and educational. Both of my children have been in Kindermusik classes since they were very little. In fact, I was a Kindermusik mom before I was a Kindermusik teacher. To me, it is a great value. The Our Time class, for example, works out to cost less than $10 per class. But most important are all of the benefits that have come from their Kindermusik classes.

Grant (now 5 years old) started Kindermusik at about 7 months old. He was in full time daycare at the time, and I wanted some special bonding time with him since I was at work all day. He is an extremely busy and active child, and as he has gotten older, I have seen many benefits from his Kindermusik experiences. It has helped him learn to share and wait his turn, develop self-control, listen, and follow directions. Elyse (now 18 months old) has never been in a daycare setting, so I feel that one of her biggest benefits of Kindermusik has been learning to socialize with a group of children her own age. She has also learned new skills like marching and jumping, and she now loves to “clean up” at home…just like we do in class! My children both love the home materials that we get each semester. The books, CDs, and instruments are so much fun, and we get to continue the musical experience at home all week. I have even had some families tell me that they have literally worn out their home CDs from listening to them so much!

Maybe it’s because I grew up with parents who are music teachers, but music has always been a huge part of my life. It’s such a natural thing for children to dance, sing, and play music. Music can bring people together and express feelings in ways that other things cannot. That’s why I believe so much in Kindermusik and the value of music for our children!

Summertime, Summertime, Sum, Sum, Summertime and the song goes on and on. That is the beauty of kindermusik, we go on and on. No matter the season, time of year or stage of life you or your kids are in we go on and on. There is always something for everyone. I am a mother of four ages seven years and younger and I love looking at all of the classes Bright Beginnings Studio by Kindermusik has to offer. It is like a road map to our weekly schedule as I highlight and ponder the options for my kids. What I love about summer is that all of our classes fit in so well to a season we wish would last longer but with the flexability of being here there and everywhere for a few short months.
I am currently teaching a five week night class called Confetti. I teach both hours as a Family Time option so with 4-5 families some have 1-4 kids all playing and singing together. We all have found this time to be enjoyable with many different ages doing our conffetti theme. For those of you in a summer class, you probably see and hear some things that are the same: listening, instrument explore and familiar outline to the 45 min. class. The differences you may feel and hear is in the theme. Our summer curriculum has different exciting themes that last for 5-8 weeks. This also feels different to our Fall and Spring 14 week sememster. Each theme has a different hello and goodbye song. I know it is hard to be in Our Time and not sing the Our Time song. The hello song is difficult for teacher also, as our brains are like a CD player and sometimes we have to switch a disk to get to the right tune and words at the right time. Whether you are in Zoo train, Conffetti, Mother Goose or Rock and Roll they all sound fun for a summertime family fun time.
I have the best news for those of you reading today. It is not too late. My dear friend Miss Myra and I both have the same internal thermometer that tells us we are on the downhill slide to summer once july 4th has come and gone. Our early start in August does not help these feeling either but I have to tell you there is still time!!! I may almost be done with my classes but my own children are just about to begin their great expereince with their own camp. Even better is the perfect map where my younger two will go to one camp with me, while my older go alone to theirs. What a perfect option for a multi-tasking mother. I heard that our wish list to summertime things is like a bucket list of activities you desire to accomplish in these few months. I am enjoying all that I have done on my list so far but can't wait for my week to begin as a mommy at kindermusik while all four of my kiddos explore their Kindermusik camp time too. Summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime, what is on your bucket list? We still have spots open for you!

"A-Camping We Will Go" by, Becky Schaefer

I spent the better part of my Sunday afternoon preparing for my upcoming camps. Normally I would not spend a Sunday afternoon working, but this week my schedule left no other options. Once I quit my grumbling and decided to just go do it, I actually really enjoyed my time. Maybe it was because it was so very quiet – as a mother, this is a luxury in itself. Maybe it was because I got to organize (sad, but true.) Maybe it was because I felt myself slipping into a world of make-believe. Maybe it was because I could picture each of my own children participating in these activities I was planning. Maybe it was because I could imagine all the possibilities. Whatever the reason, as I sifted through the hundreds of different craft supplies, gathered dress-up clothes, chose fun instruments, and listened to the catchy music, I found myself very excited to teach these camps next week.
From a teacher perspective, I get why camps are so beneficial. From a parent perspective, you may not be completely sold – yet. I will do my best to get you there. 
There are some guarantees for any Kindermusik camp or class you choose. Your child will experience music and movement in a nurturing environment. All Kindermusik camps/classes are designed to reach each part of your child – social, emotional, musical, cognitive, language, physical – and to nurture development in each of those areas. Our goal is, “All involved, all the time.” We are proud of this and strive to achieve that at every class. My favorite promise, though, is that we will have a lot of fun!
In addition to all of this, there are some benefits unique to the camps. There is the factor of continuity. While some may be a little hesitant on Day 1, most of the children feel quite settled in and comfortable on Day 2 already. The whole experience is fresh in their minds – the teacher, the other children and grownups, the room, the music, the routine. Because this routine is established on the first day, we can spend the remainder of the days focused on the content of the class. Some of the songs and activities repeat from day to day, and therefore, retention is high. In Kindermusik, we do so much scaffolding – taking what the child knows and building on it from there - encouraging them to expand their horizons. When we gently challenge our children each day, learning is bound to take place. When your child finishes camp at the end of the week, he/she will leave with new songs, new activities, new appreciations, new experiences, and new ideas.
Three week-long music camps begin the week of July 19; there are openings for all ages and all families. Zoo Train (Newborn–7 yrs. [Multi-Age]) from 6:00-7:15 p.m.; Confetti Days (3 & 4 yrs) from 1:00-1:55 p.m. ; Rockin' & Rollin' (4 ½ – 8 yrs) from 1:00-2:15 p.m. OR 2:30–3:45 p.m. We would be honored if you would spend some time with us this summer – let the fun begin!

What is Kindermusik? by Sue Winters

“What IS Kindermusik?” As the administrator who answers phone calls and emails, I hear this question the most. The best way to answer this question is to give general information and invite parents to come to a free preview class.

For those of you who are curious as to what Kindermusik is all about but haven’t asked, or if you’d like a refresher, this week’s blog is for you.

Kindermusik is a unique music and movement program designed for children ages newborn- eight years and their families. Now you ask, what can my infant who is not mobile or verbal do in a music class? This is the ideal class for you because our activities are all developmentally appropriate plus you will enjoy meeting other families with children the same age.

As was mentioned in last week’s blog, children learn best in their early years through movement. You will experience new ways to move with your child as you hear music from Mexico, Zimbabwe, Italy, Brazil, China, and Japan just to name a few of the diverse, multi-cultural styles that Kindermusik includes.

Children of all ages enjoy exploring the sound of instruments. The younger children might start out with shakers, bells, chime balls, drums, etc. and gradually progress to exploring a violin, cello, french horn, saxophone, snare drum, glockenspiel, dulcimer, and many others.

Hands-on activities are also important for young children. Newborns will be stimulated by the feel and color of scarves, while a 3 year old will use the scarves to become any character he/she wants to pretend to be, and a 5 year old will create the feel of legato and staccato. The progression opens the door to a love and appreciation for all styles of music and is limited only to one’s imagination.

Children are active learners. Their development is best served when there is a balance between things that are familiar and things that are new. Kindermusik provides the perfect balance for this. It is fun and appealing for children as well as their families.

Kindermusik is a priceless gift you share with your child. If you are at all interested, please come for a free preview class. You will see why so many families attend and recommend it to others.
One final administrative detail, contact information:
website -brightbeginnings.kindermusik.net;
e-mail – kindermusik.brightbeginnings@gmail.com;
Phone – (605)-728-6782. I’d love to hear from you!

"The Multi-Age Kindermusik Classroom" by Wendy Ensz

When Kindermusik International first introduced the Family Time / Multi Age class concept, I had a mixed reaction. The idea of effectively teaching children with a 7 year age span seemed like quite the challenge. How can a 7-year-old learn the same thing as a 6-month-old? Won't the babies be over-stimulated? Won't the first graders be bored? However, many families had found that attending Kindermusik two or three times a week was difficult. Therefore, some were signing up only one child when they really wanted all of their children to be able to attend. The Family Time option enabled those families to enroll all of their children simultaneously.

The first few years we offered Family Time, I did not teach the class. But eventually, at a family's request, I dove in. My first few weeks were very carefully planned, but tentative: full of observations, readjusting, adapting, and living the experience. More and more, it made sense to me that this seven year age span is actually wonderful! And now I love teaching the Multi-age classes. Here's why:

The Babies: This is the age where the brain is the most receptive and adaptive to the environment. The babies observe the older children (mostly by hearing, also seeing, touching, and of course TASTING!) and simply learn, “This is what I'm supposed to do.” When a baby has seemed over-stimulated, for example, at noisy instrument exploration time, we have moved him further from the activity of the sound and given him his own space in which to explore an age-appropriate version of the instrument.

The Toddlers: Moving and moving and moving! Not only does the thrill of large motor abilities keep the toddler happy, but simultaneously, they hit “Language Explosion!” In the course of a semester, many toddlers go from bouncing their knees to actually jumping off of the floor, and from speaking just a few words, to sharing long, involved sentences. Their observations of the other children around them expand both their singing and their movement abilities. The toddlers are intrigued by the babies, because they, themselves, are not babies anymore! And they adore the older children, and strive to be a “big kid” just like them.

The Preschoolers: Three and Four year olds love (and can't help!) to make connections. As soon as we sing about a word or theme that is familiar to them, they blurt out, “I have a ___ at home!” The younger children understand the concept of “home” and thus learn a foundation for making connections. The older children enjoy watching the preschoolers' freedom within the structure (preschoolers THRIVE on this!); and after a full day of school, the school-age children understand that they can relax, take ownership of the connections and activity, and that NO ONE will get in trouble at Kindermusik.

The Five- to Seven-Year Olds: These early elementary age children appreciate and enjoy the opportunity to be the teacher, the helper, the assistant. The responsibility of helping carry the instrument basket, or reading the literature book, or modeling actions, is a self-esteem boost. They directly and indirectly teach the younger children how to follow directions, how to use words to express questions and logical answers, and how to watch their spacing – through careful body control – so they won't hurt the little ones. They also have the chance to be the leaders, in song, in creative instrument play, pretend play, and verbal interactions.

The Grown-ups: Ultimately, each grown up has the chance to make sure the activity works for his or her child, no matter what age. At the beginning of certain activities, the teacher will give some guidance about how this can work successfully for both the oldest and the youngest, and then each grown-up takes it from there. For example, when it is time for scarf exploration, the grown-ups will: let the babies hold, chew, watch the scarf; let the toddlers cover their heads and play peek-a-boo; let the preschoolers pretend to be a super-hero or a princess by helping them dress up, and then watching them get into character; let the older children create movements, mirror them, and then challenge them (“Can you do that on one foot?”). This is such a fun time for me to observe; not only do I learn more about each child, but I love watching one-on-one time which means so much to the family!

Music is for everybody, all the time. It is meant to be shared by everybody, all the time. The Family Time / Multi-age class has given more children (with or without siblings) and more families the opportunity to attend, and we are here to serve everybody, all the time! While I still enjoy the classes where the children are close in age, I have come to appreciate the value, interactiveness, and FUN of the Multi-age classes.

Siblings: To Bring Or Not To Bring

This past week I experienced a teaching "first." Not exactly life-changing but interesting to me was the fact that as I looked around my class, I had more siblings than actual registered children. On one hand, I was grateful for the boost because we would have otherwise had a private KM class on our hands and certainly having the other children that day enhanced the social and emotional impact of the morning. I'm fairly confident that one of the Mothers was somewhat less grateful as she had to spend most of the morning disciplining her children which left little time to actually enjoy the experience. I, too, was a little less grateful when I saw a wood block being thrown across the room. I've seen flying balls, flying eggs and even flying sticks but this was my first flying woodblock. I guess that means I had two "firsts" this week!

Parents often ask me how I feel about siblings coming to class and I always answer with, "Bring them!" As a mom of two I know that it's difficult to juggle schedules and almost impossible to find a time when you are alone with only one child (unless of course you currently are the mom of one!) At any rate, I never want schedules or babysitting costs to keep a child from experiencing the joy of Kindermusik so my philosphy is to welcome them. Over the course of many, many classes I've welcomed babies sleeping in car seats, playing on blankets or nursing in the corner. I've had toddlers and pre-schoolers color, play games, watch movies or sit with their caregiver. I've had school-age children who adopt the role of partner and fully engage in the family experience of Kindermusik. I've also had, as previously mentioned, flying woodblocks, children who run over the little ones, children (actually it was Coulter) who though it was o.k. to turn cartwheels in a room full of babies and I've had caregivers who are so weary from disciplining that they don't in anyway enjoy or benefit from the class.

When Emma Claire was a baby, I wanted desparately to have that one-on-one experience that I treasured with Coulter. The only village class that I could take her to, however, were Mondays and Mondays were the only day I had with Coulter; the only day without a babysitter. So, not wanting to leave him with a sitter, I brought him to class and I spent all of my time asking him to "be quiet and sit still." Do you know how ridiculous that is? Telling a 3 year old in a room full of balls and scarves and instruments; a room full of dancing moms and babies; a room where your own Mother is oogling and googling over your new and somewhat unwelcome baby sister is not only expecting too much, it is for sure, setting you all up for failure. Coulter is a mover; a dancer; a singer. Similiary, I was never able to bring Coutler with me when I was teaching, but Emma Claire comes all the time. She is at a stage and age where being close to Mom is all she really needs.

(Side note: I've obviously also had siblings in class that were close enough in age to register for the same class. I've had twins and even triplets. My suggestions are intended for consideration of bringing non-registered siblings.)

So, because it's a somewhat complicated and child by child issue, here are 5 things to consider when deciding about siblings:

1. What is the age of the sibling?
2. What is the temparament of the sibling?
3. What is your own temperament when it comes to multi-tasking and having your attention divided.
4. What is your teacher's philosophy on siblings?
5. How big and/or how active is your child compared to the age and activity level of the class? (Think Coulter and his cartwheeling over babies!)

One more thing to consider is that if you would prefer to have all of your children participate and you don't have time for individual classes, you would most certiainly enjoy a family time class or what we call a multi-age class. Teachers of these classes are experienced and equipped with lessons that will engage and stimulate all ages.

But if you prefer, as I do, to have that one-on-one time with your child, please know that in Ms. Myra's class, siblings are always welcome (so long as we keep wood block throwing to a minimum!) The truth is, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have any or all of you!

Let Me Learn How I Want to Learn!

I walk into the Kindermusik room, excited to share with my daughter all that Kindermusik has to offer. I know how much fun we will have, and how much she will learn and grow from the experience. But my 17-month-old daughter Elyse just wants to stay out in the hall with all of the shoes. (Yes, she is a shoe girl already!) When I get her through the door, her main focus for the 45 minute class is playing with the door stop, and trying to get around the cart to where all of the instruments are stored. It sometimes feels to me like she has no interest in what is going on the class. (Although I know that is not true because she gets excited every time we pull up to the building before class!)
I think that this is a pretty typical scenario for many Kindermusik families. I have had conversations with quite a few moms and dads who tell me that their child acts so much different in class than they do at home. Elyse is such a happy and active child. She loves music…dancing, playing with her instruments, and even singing. She talks, smiles, and laughs non-stop at home. But when we get to Kindermusik, it’s like she turns into a different kid. She watches the other children, and doesn’t talk or smile much. And like I said earlier, she’d often rather play with the door stop than with the instruments!
But I think that one of the things that I love most about Kindermusik is that whatever a child chooses to do in class, it is completely normal and acceptable. The child who runs circles around the room the entire class time, or the child who won’t leave mom’s lap is learning just as much as the child who is actively participating. So I sometimes have to remind myself that Elyse is getting so much out of the class, and is actually enjoying it, in her own way. She has surprised me many times at home by showing me what she remembers from class. She immediately starts patting her legs when I sing the ‘Our Time Hello Song,’ she does the actions to ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ and she pretends to stamp our hands with random items she finds around the house.
Each Kindermusik class is designed to accommodate all children, and to let them grow in their own unique way. Even when that way seems different than it does at home!
• Kindermusik Village provides many musical and bonding opportunities between caregiver and baby.
• Kindermusik Our Time gives toddlers a chance to explore on their own, but to also have the security of a loved one near by.
• Kindermusik Imagine That! taps into the wonderful imagination and creativity of preschool-age children.
• Kindermusik for the Young Child uses a small-group approach to music education, where the children begin to learn the fundamentals of reading and notating music.
• Kindermusik Family Time provides a fun atmosphere where families can learn and explore together.
• Keyboard Adventures is a class designed to prepare older students for private piano lessons.
With all of these options to choose from, there is a perfect place for every child to begin to develop a life-long love of music. I know that I have made the single best choice for my own children by enrolling them in Kindermusik classes. They are loved and appreciated just the way they are, and are able to learn how they want to learn!

Living our Kindermusik FOLs

Living out Kindermusik FOLs

What is an FOL in Kindermusik? An FOL stands for 'Foundation of Learning' and is one of my favorite components to what we do and teach in Kindermusik. I admit that I get much joy in the study of early childhood brain development. Each Kindermusik includes a main FOL that is the focus for that class. In addition to the main FOL, each class also contains several others FOLs.

As a mommy and teacher, I have enjoyed incorporating these FOLs into our every day lives. FOLs can be divided into six categories:
•Physical
•Social
•Cognitive
•Language
•Musical
•Emotional

There are several benefits to the parents of kindermuisk kids including bonding with your child, your child's social interaction with others, sand your child's stimulated creativity. By singing a simple song like 'If you're happy and you know it', you are labeling physical parts, identifying movements, and using fine motor skills. Who knew a simple song had so many benefits?!?

I have wonderful memories of dancing on my mom and dad's feet to my own special song I often talk about the need to dance and spin with your child each day to help their vestibular system, which gives the child a greater sense of balance. Activities such as this aren't just child's play either; in fact, in nurisng home residents who have a difficult sense of balance do therapetuic activities such as bouncing on large balls or spinning in office chairs. If you have ever taken a class with me, you know that I get dizzy easily! While my mom says she spun me as a child, I too am still working on my vestibular system!

A fun idea I learned from Miss Myra's class was an idea shared from other families. A great way to bring kindermusik to you and your children in a physical, emotional, and musical way is to make music and movement part of your home. Consider some music and movement time when your children are about to go crazy and you have already turned off the TV! Put in one of our fun Home Materials CDs and make music and dancing together. When the body and all of the senses work together as a whole, the brain has an easier and more efficient time with learning and adaptation of new material.

"A Few of My Favorite Things" by Becky Schaefer

“I teach Kindermusik.” This is often met with one of two responses. Either “What’s that?” OR “That sounds like fun.” Assuming that all of our blog readers know the answer to the first response, I will elaborate on the second. Truth be told, my job really is fun. Here are a few of my favorite things about being a Kindermusik teacher.

• MY SCHEDULE: I have a young family (Grant-7, Claire-4, Max-1), and they are my priority. Grant is in school full-time, and so I teach the two mornings a week while Claire is in Preschool. Little Max gets to play at Miss Kristi’s house and loves her. I also teach one evening a week…and my children actually look forward to it, because it is special Daddy time. I work just enough to keep myself sane and am away just enough to miss my children…a little bit. It works beautifully!

• MY PASSIONS: Music and children have always been two of my passions in life. You hear the saying, “Well, it’s a job…” with not much enthusiasm. Honestly, I’ve never felt that way about teaching Kindermusik. Maybe it’s because there is never a dull moment. No matter how detailed my lesson plans may be, the children often have plans of their own. Maybe it’s because of the exciting musical discoveries that take place. Maybe it’s because of all the contagious giggles, the tender hugs and sloppy wet kisses, and all the times I hear “I love you, Miss Becky.”

• MY FAMILIES: Sharing music (in a classroom environment) with a child for the first time is a privilege. Thank goodness for the families – who may be a little hesitant at first – willing to try something new. I’ve also been blessed to have some families semester after semester. Some have shared their children from infancy right up through the time they begin school. I’ve seen them grow musically, socially, emotionally, and physically. I have witnessed and celebrated children’s milestones and am so honored to be a part of this.

• MY CHILDREN: I am a Kindermusik mommy. Grant is all boy and craves movement. This has been accepted and supported as our Kindermusik teachers patiently shape his love of music and foster his zest for life. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Claire is more reserved. She has blossomed from always needing me to being a quiet leader in her classes. Again, her personality has always been respected and encouraged by her gentle teacher. My little Max will experience Kindermusik this summer, and I can hardly wait! Three very different personalities, yet three perfect fits for Kindermusik.

I have been teaching for six years and cannot imagine doing anything else. I have the best job ever – and I pray that I never take that for granted. From an educator standpoint and a mommy standpoint, I believe in Kindermusik. It goes without saying, but my job is fulfilling and rewarding. I get the chance to make a difference in the lives of children through music. In turn, each child has made a difference in my life.

"Happy Mother's Day!" by Sue Winters

I hope all the moms out there are enjoying a great day! As I reflect on what makes
“Mother’s Day” special, I immediately think of my children and grandchildren. I’m sure, just as I do, you also enjoy spending time with your children, showering them with hugs and kisses, praising them, sharing projects together, and even exchanging gifts.
With any of these love languages, we show how much we care for each other.

One of my favorite “mom” gifts to share is the gift of music. Both of my children are now grown and are out on their own. When they were younger, they were involved in school musical productions, flute, percussion, guitar, and piano lessons and recitals, various festivals and competitions. Music was a big part of their lives. As a mom, I felt so proud to be part of their accomplishments. I was one of those moms who had butterflies on the inside but was beaming on the outside! No one could bring more joy to me than my children when it came to musical activities.

As the years have passed, I am now blessed with grandchildren and love to see them involved in music as well as many other activities. Kindermusik is a must for me, and my grandsons, to my knowledge, really enjoy it. In our weekly classes, parents and grandparents are encouraged to participate with the children to some degree – more involvement with the younger ages and less as they get older. We are always involved in some way whether it be active participation with them or just sitting back to observe. I have to chuckle every time I see the children looking at their partners to make sure they are paying attention to them. My grandson Noah is always making sure I’m watching!

As a result of this time together, my grandsons really enjoy the music and love to share it with everyone. I caught Noah (my oldest grandson) teaching his younger brother the other day how to join him in an ensemble. He was telling him to play the bell for the segment “hear the bell a ringin” in the train song. Now never mind that Noah’s brother Otto is only 10 months old! Structure does not matter at this age but it does matter
how much enjoyment they have in the learning process!

How can something like this not bring joy to a mother or grandmother’s heart? This joy is genuine and will last far beyond any material gifts. I know you all cherish
similar things about each of your children. I know you all have a story or a blog that you could write. I hope you have a chance to reflect on that today as you celebrate this special day to honor mothers.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2010 by Wendy Ensz

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” William Butler Yeats

Time flies. The first children I taught who graduated from Kindermusik (Kindermusik Class of 1999) are now graduating from High School. Over the years, many Kindermusik alumni, and their parents, have kept in touch. All are still involved in music in some way, shape of form. YES – that is what the journey is all about – learning to love music, learning to love learning, learning to love making music as part of a group, and keeping all of these things in our hearts forever.

Since then, eleven other graduating classes have brought joy and special dynamics to our program. This year, of course, we have our own Kindermusik class of 2010. While the general curriculum and Kindermusik philosophy {“follow the child”}has remained in tact for all these years, every single graduating class has had its own special set of: requests, favorite activities, different directions they've taken the music, and different relationships that have evolved. But all learning to love music, learning to love learning, learning to love making music as part of a group, and keeping all of these things in their hearts forever.

Some of the children in this year's graduating class started in Kindermusik as babies; we have thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow up, in so many ways, over the course of their lifetimes. Some of the children joined us as toddlers; we got to witness that first official jump, share in the language explosion, and laugh together. Some of the children joined us a preschoolers; we got to watch them learn to take turns, feel comfortable in the freedom of the structure, tie their shoes, and start writing their names. Some of the children joined as recently as this past Fall, and it has been awesome watching the love and understanding of music unfold in such a short amount of time. But no matter how long each of these children were with us, we have been so thankful to bring music into their hearts, and we cherish the music and love they have brought into ours.

You blink... That's exactly how I feel. I've blinked and now my first Kindermusik graduates are High School graduates. I'll blink again, and this year's Kindermusik graduates will be the Senior Class (2021? - oh my!). Every smile, every note, every ounce of effort, every musical moment, every goodbye hug or hi-five from every Kindermusik child has been a treasure. May whatever aspect of the music that lights their fire keep burning bright, always. Congratulations to the High School Class of 2010, and to Keyra, Riley, Ellie, Crosby, Augustan, and Hannah - THE KINDERMUSIK CLASS OF 2010!

Ms.Myra: Kindermusik Mom and Teacher

At the beginning of the year I started writing a blog for Kindermusik by Bright Beginnings Studios (say that ten times!) I think some people might have considered the blog too personal for a team business; one voice speaking for many. It was the only way I knew how to write, though, because I have been teaching Kindermusik for the past 10 years and I've been a Kindermusik Mom for almost five. The line between my professional and personal life faded long ago. And, you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.


Now, to be honest, I’ve always felt that I handled both aspects of my Kindermusik life with grace and professionalism (you know, humbly speaking.) I’ve often thought how fortunate Coulter is to have a music teacher as a mom. I mean he’ll be so much more prepared than the others students, right? He’ll have someone who knows what it takes and can give him the support and encouragement that he needs. I realize that he might prefer something cooler like a fireman (woman?) for a mom, or perhaps some awesome sports oriented mom who would know you’re supposed to bring a glove and wear long pants to t-ball practice (a random example, obviously!) But he doesn’t; he has a music teacher for a mom and you’d think this would be helpful in at least one area of his life. As it turns out, not so much!


This year Coulter has been participating in Kindermusik for the Young Child. It is, for lack of a better description, a pre-piano course that encompasses everything from note reading and rhythms to instrument families and composers (or, as Coulter would say, “the guys who wore wigs and are already dead.”) Children, ages 4 ½ to 7, attend the first 45 minutes alone and grownups join for the last ten. Children are learning not only to read notes, but to sing and play short melodies on the glockenspiel. It is the only Kindermusik class that has weekly at-home lessons. Weekly at-home lessons that we continually forget to do. Some days I feel like everyone else gets the God-allotted seven days, but that I’m stuck with only six. I mean how else do I continually find us unprepared on Saturday mornings for Ms. Wendy’s class?


I teach my own Young Child class on Fridays. Again, you’d think this would be helpful. From this experience, however, I have come to realize that on Fridays I am (or try to be) an understanding, patient, loving teacher who knows that children thrive on schedule and routine and structure. I try to create a positive atmosphere for learning where no-one feels left behind and certainly where no child ever feels badly if they haven’t completed the “homework.”(Although sometimes I do joke with parents that perhaps more at-home time is needed.) On Friday I would never lose my patience with a child, knowing that each child is trying their best and that this class, if nothing else, is about process not performance. Well, that’s me on Fridays. Less than 24 hours later, I turn in to psycho Saturday Mom; an insecure, over-anxious stage-mom-to be. Structure and routine have gone out the window all week and suddenly I expect Coulter to know his lesson. I have no patience for mistakes, especially if I feel like he’s not trying. I am easily frustrated and I snap at him for not listening. A couple of weeks ago, I even went so far as to have Coulter practice in the car. He had just finished with a soccer game. He was tired and hungry and looking forward, I suspect, to a little break. Instead, I took out the glockenspiel, held the music up behind me (fortunately I wasn’t driving) and made Coulter practice “Mouse Mousie” for the 15 minute drive to Kindermusik. He had played it so much that by the time we got there, Emma Claire had started singing it (just a few more minutes and she probably could have played it, too!)So, what does this say about me?


Well, if the training course I recently completed for my job at Children's Home is to be trusted, it means I’m afraid. The course is founded on the principle that all behavior is communication and communication is either love based or fear based. When my students come to me on Friday, I have nothing to fear. But with Coulter, I have plenty to fear. Will Ms. Wendy know if we haven’t practiced?(duh!)What will the other parents think if Coulter, Ms. Myra’s son, isn’t prepared? Will they think he’s not smart? Not talented? I can just hear the therapist at our school, “Perhaps you are fearful of what his “performance” says about you and maybe you’re thinking if you can’t be a good Kindermusik Mom (whatever that is!), how can you be a good Kindermusik teacher?” Well, I wasn’t exactly thinking that, you know, but whatever!


The truth is, I haven’t really had my “aha” moment with this. I do know that I am a better teacher to children other than my own and I know that home schooling will not be an option for us. I mean seriously, if I can’t get through “Mouse Mousie” without nearly losing it, how would we possibly take on Calculus? Who am I kidding, I didn’t even take Calculus. If it weren’t for spell check, I wouldn’t even know how to spell Calculus. And speaking with both my teacher and mom voice, I think perhaps, we all need to relax and give our children (and ourselves!) a break. They will find their talents, their gifts and their joys. They will excel; they will shine; they will find their way. And at the end of the day, I know that the experience he is having is, as Kindermusik promises, “a good beginning that will not end.” I know that Ms. Wendy is laying a foundation for future learning and we’ll get there together, even if we did fail Mouse Mousie week!

The Special Heart of a Two-Year Old by Tarina Stroh

I recently completed a ten week Our Time class. I’ve taught many classes, but this one brings a special smile to my face. There is just something timeless about two year olds! They transition from baby toddlers to two year old toddlers. They discover what makes them tick and also what ticks them off! They begin to play with things that interest them though it may not be a "real" toy.

Our Time is a kindermusik class designed for 1 1/2 to 3 year olds. It is filled with story time, a listening center and lots of instrument exploration. Each activity centers on the child, and that can mean children running in circles, hiding under tables and climbing up and down from their partners lap, all while feeling and experiencing the music. Often times, I find myself reassuring parents that this completely age appropriate for two year olds!

A really special part of an Our Time class is the bonding that occurs between parent and child and even teacher and child. We begin our evening with a hello song and allow each child to pick their movement. Some typical greetings include swinging, running, and bouncing, but no, not with this class! Our greetings included bowling, rolling and flying, just to name a few. In the five years that I have been teaching, I’ve never “bowled hello.” It’s so precious to see their little imaginations at work and to see them, literally, bowl in the air to a beat!

Another beautiful quality of two year olds is their loving spirit. They are just getting over their ‘stranger danger’ fears and slowly beginning to find a rhythm of familiarity to their schedule, even if it is only 1 time a week. I have had many parents remark that they were going to take the night off only to find that their child would not let them! They love the security of a schedule and that same comfort can be felt in class when we begin and end the same way.

The final most precious moment of our timeless two year olds was the way they hugged and snuggled up with me and other partners in class as if I was their 32 year old grandma. And as our class ended we would hug and kiss George and get ready for a stamp. I would typically stamp both of their hands but oh no, not with this class. With parent permission, each little two year old would come ready for a stamp by showing me their two year old tummy. Yes, I would stamp all of their tummies each night! How it started? I don't even know, but maybe by the creative child who suggested bowling at the night’s opening!

My time to “Mother” my own two year olds has come to end as they are now energetic and joyful three year olds, but what a joy to share in the lives of my students and reflect on the “timeless times” of two year olds. I have so enjoyed them in Our Time this Spring!

It Takes All Kinds to Make the World Go ‘Round by Becky Schaefer

Each child is so unique and so special in his/her own way. I see this both in my classes I teach and at home with my own children. It is obvious why children in a classroom setting differ – they all come from their own set of experiences, situations, parenting styles, and values. In a home setting, we can provide each of our children with the same teachings, examples, experiences, and values. It stands to reason that children within the same family should be similar, right? Not necessarily.

My first “baby” will turn seven this month. The first several months of motherhood presented a huge learning curve. Around the time Grant celebrated his first birthday, I was pretty well settled in to being a mom and feeling pretty confident in my new role. Basically, I was sure I had it all figured out. Wrong.

My second baby, Claire, arrived shortly after Grant turned two. I am a creature of habit so I tried all the same routines, methods, and tricks that were fresh in my mind and had worked so well the first time around. Plus, I was a pro at this whole baby thing by now – I had done it once, how hard could it be to do it again? It became clear to me, in a hurry, that I didn’t have a clue – Claire was a completely different child. After a lot of unnecessary stress and pressure on myself, I had to let go of my expectations. I needed to take a few steps back and really get to know this beautiful baby girl. I had to accept and respect this new little personality.

Really, I could have almost predicted these two babies would be different. Not just because of the boy-girl factor; but also based on each pregnancy. It is amazing how early their little personalities shine through.

From the moment I first felt Grant move, I am certain he was running. Seven years later, he is still running. He may be our “wild man,” but he is also a very polite and compassionate little boy. He is a bundle of energy and excitement, always ready to pursue the next adventure – hoping that it’s bigger and better than the one before. Grant craves movement – he’s always in on the action. He runs full speed ahead (details are nonexistent in his world), will try almost anything, and is fearless. This has resulted in some trouble (and stitches) in the past, but it can also be a positive approach to life. Grant is definitely my spirited child – one who is destined to get the most out of his life.

In pregnancy, Claire was calm but strong. Four years later, not much has changed. She is a child who will sit back and observe a situation. Claire approaches a new situation with a great deal of caution, but is usually willing to give it a try. She does not need to move and do big things – she’s perfectly content to be at home. Details are a big part of all Claire does, and she enjoys the simple things in life. She loves to help around the house, because it is time spent together. She really craves that one on one attention and affection. Claire shows her strong side (attitude with some drama) only when she needs to.

So, after two very different personalities, I thought I had seen it all. Wrong again. My third little miracle, Max, is teaching me all over again. Back to pregnancy, Max seemed perfectly content and comfortable right where he was. At ten months old, Max is a very laid-back and content baby. He is in no hurry to crawl, to sit, or to grow for that matter. Max is not looking to break any records, but I can’t complain. He is my happiest baby, my snuggler, and a total sweetheart. He does have a temper, but we don’t see it too often. Max usually verges on being ridiculously happy and is pretty much in love with life.

Three very different babies/children and three very different personalities. There is never a dull moment at our house. As exhausting as it can be, I wouldn’t change any one of them. They all balance each other out, and the combination of personalities keeps me guessing. I learn from each of them every day.

From Grant, I learn to be excited about life and its possibilities. I am also reminded to always treat others with compassion. From Claire, I learn to discover more about a situation before making a judgment. She also reminds me that time and affection are among the greatest gifts. From Max, I am learning to “put on my happy face,” even when I don’t feel like it. He also teaches me to slow down, to be content, and to love the moment I’m in.

Raising my own children has helped me be a better Kindermusik teacher. In turn, teaching Kindermusik has helped me be a better mom. Both have been a life lessons for me. I am reminded that each child (and each adult) really is unique and special. It is so important to accept that and to respect it. Instead of viewing it as a challenge, we should embrace and celebrate these differences. It truly does “take all kinds to make the world go ‘round.” My little blessings are doing their part to help the world go ‘round and to make the ride a little more interesting.

You Mean I Actually Have to PRACTICE?? by Kristi Prouty

I am the only Kindermusik teacher who is currently teaching the Keyboard Adventures class. Frankly, when I first started teaching the class, it scared me! How am I supposed to teach five 6-9 year-olds how to play the piano in a group? After doing it for a few years, though, I really see the benefits of learning beginning keyboard in a group setting, and have even come to really enjoy teaching the class!
We start out each class with ‘Circle Time.’ Depending on the children in the group, we either start out by singing a song together or just talking about highlights of their week. We then do some activities together (such as flashcards), learn any new concepts for the week, and do some work in their Writing Books. For about the next 30 minutes, the students rotate through stations. They have some time to practice on their own, they play their songs for me at one station, and they also have time to do worksheets and play games together. Parents join us for the last 5 minutes of class. That is an opportunity for the parents to see what we are working on, and to know how to help their children practice at home.
When I was growing up, I remember my parents having to practically force me down on the piano bench sometimes because I didn’t want to practice. There were so many other things that I could think of that I would much rather be doing. Don’t get me wrong…I have always loved music and loved playing the piano…I just did NOT always like the practicing! But my parents did make me practice, and I am so grateful to them for that today. With about 16 years of piano lessons and a music degree under my belt, I am now teaching Kindermusik, private piano lessons, and directing music at my church. My practicing paid off!
I like to compare practicing piano to playing sports. Will you get better at your favorite sport without practicing? Not too likely! Will you get better at playing the piano without practicing? Absolutely not! As a teacher, I don’t like the phrase “Practice Makes Perfect.” I’m not looking for perfection from any of my students. I prefer the phrase “Practice Makes Progress” because as long as you are practicing each day, we will all be able to see the progress. And that makes this adventure so much more fun for everyone! My very favorite moments in class are when a student wants to play a ‘really hard song’ that they have been practicing. Their faces just light up when they are finally able to play it! The practicing has paid off!
Practicing does not come easy for most students. Most will need constant reminders, or need it scheduled into their daily routine. Many will need a parent to actually sit with them during the practice time to help keep them on track. The most important thing is not to give up! So when I get that You Mean I Actually Have to PRACTICE?? look from a student, my response is…yes, every day. Age and ability level will determine how long each day, and there will always be those days (sometimes even a week here and there) when our busy lives take over and it just doesn’t get done. But it is a goal to work toward. Parents, your children may not like practicing now, but if you guide them along, they will thank you for it later!

"Fridays with Noah"

Fridays with Noah started about 2 years ago when he asked his mom and dad if Grandma could take him to Kindermusik. Now it is a weekly ritual. I pick up my grandson about 9:30 a.m. and we listen to his Kindermusik CD all the way to class, participate in an Imagine That class for 45 minutes and then go to lunch together. After that we just spend time together, sometimes reading a new Kindermusik book, before he has to go home.

I introduced Noah to Kindermusik when he was a baby. He would come over to visit and we would play “music” together. We would put on a variety of Kindermusik CDs and tap bells, rhythm sticks, or drums along with songs like “Down in the Meadow”; bounce to “The Wheels on the Bus”; dance like a bird in his bird costume that we created for class one week; rock to “You are My Sunshine”; and many other fun activities. Before we knew it a couple hours had passed by.

Now Noah (4 yrs) has his brother Otto (10 months) hooked on Kindermusik. We all enjoy the train music from Noah's Toys I Make, Trips I Take class. Otto and Noah construct a train track and play for hours. Of course we take periodic breaks to play the bells and other musical instruments. Sometimes Otto looks at Grandma in amazement when she sounds like a train with that wooden thing she has in her mouth (a train whistle). Otto is learning fast just from observing his brother. He loves going to his own Cockle Doodle Moo class with several children who are about his same age. Music can be very stimulating as well as soothing for him. After an hour at Grandma’s playing and listening to music, he is ready for a long nap.

Kindermusik provides a very special time to bond with my grandchildren. These are times I will cherish forever. Regardless of where life’s paths might take them, I know that they have started on a life-long journey of loving, appreciating, and making music. I love being a part of that journey.

Sue Winters

Last Saturday after the Young Child class, one of the boys just didn't want to leave. Instead, he wanted to stay and help clean up. So he piled up the papers. And then he stacked the desks. Next he insisted on putting each mallet back in the glockenspiel. At first I was thinking that I could be doing this much quicker on my own. But then I realized that by allowing him to do these Acts of Service, he was actually showing his love.

I'd like to begin my blog-writing turn with a gift that my sister-in-law gave me, The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I refer to this as, “the gift that keeps on giving.” As I initially read through the book, connections to my family members were immediate, but they were also evident with my friends, colleagues, and certainly the children and families we serve.

Chapman writes that the Five Love Languages are Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Gifts, and Acts of Service. Each Kindermusik class, I notice the children and their primary (and even secondary) love languages. Here is how I can tell, and perhaps you can too!

Words of Affirmation – Children who feel loved when we tell them, “You did it!” or “I love your shirt,” or “You must really enjoy singing,” or even a simple “Thank you.” These children also speak complimentary words to us.

Physical Touch – Children who like to sit in laps, enjoy holding hands while we're singing in a circle [and usually won't let go!], and want to be held as we're moving around the room.

Quality Time – Children who want to read a book together, or tell something – lots of things - about their day, or invite their teacher out to Bagel Boy for lunch.

Gifts – Children who love receiving their new literature book, who make pictures for their teacher and beam when handing it to her, those who say (often), “Can we keep these?”

Acts of Service – Children who like to help put the instruments away, those who are willing to give up their favorite color hoop if none of that color are left, those who make sure everybody has an instrument and no one is left out.

As you observe your children in different environments (at home, at Kindermusik, at a family member's house, etc.), pinpoint what you think are their primary love languages. Then find ways to show your love that focus on this language. Also, since community is a huge part of our Kindermusik classes, we can ALL observe ALL of the children and their love languages. It is amazing to watch and love these children in their own special ways. And as I have done at home, feel free to extend these concepts into all of your relationships. Love really does make the world go round and round!

Wendy Ensz

Summer is coming!

Last weekend one of our teachers sponsored a booth for Kindermusik at the Summer Activities Fair. I’ve done this event in the past and I’ve always gotten the feeling that a lot of our families see Kindermusik as something to do in the school year...it fits under the “learning category” of school days but not under the fun lazy days of summer. As a mom, I too have been tempted to take summers off simply because as our children get older the scheduling gets harder. I try not to over schedule, and yet I also want to take advantages of all the opportunities that our community has to offer. So as you are looking at the maze of summer scheduling I’d like to encourage you to keep Kindermusik in the mix. It’s hard to explain but summer Kindermusik is a totally different experience than the school year classes. There’s a relaxed “campy” feel…there are trips to the beach and trips to the zoo. We will explore the jungles of Africa and have tea with the English. There are rock-n-roll classes and carnival confetti days and peek-a-boo games for the babes. The melting snow (Hallelujah!)tells us it’s time to plan our summer activities and when you do, remember Kindermusik. Look at it this way---you'll have at least one activity that doesn't require sunblock!

On another note, I want to thank all of you who have been visiting and following our Kindermusik blog for these past several weeks. As a musician surrounded by children (which I love) all day (and all night, again see blog on co-sleeping,) I have begun to appreciate my time alone at the computer. Inviting me into your “homes” with my stories about my work and personal life is a privilege that I do not take lightly. In the coming weeks, my colleagues will begin to share their stories and give you Kindermusik from their perspectives. I will be occasionally blogging for Kindermusik but I will be continuing my personal journey on a separate blog.


SUMMER 2010 CLASSES & CAMPS

Ages Newborn – 18 mos.
Kindermusik
Peek-A-Boo, I Love You
Learn new songs, lullabies, and ways to say, "I love you" using touch, Mother Goose rhymes, literature books, chants. Activities include instrument play, American Sign Language, and special adult-baby dances that stimulate your child's senses, body, and mind. Grown-ups are present for the entire class.
Once-a-week classes, 6 week session
Tues 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. (start 6/1), or 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. (start 6/8)
or Wed 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. (start 6/2)

Ages 1 ½ - 3 ½ yrs.
Or Multi-age / Family Time
Kindermusik Zoo Train
Lessons feature music, stories, & crafts to stimulate a child's emerging sense of imagination, coordination, and language acquisition. Tag along with a traveling zoo-train, bring your own stuffed animal for the petting zoo, wear long white socks on your hands for polar bear claws, learn about real animals in the zoo, and sing songs in new languages. Grown-ups will be present for the entire class or camp.
Once-a-week classes, 5 or 6 week session

Wed 9:50 -10:35 a.m. [6 wks for 1 ½ – 3 ½ yrs] (start 6/2)
or Wed 6:00 - 6:55 p.m. [5 wks for Multi-age/Family] (start 6/2)
or Thur 9:00 – 9:55 a.m. [5 wks for Multi-age/Family] (start 6/3)

Week-Long Camps [1 ½ – 3 ½ yrs.]
June 14 - 18, 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
or July 19 - 23, 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.

Ages 18 mos. - 3 yrs.
Musical Mother Goose
This class includes fun songs and chants from Mother Goose. Each weekly lesson will include familiar rhymes for singing, moving, playing instruments, listening, reading, and bonding! All activities are developmentally appropriate and will help boost your child's emotional, social, physical, cognitive, language, and musical skills. Grown-ups will be present for the entire class.
Musical Themes: Over & Under, Food & Baking.
Once-a-week classes, 6 week session
Tues 9:50 - 10:35 a.m. or 10:40 - 11:25 a.m. (both start 6/1)
or 6:55 - 7:40 p.m.(start 6/8)
or Wed 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. (start 6/23)

Ages 3 & 4 yrs.
Or Multi-age / Family Time
Kindermusik Confetti Days
This celebration-packed curriculum integrates music, art, language, drama, play and story-telling. Lessons will include singing with movement, props, instruments, active listening, pretend play, story-time, and art projects. Grown-ups are present for some or all of the class to share in various fun activities of the day.
Once-a-week classes, 5 week session [for Multi-age/Family]
Mon 9:30 - 10:25 a.m. (start 6/21) or 6:15 - 7:30 p.m.(start 6/28)

Week-Long Camps
June 14 – 18, 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. [for 3 & 4 yrs]
June 21 -2 5, 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. [for Multi-age/Family]
July 19 - 23, 1:00 - 1:55 p.m. [for 3 & 4 yrs]


Ages 4-7 yrs.
Kindermusik Around the World
We will "travel" around the world and discover the cultures of Japan, Germany, Africa, England, and Mexico through songs, crafts, movement, instrument playing, snacks, and more.. Grown-ups will join the last part of class for projects and sharing some fun activities of each day.
Once-a-week classes, 6 week session
Wed 10:45 - 11:45 a.m. (start 6/2)


Ages 4 ½ - 8 yrs.
Rockin' and Rollin'!

Who brought Rock & Roll to fame and kept it alive? What instruments help create those cool sounds? When did this Rock & Roll craze begin? Why is Rock music appealing to people of all ages? Where did Rock & Roll originate and to what parts of the world did it spread? How has this genre changed over the decades? The children will enjoy discovering all of these answers through many hands-on materials and instruments, listening examples, dance craze movements, Rock & Roll games, and creating their own "Rock and Roll" song! Grown-ups join the last 15 minutes of each class.
Once-a-week class, 5 week session
Thur 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. (start 6/3)

Week-Long Camps
July 19 – 23, 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. or 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.

Ages 6 ½ - 9 yrs.
Keyboard for Kicks
Appropriate for children who would like an introduction to the keyboard instrument, or those who wish to keep active with their keyboard skills. Children will play many keyboard games, as well as explore other “pitched” instruments, and so much more. We'll also sing, move, listen, and create. Grown-ups join us for the last 10 minutes of each class.
Once-a-week classes, 6 week session
Wed 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. (start 6/23)



♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ NOTES ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
*THIS IS A TENTATIVE SCHEDULE*
* Final class & camp dates, specific materials for each curriculum, and costs will be available in late March or early April.
* Class / camp times and dates are subject to change based on location availability.
* Locations – we will meet at First Presbyterian Church, Central Baptist Church, or Hillcrest Church. Convenient and accessible parking is available at all three locations!
* For more information contact us at:
brightbeginnings.kindermusik.net
kindermusik.brightbeginnings@gmail.com
605-728-6782

Wendy Ensz, Co-Director
Sue Winters, Co-Director

You know that really awkward moment when you walk into a room and everyone gets suddenly quiet? You realize in an instant that someone’s been talking about you. Truly, I thought I was past those sorts of encounters(I am, after all, out of high school) but this week I discovered, in the awkward accidental kind of way, that not everyone loves my music. What? I thought everyone loved Ms. Myra….o.k., not everyone, but a lot of people, anyway. :)

Now to be fair, I don’t think they were launching an attack on me personally, they were just annoyed because my 6th grade class is working on a drum ensemble, and, as it turns out, using trash cans as drums can be a little noisy. When I realized what I had walked into, I wanted to bring out my syrupy sweet (albeit slightly sarcastic) side and say, “Wow, did you hear them? Wasn’t that great? I mean, isn’t it terrific how we can use music as a means to express ourselves. These kids (from Children’s Home Society)who have been abused and neglected are learning to speak up for themselves and are finding their voices through music. Wow, don’t you just love that, isn’t it great?” But, I didn’t say that. I let them off the hook and looking back now, I so wish that I hadn’t. I wish that I had been stronger and stood up not only for myself as a teacher, but also for kids who were just being kids.

Music can be noisy. Children can be noisy and the combination of the two, well, that’s not a hard one to figure out. At any given moment during one of my Kindermusik classes or one of my classes at Children’s Home, you may walk in to what appears to be total chaos. But come in closer and you will see children making music, learning patterns, developing gross and fine motor skills. Look closer and you will see children creating and growing and inspiring. Look closer and you will see children being children.

The problem with their annoyance is that it’s not really just about music. It’s about a culture that is uncomfortable with children. It's about a culture that wants children to act like adults. So in addition to standing up for myself, I wish I had stood up for all the parents out there who get dirty looks in a restaurant because your child thinks spaghetti is funny (and, I mean, it is funny!) or, heaven forbid, your 4 year old (and I’m not naming names) laughs too loud and too long during movies. I’m just curious, if we aren’t supposed to take our children to nice restaurants, how are they ever going to learn how to act? I’m all for putting my babies in the nursery, but at what age is it o.k. to let them sit in church and learn how to worship as a family? And don’t get me started on airplane travel. When I’m flying solo with my kiddos, I either get that “Oh PLEASE don’t make me sit next to them” look or I get no look at all; they are like children who think we can’t see them if their eyes are closed. Do they think I’m going to ask them to change a diaper if they accidentally look my way? Am I supposed to keep my children at home for the next 10 years and hope they magically learn how to act in public? Please understand, I’m not one of those moms that lets my children run crazy up and down the halls at the mall (o.k., well sometimes I am, but where else are we supposed to get exercise in the middle of a South Dakota winter?) and I do have high expectations for manners and respectful behavior, but I’m also one of those moms that knows children are not grown-ups and we shouldn’t expect them to act that way.

Next week my group of 6th grade boys will perform their trash can ensemble, “SPEAK UP!” in front of the school. We are going to be loud and it’s going to be fun! I’m going to tell them (simply because I’ve always wanted to say this,) to “Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk.” And the next time someone thinks my music or my children are too loud, well, I’m going to remember my own 6th grade message. I’m going to “SPEAK UP!”

Are you "tuned in" to your children?

On top of our kitchen cabinet is a sign that reads JOY. My husband gave it to me for Christmas, but I’m not sure if he really meant it as a gift, or more as a reminder, as in “today, remember to choose joy.” At any rate most days I love it, but some days it just stares at me and mocks me from afar and one morning last week was one of those times. Emma Claire was sick and hadn’t slept well for days. This meant I hadn’t slept well either, plus she couldn't be around other children so I had to call Pam, our babysitter/nanny extraordinaire, to come over. My call woke Pam up, so to review,no-one had slept well and now everyone was cranky. The engine light had come on in my van (yes, I drive a van but don’t make fun of me, because I love my van. My first car was a Chevy chevette with an 8-track player and an “I love gymnastics” bumper sticker and I can’t even do a cartwheel, so trust me when I say my van is pretty cool in comparison!) Anyway, I couldn’t figure out how to get it checked out while still having us all be where we needed to be, when we needed to be there. And then, looming over it all, was my appointment later in the day to get a crown (and no, not the sparkly Miss America kind.) Clearly I was having trouble choosing joy.

Actually, the therapists at my school would have labeled my emotional state as “dis-regulated.” And seriously, what better way to regulate one’s emotions than with a super carbo-load in the form of a bagel with cream cheese and a diet coke. So on our way to pre-school, we made a bagel run. Coulter was beyond excited about the surprise stop and after a few bites, he interrupted the silence and said, “Mom, this is the best day EVER!” Hmmm…… Really??? A bagel? We seriously need to get out more.

Later in class, Coulter's “best day ever” comment long forgotten, I looked over to see a Mom completely disengaged from her child. She had become totally fascinated with a piece of lint on her shirt. This is almost a Kindermusik crisis because our goal, our mission, is “all involved, all the time.” Her son kept trying to win her attention, but his attempts looked like misbehavior on his part, so Mom kept taking his instruments away. I knew that I needed to intervene is some positive way, and yet, I felt myself just observing. At that moment, when her goal was to have quality time with her child, she was a thousand miles away. I am in no way passing judgment because I have been that mom more times than I care to admit. Playing cars, tossing the ball, even reading to my children when my mind is,like hers,a thousand miles away (thousands, actually, usually someplace warm with salt water and sand and I’m all alone and…o.k…..focus...) Anyway, in that moment of observation, I think I better understood why Coulter had found such joy in our bagel run. I was present. It was just the two of us. No radio, no phone, no distractions. In that moment, with the caffeine kicking in, I had forgotten about our sleepless night and the dental work to come. I had even forgotten about the van light (which turned out to be nothing more than a reminder to change the oil, now does your cool SUV do that? Well it probably does, but whatever.) The point is Coulter had my full attention and I’m embarrassed that it took thinking a bagel was as good as it gets to remind me of the importance of that.

So today, as I write from my kitchen table, my JOY sign is smiling at me. Perhaps it’s because Emma Claire is asleep and Coulter and his Daddy are out of town (I’m just kidding, of course that isn’t the reason!) Perhaps, though, it’s because I’m starting a new week optimistic that this time I’ll get it right more than I get it wrong. I’m optimistic that I will be present with my children...the children that I’m raising and the children that I’m teaching. I’m optimistic that this time, I will choose joy, find joy and ultimately bring joy.

A lesson in gratitude

Recently, my fellow Kindermusik teachers and I got together for a little “post-Christmas” Christmas party. Well, not so much a party as perhaps a get together with friends and colleagues. The hostess did serve wine, though, so maybe it was a party. Actually, I don’t drink wine but come to think of it, I did have 2 diet cokes and drinking that much caffeine after 6:30 means it must have been a party. Anyway, it was a fun evening because we rarely have the opportunity to be all together. We are a group of 6 highly educated, extraordinarily talented woman (or at least that’s my humble opinion of the other five) with a 20 year age span between us. And, yes, it was definitely a party because in addition to wine and diet coke, there were presents.

Now, I will start by saying that I am usually a very grateful person. I love gifts. As a teacher, I am blessed with gifts of all kinds and I appreciate the thought, the effort and the generosity behind each one. Last week one of my KM families gave me a pair of slippers because our room is so cold. I was very grateful. However, on this night (and I can’t believe I’m admitting this,) I was confused, (maybe even disappointed?) by the gift we received. Part of the problem, (and again I can’t believe I’m admitting this,) is that I was sort of expecting a small bonus in the form of a gift card, but instead, the gift was a book. Now, ordinarily, I would enjoy a good book, but this wasn’t just any book –at first glance, it appeared to be a marriage counseling, how to love your spouse (put your children in their crib and reclaim your marital bed) kind of book. (See former blog on co-sleeping.) Add to this the fact that another friend had just the week before suggested I read “The Love Dare” which then becomes a verb….you “love dare” your spouse and, well, I just felt overwhelmed. Fireproof your marriage, fill up their cup, love dare your spouse, learn how to speak his or her love language. I started to get hot and panicky just thinking about it. I did manage a gracious “thank you” before I got in my car and immediately burst into tears. I know. It’s crazy. I mean who cries over a book? I think I experienced some kind of self-help mental break—I mean, well, it was either that or the fact that I was seriously upset about the gift card. :)

Later that night I found myself unable to sleep, (which either had something to do with feeling guilty over my lack of gratitude or the aforementioned diet cokes) so I began to read my new book; “The Five Love Languages,” by Dr. Gary Chapman. In it, he suggests that each of us have a primary love language and we need to be spoken to in that language in order to feel loved. The 5 languages are Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch. I read and read and read, and as I read it became clear just what a great gift this really was. A lot of what he says makes you say, “Well, duh! Why didn’t I think of that?”And yet the point is, I didn’t think of it. Not, at least, until now.

At the end of the book he introduces a chapter from “The Five Love Languages of Children.” I was so excited. What better gift can I give my children than to speak to them in their own love language and what better gift can I give to my Kindermusik families than to encourage them to do the same. I’d like to invite you to come and read with us.Regardless of what your family make-up is, chances are you are important in the life of a child.

The art of gift giving is anticipating what might possibly be a blessing to the recipient. The gift giver on this night has been my friend and mentor for almost 10 years. She knows me quite well (and in this instance better than I knew myself) and for that, truly, I am grateful.

Last week as I was leaving for work, I looked over to see the broken snow blower ready to be picked up for repair. To be honest, it irritates me that we own a snow blower, or, more to the point, it irritates me that we need to own a snow blower. Furthermore, I’m not even sure that it’s broken. I have long suspected that my husband doesn’t really know how to use it. (Our neighbor, Mary, probably suspects this too, since she is usually the one to clear our driveway. I’m fairly certain her husband doesn’t know how to use it either!) Anyway, on that particular morning, the snow blower represented everything I find hard about living in South Dakota, primarily, that I’m cold All THE TIME. Usually I handle it better, but I think I was extra sensitive that morning because the night before a friend from Arkansas, suggested that Yankee living had made me “snippy.” I wanted to yell “I AM NOT A YANKEE!” through the computer, but I thought that sounded, you know, a little snippy. So instead, I calmly explained to him that Yankees live in New York or Boston or wherever. I am a Southerner living in the Midwest. And, aside from the 30 or 40 inches of snow we’ve had (and the fact that Midwesterners drink milk with, like, every meal (as opposed to iced tea,) they don’t like grits, cheese or otherwise and they think a toboggan is a sled) well, aside from that, there are actually very few differences between the two cultures.

So what does all this have to do with Kindermusik? I’m not really sure, actually, except to say that when I finally crawl out from the snow and the ice, when we start making music and I’m surrounded by my little ones---miraculous babies who are learning to crawl, joy-filled toddlers who are starting to talk and sing, and fearless pre-schoolers who are just these tiny, emerging little humans who will someday change the world, well, then, there in the midst of our weekly Kindermusik ritual , the cultural differences that are sometimes so huge in my head start to fade. Children don’t care that Miss Myra says “y’all” instead of “you guys”. Children don’t care that I don’t know what a hot dish is and that I’m not a Vikings fan. As a matter of fact, in an effort to reach out and bridge the cultural divide, I teach my Young Child students how to call the Hogs! (If you think about it, it’s quite musical…..we go high with a glissando, we crescendo, we are calling in our forte voice…you get the idea.) Anyway, children don’t care about our differences...they don’t even notice them...and perhaps neither should I.

So that same morning, as the children were leaving class, a 2 year old little boy turned back and, at the last minute, said, “I’ll miss you, Miss Myra!” I’m pretty sure it was all the trains that we played with that’s he’s going to miss, but I’ll take it. I love my job as a Kindermusik teacher. I love that “my” children run to give me hugs, and that they sit on my lap and dance with me. I’m pretty sure my friend from Arkansas would agree that I’ve never really been considered “cool”, but I think I’ve found my niche with the 2 year old crowd. Toddlers think I’m pretty hip, and I’ll tell you, it’s hard to be snippy when you have a job like that!

Let me start by saying that I am a rule follower. With the exception of sometimes viewing the speed limit as a “suggestion,” and one time as a freshman in college when...well, anyway, I have always followed the rules. One year at church camp, the counselors brought all the girls over to the boys’ camp and I cried for the entire Kum ba yah because it was against the rules to visit boys at night. But something happened to me during childbirth: I became a rule breaker. I let my children watch too much television, I don’t force them to eat vegetables and I let them sleep with me.

Both of my children slept on my chest for the first 4 months of their life. I’m not exactly proud of this, mostly because of the other measures I have taken to hide my secret. I have lied to the pediatrician (“yes, I put her down drowsy but awake, no I never nurse her to sleep.”) and my 6’4” husband has slowly made his way to the couch (or at the very least, he sleeps sideways at the end of the bed.) Emma Claire has never slept a night in her crib and Coulter usually joins us around 1 or 2 a.m. When Coulter was a baby, and we were trying to use the crib, I would get so desperate that I would actually sleep in the crib with him (not something I recommend for mommies over 35 as it takes about 20 minutes to stretch out from the fetal position in the morning.).So last week, when one of my Kindermusik moms, sent me a message on Facebook asking for advice on transitioning her daughter Gracie to a big-girl bed, I had to laugh out loud. Really? Me? Our crib is a beautiful piece of furniture but we haven’t even washed the sheets since Emma Claire was born 16 months ago. It’s simply a home for all of our stuffed animals and long forgotten baby blankets.

I couldn’t help her, so I referred her to Kindermusik. Kindermusik is for partners and children: “all involved, all the time.” Every class is full of teachers, doctors, stay at home moms and dads, lawyers, nurses, therapists, early childhood specialists, and the list goes on. If you have a parenting concern, chances are you can pick the brain of your Kindermusik community. Once, there was a little boy whose eye disorder was diagnosed by another mom in class. The family’s pediatrician had missed it, but sure enough he needed surgery. I’ve seen parents get help with allergies and eczema; potty training and discipline. I’ve seen a mom go from thinking her 2 year old son’s constant tiptoe walking and endless arm flapping was cute, to recognizing that it’s an early warning sign of autism. Kindermusik at Bright Beginnings is more than music and movement (although that’s enough!) It’s a community of resources and it’s a place to learn, without a doubt, that we are not alone in our struggles and uncertainties as parents.

I had 5 years of on-the-job training before I ever became a mother. And there is no doubt that I am a better mom because of the community of Kindermusik families around me. I’m grateful everyday that I’m not doing this “parenting thing” alone.

And so, surrounded by all these resources, you may be wondering why I was never able to get sleep advice for my children. I assure you, I’ve received plenty. One mom, a therapist, told me I needed to let them cry it out so I could “reclaim the marital bed.” What?!? I don’t even know what that is! Another mom suggested that I take an Ambien, put in some earplugs and call it a night. I haven’t seen the therapist mom for a while, but the other mom is still in Kindermusik. She is expecting her third child in February and I have a feeling she’s going to need a lot more Ambien.

Kindermusik....A Perfect Choice for our Boys!

For the past two years, I’ve had a Friday class of all boys. It’s a class I look forward to all week. I love their energy and their laughter. I love the way they constantly need to move and play out LOUD. I secretly smile as they make inappropriate jokes (usually some kind of bathroom humor that they always find hysterical) and watch with pride as they interact socially...teaching each other, helping each other with their glockenspiels and showing off their vast array of tricks.

Yesterday was their first day in what Kindermusik calls The Young Child 2. Young Child is basically a pre-piano course that starts laying the foundation of rhythm, dynamics and note-reading. It offers the opportunity to explore your emotions through music and to discover how our bodies move and react to music. It introduces composers, musical genres and instrument families. Mostly, though, it’s just fun. One day we might blast off from a rocket and soar through space before landing (crashing) back to Earth. Another week, we’ll play a game of musical baseball (complete with a plastic ball and bat.) As the mom of a very literal 4 ½ year old boy, I know that you better not use the word baseball if sliding into home isn’t going to be a reality! :)

Boys need to move. They need the freedom to explore and be silly and be loud. They also need time to settle their little bodies and focus. Music is the perfect tool to teach boys how to relax and develop impulse control and listening skills.

I’ve had so many mommies tell me they don’t sign up because they know their son won’t sit still and listen. I’m like, “duh!” nobody sits still in Kindermusik! How boring would that be! Kindermusik is a perfect place for boys…the runners, the thinkers, the dancers, the karate “choppers”, the baseball players, the wrestlers, the singers and the soon to be glockenspiel players!

So, back to yesterday...I welcomed “my boys” back for another semester of Kindermusik with one very obvious change. As I closed the door and started to begin, Joey says, very loudly (because, well, he’s a boy!) “Why are those girls in here?” I didn’t understand him at first so Wesley chimed in, “GIRLS! GIRLS! WHY ARE THOSE GIRLS IN HERE??”

And with that, we welcomed two precious girls to the Friday morning mix. After the initial confusion (and near hysteria) at the thought of our little “pink invaders," my easy going boys forgot all about them. I had to laugh, though, because what they don’t know is that this is just the beginning of a lifetime of little pink invaders!

Don't have time? Ask a grandparent!

When I first started teaching Kindermusik, I had a student in Village, our baby class, who came with her Nanny. I wasn’t a mom at the time, and I thought it was a little strange. Didn’t her parents want to bring her? Didn’t her mom or dad want to treasure that time together and bond as a family?

Fast forward 9 years and NOW I get it (well, actually I “got it” just a few short months after Coulter was born.) Kindermusik is about community. Kindermusik is about children and families and all the people---parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, nannies, babysitters, and neighbors---that make up our family. Kindermusik embraces the truth that “It takes a Village.” It wasn’t that those parents didn’t want to attend, it was that they valued Kindermusik so much, they found whatever way they could to make sure their daughter had the absolute best early music experience.

Over the past several years, it’s become quite common for children to come with a grandparent or babysitter. I love the class dynamics that are created from the variety of caregivers and I love that for families like mine, who don’t have grandparents close by, we can extend our village by adopting someone else’s grandmother.

The baby that I mentioned, well, she basically grew up in Kindermusik. Someone in her village always made sure she was there. She is now one of my best piano students. She is a part of my family. Her parents are some of the most involved and dedicated parents that I know. They inspire me to make right choices for my children. They inspire me to keep signing up even though I detest the cold and the snow and basically going outside for any reason at all until April. They inspire me to keep signing up because all I have to do is look at their daughter and know that “a good beginning never ends!”

New Year! New semester for Kindermusik!

Welcome to our new blog for Kindermsuik by Bright Beginnings Studios! We've launched this discussion to help you get the most of your Kindermusik experience! Check back often for our weekly posts!


Happy New Year! As soon as January 1st rolled around I was thinking of only one thing, and I can assure you it wasn't about starting my New Year's diet. I was thinking that in 8 short months, my son, Coulter, will be starting Kindergarten. August 16th to be exact. Ack! Where have the past 5 years gone? How should we spend our last lazy days at home together? How can I do my best for him? I'm running out of time!



Early childhood research shows very clearly that parents, teachers, and caregivers have until about age 5 to shape who our children are going to become. A whopping 90% of a child's personality is set by age 5. That only leaves my husband and I a few short months to make sure that Coulter is kind, compassionate, intelligent, motivated, disciplined....well, you get the idea. So, while I know that I have many years to nurture and love on my son, I am also very aware of how crucial these early years of learning are to his future.



I know because I've been teaching Kindermusik for 10 years. Kindermusik is an early childhood music and movement program for newborns-age 7. It's an amazingly satisfying job because I'm setting an early foundation that will last a lifetime. When moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers come to class they are able to bond, laugh, and play with their children...and when they leave...they are able "sing their way home" and make music and movement part of their daily family life.



Coulter has been in Kindermusik since he was 3 months old. While I realize that he doesn't remember specifically those early classes, I know that he and I grew closer because of them. I know that while he thought he was just having fun, he was also developing social, physical, musical, cognitive, language, and problem-solving skills. I am grateful for his Kindermusik teachers and the love of music they instilled in him. Regardless of what instrument he chooses (it will be piano, of course, like there's any choice in that when your Mother is a pianist!), I know that he has started on a life-long journey of loving, appreciating, and making music.



So as you're setting resolutions and vowing, once again, to make the most of your time with your kiddos, I encourage you to consider Kindermusik. Investing in your children is always the best choice. At brightbeginnings.kindermusik.net, you'll find a full schedule with morning, evening, weekday, and weekend classes. You can also email kindermusik.brightbeginnings@gmail.com for more information. We look forward to seeing your children and their smiling faces very soon!


Miss Myra