kindermusings

2010-07-30T10:12:00.002-04:00

Summer classes!

2010-05-19T23:14:00.003-04:00

Especially for our die-hard fans, we are offering unpublished summer classes. To enroll you must call 919-761-4290 or email me at kathy@wakeforestmusik.com

Spaces are limited and are 1st come, 1st serve.

Watch this space for important announcements on your Kindermusik program. See you in class!

Thank you for your unending support!

SNOW DAY! NO CLASSES!

2010-01-31T17:24:00.002-05:00

Kindermusik Wake Forest studio will be closed Monday Feb 1, 2010 due to road conditions from the weekend snow. We'll be in touch about rescheduling classes. Stay safe and warm at home and we will see you next week!

Spring 2010 unit descriptions

2009-12-07T20:14:00.007-05:00

Registration is now open for the spring semester. Discounted Early Bird period runs through Dec. 15. Don't miss out on the upcoming semester with your little one. Read the descriptions below for each age category.

Village (babies)
Dew Drops. This tender curriculum is centered around flowers and creatures outdoors. Familiar American and United Kingdom folk tunes we will sing include "Lavender's Blue," "Did You Ever See A Lassie?," "London Bridge." Rock with your baby to "Greensleeves" and "The Ash Grove" and sing tender lullabies such as "That's An Irish Lullaby," "Annie Laurie" and "Sweetest Little Baby." Baby will love swinging in a blanket to "Come My Little Darling." Your baby will love playing specially designed baby bells to "All the Way to Galway", "Rig-a-Jig-Jig" and "Ride a Cock Horse". All babies love banging on drums to "Belfast Hornpipe." Dance with scarves to "Jasmine Flower" and "Come Follow." Relax and bond with baby to "Scarborough Fair."

A favorite dance is the "Irish Trot" and we will experience singing in a beautiful round to "White Coral Bells." Baby will love the fingerplay, "A Snail and a Grasshopper", as Baby learns about slow and fast. The beautiful board book includes pictures of various flowers. Baby will explore sponges and flowers and unbreakable mirrors. Each week you will enjoy a Home Activity and journaling your baby’s response. One home activity helps you understand why crawling is so important to the developing child to avoid learning difficulties later on and another helps you understand why musical beat reminds baby of mother's heartbeat and is integral in learning speech and reading later on.

Cock-A-Doodle-Moo. This light-hearted curriculum is centered around farm animals and activities. Many familiar American folk songs are included, such as "Skip to My Lou", "Yankee Doodle" and "Old MacDonald". Babies enjoy vocal play with "This Little Cow Eats Grass." Let baby know how special she is while singing a personal favorite, "You Are My Sunshine". Begin the class with infant massage with "Hey Diddle, Diddle" and limb exercises to "Cock-a-Doodle-Doo!" Babies enjoy playing loud and quiet on the large gathering drum to "Yankee Doodle". We enjoy playing specially designed instruments to "The Farmer in the Dell". You will love dancing to "Hop Up My Baby", "Wind in the Corn", "Shady Grove" and "Jolly Is the Miller". Bonding time is special during our quiet time for listening to "Simple Gifts". The board book bares the name of this precious curriculum, "Cock-a-doodle-MOO!" You will personalize this book by inserting your baby's picture riding on the tractor! Learn about the latest research with babies with the Foundations of Learning Statements and home activities in baby's home journal. Home activities include why reading and singing to baby is so important, how intentional touch stimulates the regulation of healthy levels of a stress hormone in baby's brain and aids her digestion and circulation!

Our Time (toddlers)Away We Go!

Toddlers love to GO! Going is their gift, their license to venture out into the world and their means of retreating to the security of Dad or Mom. With toddlers' desire to go comes an attraction to other things that go----people, animals, pull toys, tricycles, cars, planes, and the list goes on. Our transportation adventures are symbolic of the central theme in the toddler's life----the balancing act between independence (going away) and dependence (coming together). From the toddler's perspective, we run and jump into the arms of our grown-ups, then we fly away from them like airplanes in Run and Jump and Soar. We rush into the circle holding hands, then pull back out and raise our hands in the air all by ourselves in Zoom-e-oh Circle Song. We rock cozily together to Silver Moon Boat Then sit apart from each other to roll the ball while singing Keep the Ball-A-Rolling. Transportation naturally relates to music and movement in the toddler's life. Our lessons demonstrate this, linking music, movement and transportation through the concepts of tempo (fast and slow), level (up and down), and articulation (smooth and bumpy). Transportation sounds are interesting to listen to and imitate, while the toddler is learning to listen (as opposed to simply hearing).Away We Go! explores the concepts of stop and go and steady beat and basic spatial relationships awareness such as forward/backward, under/over, around/through, up/down, in/out and on/off. Some familiar chants and songs are Wheels on the Bus, I've Been Workin' on

the Railroad and The Arkansas Traveler. Some music selections are tailor-made for this unit such as Soaring and Riding the Rails.

Away We Go Home Materials

The child's at home materials include a train carry box, a home activity book, 2 CDs, 2 harmonicas and two literature books, Giddy-up! and Shinah Dinah.

Imagine That! (preschoolers)

Toys I Make~Trips I Take

Imagine the eyes of a young child lighting up as he enters an amazing toy shop filled with boats, trains, teddy bears, jack-in-the-box and many other delights. Better yet, imagine a toy boat coming to life and taking that child to a beautiful tropical island. Or a train that takes him wherever he dreams to go. Our newest Imagine That! curricula this spring is Toys I Make, Trips I Take and is designed to bring a young child's vivid imagination to life.

Materials for Toys I Make, Trips I Take include:a two full-color literature books, a home activity book with songs and activities, an interactive play set, two CDs and a beautiful Nino drum! All new students will also receive the Kindermusik backpack.

Backpack. The backpack will carry items from class to home and creative projects from home to class. The backpack will carry items from class to home and creative projects from home to class.

Toys I Make~Trips I Take Home Materials

Young Child - New Students Welcome!

At this age, the young child learns music best when he is actively engaged in making music! Songs and activities that encourage solo singing are "We Sing Hello," "Ten in the Bed," "We Are Dancing" and "Good-bye." Songs and activities that reinforce tonal or rhythmic concepts for music reading and writing are "Lucy Locket," "Mouse Mousie," "Ten in the Bed," "Go to Sleep" and "Sing and Celebrate." Songs that encourage echoing or a response are "Che Che Koolay," "I Have a Little Melody" and "We Are Dancing." Songs that are playful or familiar and call the children into joyful participation are "Jingle Bells," "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," "Happy Birthday, "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmitt," and "If You're Happy and You Know It." Songs used in singing games are "Lucy Locket," "Mouse, Mousie" and "Circle Round the Zero." Beethoven is our featured composer as we listen to "Symphony No. 6." Other listening selections include "The William Tell Overture" by Rossini, "The Four Seasons" by Vivaldi, "The Elephant" from "Carnival of the Animals" by Saint-Saens, "Peter and the Wolf" by Prokofiev and "The Young Perons's Guide to the Orchestra" by Britten. Other listening repertoire includes listening to the woodwind and string families and their individual instruments. Children delight in moving to original compositions for learning concepts, "Piano and Forte Dance" and "Dancing Staccato and Legato." Two highlights are the instrumental ensembles, "The Elephant and the Waterfall" where children make sounds to express the story and "Sing and Celebrate," an ensemble for singing and playing different parts. Concepts in Semester 2 are piano/forte, crescendo/decrescendo, staccato/legato, graphic notation and reading the traditional rhythms of quarter and eighth notes and quarter rest and staff reading of f, g, a, c and d.

Best Wedding Entrance Ever

2009-10-15T20:09:00.004-04:00

As they say, music can change the mood in an instant.
(Scroll down to bottom of page to turn off blog music)

Questions, Concerns? This may help!

2009-09-06T10:26:00.002-04:00

scroll down to bottom to turn down blog music so you can enjoy this little clip.

We'd love to answer any of your questions by phone or email, too!

You've just GOT to visit!

2009-08-27T22:01:00.005-04:00

KINDERMUSIK OPEN HOUSE WEEK is Sept 8 - 14. Please pass it along to your friends and visit us! Families who sit in for a FREE PREVIEW class during open house week will receive a gift CD. Donuts and coffee will be served.

Look at the schedule for possible days/times and email to reserve your spot!

Bring a friend and when you both sign up, we'll deduct $10 from each of your totals. Rally your playgroup or neighbors - when 5 new friends sign up from your referral, YOUR SEMESTER IS FREE! The take-home materials (CDs, books, instruments, etc) aren't included, but hey, it's still an awesome opportunity!

The joy music brings to others (and ourselves)!

2009-06-06T13:59:00.003-04:00

Enjoy! (scroll down to pause the blog music)

a sweet little treat!

2009-05-23T20:45:00.001-04:00

Click to view a short slide show of the baby class (Village). Enjoy!

Limited Time Only - Save 25%!

2009-05-18T10:11:00.005-04:00

When you register for 2 or more sessions, save 25% on your tuition! This offer is for a limited time only, so register before it's removed.

Choose your 2 or 3 sessions and call 919-761-4290. We will manually apply your discount.

Q. How is my discount calculated?
A. We don't mark up take-home kits from Kindermusik International, so that amount is subtracted from the total. The balance is discounted 25%!

Q. What's the best way to receive my discount?
A. Go online at your convenience and create an account. Don't register for a class yet, though! Please call 919-761-4290 and we'll take your registration over the phone and apply your discount at that time.

We look forward to sharing classes with you this summer!

2009-04-20T11:47:00.006-04:00

This segment gives me goosebumps. What a beautiful story. Music is a gift meant to be shared and I'm glad Susan Boyle is getting the chance to share her gift with others. Enjoy!

(Turn off or pause my blog music by scrolling to the bottom of the blog so you can enjoy the full effect.)

Make Musik and Make Memories this summer!

2009-04-19T07:24:00.003-04:00

Dear Families, thank you for the word-of-mouth referrals! There's no better feeling than the satisfaction that you are happy, and there's no better way for us to grow than through your recommendation. You've helped boost our enrollments to record numbers. THANK YOU!

Join us this summer for a fabulous musical adventure...

Best value around! Great pricing, flexibility, value - all prices include tuition and highest-quality take-home materials.

Afternoon/evening sessions and more KAMPs now on schedule.

Three sessions to choose from: June, July, Aug

No need to be limited by family vacations - flexible makeups before or after your getaway allows you to participate in weekly classes.

Join us this summer and see why, despite the economy, our enrollments continue to climb! People value the joy and bonding, learning and laughter they find in our classes.

Early Integration of music into your child's daily routine means improving his or her ability to think, reason, create, and express. Kindermusik is the world's most trusted name in musical learning, for children ages 0 - 7.

We have the BEST KINDERMUSIK TEAM AROUND!

2009-04-02T12:40:00.001-04:00

If you haven't been in one of our Kindermusik classes, you might not realize what you've been missing. Call 919-761-4290 or email TODAY to experience a complimentary class with one of our fabulous teachers.

I'd like to introduce you to our newest teacher, Miss Kristen. This lovely lady brings her sparkly personality, enthusiasm, and genuine love for children to our classroom. She's a natural and we're happy to have her! Kristen is teaching several classes this summer, so read her bio here and see if one of her classes fits your schedule!

We are finally able to offer Sign & Sing thanks to one of our Kindermusik moms who we noticed signed a lot with her 1 year old in Village. Welcome Miss Misty! Misty's little guy happens to be a neat little kid who is obviously very happy, well adjusted and confident. I'm sure one of her secrets to his happiness, confidence, and awareness is that mom's been signing with him since he was just a few months old. After talking with Misty and listening to her beautiful singing voice in class, we discovered she's a speech pathologist. What a perfect combination! We're excited to have her expertise in Sign & Sing!

Read bios of our other teachers, Miss Lisa, Miss Tara, and Miss Jenny here. And lastly, our lovely Miss Leena, who is from Finland, is returning to the classroom after spending time with her baby who's nearly a toddler now. I could listen to Miss Leena's lovely, warm accent and beautiful singing voice all day!

See what I mean! I'm thrilled to work with such a talented team to deliver the BEST in childhood enrichment in the entire area. Bring your child to our air-conditioned studio this summer for a sweet, musical treat!

SUMMER is a-coming

2009-04-02T12:05:00.006-04:00

The summer schedule has been finalized (for the most part :) and we are excited about all the options families have this year!

Check out the schedule here and register TODAY!

We are offering several summer incentives:

- Early Birds - register by April 18 to save $5 on your total
- Referral Rewards - refer a new friend who also enrolls and both save $5 on your total
- Combo Offer - add Sign & Sing or Village to your enrollment in any class and save $10 on your total!
- The power of repetition/routine - Sign up for more than 1 session within an age category and save $5 on each session

Participate in our summer 09 survey!

2009-03-02T11:40:00.004-05:00

You are invited to participate in a survey regarding the summer 09 schedule.
To get started, click below.

Click Here to take survey

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts as we strive to deliver the best schedule possible for the community!

SNOW DAY!

2009-03-02T07:28:00.003-05:00

Due to the snow & treacherous road conditions, classes are canceled for today. Your class will be made up at a date TBD. Stay safe!

2009-02-03T11:08:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

You are cordially invited to share a complimentary preview class with us in our new studio during the week of February 9 - 14, 2009

Should you decide you to enroll after your Valentine's preview, receive $10 off your tuition!

Choose one of the following classes based on your child's age:

Village (babies 0 - 18 months)
Mon 10:15 a.m.
Thurs 11:15
Fri 9:15
Sat 9:15

Our Time (toddlers 1 1/2 - 3 years)
Mon 11:15 a.m.
Wed 10:00
Thurs 10:15
Sat 10:15

Imagine That! (preschoolers 3 - 5 years)
Wed 11:00 a.m.
Sat 11:15

Young Child ( 5 - 7 years) Thurs 5:00 p.m.

By reservation only. Please Email me at kathy@wakeforestmusik.com or call 919-761-4290 to reserve your space.

We look forward to sharing a complimentary class with your child!

MORE DETAILS ABOUT OUR MOVE

2009-01-11T08:08:00.004-05:00

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT…

To the Parents, friends & family of Wake Forest “Musik”

HERE WE GROW!

It gives us GREAT pleasure to announce that our Kindermusik program is “movin’ on out” to a beautiful & sunny studio in a location very convenient to our families and the surrounding communities of Wake Forest and Wakefield.

After running the program since 2004 in the Youth Center at Hope Lutheran in Heritage we have realized that the time has come to take this exciting step.

In doing so, we can now offer more days of classes at better and more frequent times. Also, the studio space will better suit our program’s needs so we can customize this space especially for our families.

One of our main goals is to make the space YOURS, where you can connect with other moms and caregivers. You will find a warm inviting community in our new studio! We are excited to open the doors and share the Kindermusik experience with YOU!

Registration Bonuses
FOR CURRENTLY & PREVIOUSLY ENROLLED FAMILIES:
We value the patronage of our parents and children. For your loyalty we are offering a FREE Kindermusik CD for families who re-enroll by January 20th.

FOR ALL FAMILIES:
Refer a new friend and you BOTH receive $15 off your total! No limit.

Open House
Join us Saturday, January 17, 2009
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Demos scheduled
Village: 11:15
Our Time: 11:45
Imagine That: 12:15
Young Child: 12:45

Register at Open House and receive a FREE gift!

Great Location!
Less than 4 miles away from our previous location in Heritage, our new studio address is
839-D Wake Forest Business Park, 27587. We are beside McDonalds at Capital Blvd and Old 98, near SuperTarget, close to several major roads and many wonderful neighborhoods and communities.

Enroll Now for the SPRING 2009 SEMESTER!
CLASSES BEGIN 1ST WEEK OF FEBRUARY
classes usually fill ~ register early

We are excited to see you in class!

Spring Semester is right around the corner!

2008-12-30T10:20:00.013-05:00

Yeah! We're moving into our new studio in January! Help us celebrate by attending an Open House - stay tuned for exact dates and times - and bring your friends to share a demo class with us! Drawing and giveaways, too! Help us spread the word!

As for the spring semester, NOW is the time to enroll. Classes begin the 1st week of February.

Please tell all your friends about our classes, and remember, when you refer a friend you BOTH will save $15. There are no limits!

I LOVE the units coming up:

Village (babies): Hickory Dickory, Tickle & Bounce .... and The Rhythm of My Day
Our Time (toddlers): Fiddle Dee Dee
Imagine That (preschoolers): Cities: Busy Place, Friendly Faces
Young Child (5-7 years old): Semester 2

Scroll down for detailed descriptions.
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Ages birth - 1.5
Hickory, Dickory, Tickle & Bounce & Rhythm of My Day

Some of our favorite activities and songs in The Rhythm of My Day and Hickory, Dickory Dock include Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Golden Slumbers, Walk All Around, Ally Bally, Peek-a-boo, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Beat the Drum, Roll That Ball, Sulla Lulla, The Blackbird, Shoe a Little Horse, Ninna Nanna, Ride-O, and All the Pretty Little Horses. The lessons focus on the key concepts of the diversity of sound, stop and go, syncopation, Sol-Mi, steady beat, up and down, and Major, Minor and Modal tonalities.

Parents can incorporate music into many of the regular routines and rituals of their daily lives. A new feature will be the incorporation of simple American sign language into the curriculum. Signing offers families a way to communicate with their babies before the infants are ready to verbally talk. Research has shown that signing among “hearing” children can actually enhance their verbal communication skills. Dr. Marilyn Daniels, a signing consultant for Kindermusik International, has said, “from early in infancy, it is evident that baby is aware of his environment and has the desire to communicate. Introducing sign language to hearing babies has the benefit of allowing adult and baby to communicate before the baby’s vocal chords are developed enough to speak. This silent communication raises self-esteem, eliminates the frustration of not being able to communicate and engages the baby as an active participant in the learning environment.”

Discover the joy of interacting with your baby and the support and nurture you will receive from being with other parents and babies at this unique stage in your lives!

Each semester you will receive two sets of At Home materials.

Each set of Kindermusik Village At Home Materials includes:

Baby’s Literature Book with specially commissioned art will aid in visual tracking, shape and color recognition and language development.
a specially designed instrument for baby
Home CD of the highest quality.
Art Banners with pictures for baby’s vocal exploration.

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Ages 1.5 - 3.5

Fiddle-dee-dee Creatures of the animal kingdom, whether furry, web-footed, hoofed, winged or whiskered, are the subject matter for Fiddle-dee-dee. Fiddle-dee-dee takes its name from the beloved folk song about the fly who married the bumblebee. The theme of “fiddling around” is present all semester long. Included are recordings featuring a range of “fiddle” playing styles from classical violin to folk style fiddling and other relatives of fiddles, such as the sitar of India.

On the At Home CDs, you’ll hear a an emphasis on the stringed instrument family, with instruments such as the mandolin, banjo, lute, classical and folk guitar, harp, string quartet and double bass. The Home CDs include music representing many cultures. Bangara Dance is a traditional Punjabi folk dance of north India. The Japanese selections for rocking—Komoriuta (lullaby) and Usagi, Usagi (Rabbit, Rabbit) –are presented in Japanese as sung by a Japanese mother and child. French is heard in two songs—the French Canadian Ah! Les jolis papillons (Oh, The Pretty Butterflies). Alle Meine Entlein (All My Little Ducklings) is a favorite German folk song. There also are three classical recordings (including a comic operatic cat duet) and many Anglo- and Afro-American traditional folk songs and rhymes.

And, of course, there is the original home instrument, a pair of Fiddlesticks! Sporting the bright stripes of a bumblebee, the one-of-a kind Fiddlesticks can be rattled, rolled, tapped and otherwise fiddled with to create fun sounds and play possibilities. The animal theme of Fiddle-dee-dee ties in nicely with musical themes. Animal sounds, which are so appealing to children, naturally prompt imitation and provide abundant active listening and vocal play material. And in the context of moving like animals we are easily able to focus on movement concepts such as high and low, smooth & bumpy, fast and slow.

The songs are chosen for their singability to aid young singers in finding their singing voices. A favorite animal song is Sweetly Sings the Donkey. Simple rhymes such as Bazoo, Bazoo, Butz are a fun part of this curricula.

Two literature books feature adorable, whimsical artwork. Animal Serenade features the cut paper art of Andrea Everbok and snippets of familiar folk songs. This Little Piggy Played the Fiddle is a new version of the familiar toe-tickle rhyme and features music- and movement-oriented little piggies delightfully illustrated by Carol Dee Jung.

Fiddle-dee-dee Home Materials

Included in your home materials is a pop-up box in the shape of a dog house for carrying your home materials, a home activity book with songs to sing and activities for home, two literature books, two CDs, and a pair of Fiddlesticks.

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Ages 3 - 5

Cities! Busy Places~Friendly Faces

People on the go, rushing everywhere – in the city! Meet the Busy Places and Friendly Faces of Cities!, the Imagine That! unit in which we will create a city that’s familiar, yet like no other. Imagine a city of music and imagination, where ordinary sounds and sights on the street make a musical ensemble. People shuffle their feet to a 4/4 beat. Street musicians serenade and sing. Clock towers boom, bellow and ring. While 3 and 4 year old children build this city of imagination, they explore a mini-city of skills developing so rapidly in their minds and bodies. The games, music, and pretend play were written specifically to expand this age groups’ learning in the following areas: pre-ensemble development, mathematics, music, social interactions and critical listening.

There’s a city of music—based in songs, recorded works and city sounds. There’s a city of the imagination—of three and four year olds being whoever they imagine themselves to be today, perhaps a broom man today or an opera singer tomorrow. There’s a city of stories—of lost dogs and found dogs and of a globe-trotting photographer. Everyone involved will enjoy rolling all these cities up into one musical, grand adventure.

Along the way, we’ll explore movement-sweeping movement, up and down the elevator movement, dance and freeze like a statue movement. We’ll make music with our Kindermusik Resonator Bars, steadily playing along to the Israeli song, “Zum Gali Gali,” and learning new musical terms and using mallets to create ringing and damped sounds. We’ll build a city out of handcrafted “buildings” brought from home. Then dance around your city together – being careful not to step on skyscrapers! Check the mail and “write” a real letter to share with parents. Play games: a shoe passing game; a street vendor game, and a movement and matching game involving three artists, math, a drum and the Puerto Rican children’s game song, “San Sereni.” We’ll walk down “sidewalks” made of masking tape and freezer paper. We’ll stop and draw our footprints. We’ll take pictures of all that we “see!” We’ll read two Kindermusik literature books, one about a “snappy, zippy” photographer and the other about rhythmically busy shopkeepers.

Enjoy jazz, opera, barbershop quartets, Irish jigs, and Indian recordings by bamboo flutist Shashank in class and on your Home CD. The Home CD also includes a Chinese folk song, “Kang Ding City”; and “Bonjour, mes amis”; and “Sorida,” a greeting song in the Shona language of Zimbabwe; and finally, storytelling and dramatic play in “The Tales of Eddie and Bandit.”
Musical highlights of this unit include learning about the musical terms of glissando, dynamics, tempo and accelerando. Some favorite songs are “I Got a Letter This Morning,” “Walk All Around,” “1,2,3 Click” and “Pretzels for Sale.”

Best of all, in “Cities! Busy Places ~ Friendly Faces,” children from all kinds of communities will find commonalities with their life. We at Kindermusik in Wake Forest hope that you and your child will join families all over the world in turning off the television, turning on the music and welcoming the many adventures that Cities! Can bring to your days together.

Cities Home Materials

In the home materials, each child will receive:

an Imagine That! Backpack
a Family Activity Book
two literature books, Razupazu Toto and Down Our Street
two CDs
two Resonator Bars and Mallets
a Cities Game Board Set. This game board fits together like pieces of a puzzle and includes four decks of 25 cards, setting up over 12 possible games for families.
A mini City Scene poster, depicting busy city life is included and is used with the Game Board set.

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ages 5 - 7

Class Length: 60 Minutes
Parent/Caregiver participates in last 10 minutes

Year 1, Semester 2 (Spring Semester) New students welcome!
At this age, the young child learns music best when he is actively engaged in making music! Songs and activities that encourage solo singing are "We Sing Hello," "Ten in the Bed," "We Are Dancing" and "Good-bye." Songs and activities that reinforce tonal or rhythmic concepts for music reading and writing are "Lucy Locket," "Mouse Mousie," "Ten in the Bed," "Go to Sleep" and "Sing and Celebrate." Songs that encourage echoing or a response are "Che Che Koolay," "I Have a Little Melody" and "We Are Dancing." Songs that are playful or familiar and call the children into joyful participation are "Jingle Bells," "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," "Happy Birthday, "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmitt," and "If You're Happy and You Know It." Songs used in singing games are "Lucy Locket," "Mouse, Mousie" and "Circle Round the Zero." Beethoven is our featured composer as we listen to "Symphony No. 6." Other listening selections include "The William Tell Overture" by Rossini, "The Four Seasons" by Vivaldi, "The Elephant" from "Carnival of the Animals" by Saint-Saens, "Peter and the Wolf" by Prokofiev and "The Young Perons's Guide to the Orchestra" by Britten. Other listening repertoire includes listening to the woodwind and string families and their individual instruments. Children delight in moving to original compositions for learning concepts, "Piano and Forte Dance" and "Dancing Staccato and Legato." Two highlights are the instrumental ensembles, "The Elephant and the Waterfall" where children make sounds to express the story and "Sing and Celebrate," an ensemble for singing and playing different parts. Concepts in Semester 2 are piano/forte, crescendo/decrescendo, staccato/legato, graphic notation and reading the traditional rhythms of quarter and eighth notes and quarter rest and staff reading of f, g, a, c and d.

We can't wait to see you in class!!

Let's Celebrate

2008-12-16T06:14:00.022-05:00

We have a lot to celebrate! The fall semester has been fabulous, and....drumroll...we are anticipating an even better spring semester in our very own, new, shiny studio! More on this later.

Meanwhile, last week we wrapped up our classes for the month of December. We'll finish out the 3 remaining weeks of classes for the current semester in January.

I took my camera into last week to capture a bit of the fun we had! Here's what I saw...Enjoy!

Maypole dance to Gavotte in G

Our "Winter Wonderland" of thousands of tiny, catchable bubbles!

"Jingle Bells....Jingle Bells..."

"....Jingle all the way!"

Everyone in Our Time enjoyed going on a "Sleigh Ride" - Kindermusik style!

We had a couple of older siblings visit class due to school schedules, and what a great time they had pushing the sleighs!

Playalong to "Jingle Bell Rock" - what awesome drummers these little ones are!

And last, but not least, in honor of our theme in Our Time this semester... "Mmmm, Milk & Cookies! Yummy in my tummy! Oh, and look at the little dribble of milk on Celeste's chin!

Unforgettable!

The Joy of Kindermusik - ages 0 - 7 years!

2008-09-03T20:05:00.000-04:00

Young Child - authentic music class for 5 and 6 year olds!

2008-08-23T10:46:00.008-04:00

I'm starting a new cycle of Young Child and am so excited I can hardly contain it! With having a 7 year old son and 5 year old daughter, I have looked extensively for quality music class and lesson opportunities. I've learned that I wish more children had access to Young Child and that formal piano lessons can and usually should wait until 7 years old - which is where my son is now - and he's doing great! Before now, a private lesson wouldn't have been nearly as good a use of investment of your valuable time and money.

Here's a good video clip of what to expect in Young Child class!

Young Child is an outstanding choice for all children, including gifted children. It allows children to be children and not rush them along, while at the same time they get a solid foundation and learn to play exciting instruments, read music, understand the written and non-written language of music. It's a very developmentally appropriate, age-honoring class that focuses on teaching music through all avenues of a child's development - musical, social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language.

Spaces are limited to keep the classes smaller. A few spaces remain Thursdays at 4:30. I hope to see you and your child in class!

Enroll Rewards in August

2008-08-05T08:15:00.004-04:00

For the 1st time ever, enroll with a new-to-Kindermusik friend, and you BOTH save 10% off tuition and materials. Bring 5 new friends, and your semester is FREE!
This offer is valid through 8/15/08. Think of all those friends you've told how much your child loves Kindermusik and pass the word along. Ready to enroll? Call Kathy at 919-761-4290 or enroll online.

DEMO DAYS IN AUGUST

2008-07-30T19:44:00.007-04:00

We would love to have you and your child join us for a trial class during August! Reservations are required, so just give me a call or send an email to schedule your day and time. Register on the day of your trial class and we will take $10 off your total!

Scroll down to read the posts below, where you'll find detailed descriptions of classes for all age groups. It's going to be an exciting semester and we'd love to share Kindermusik with your family!

Calling all Lap Babies, Crawlers & Walkers through 18 months!

2008-07-21T10:11:00.004-04:00

Relish in the fleeting moments of your baby's 1st year and a half. They don't stay little for long. Village class is a place where you can celebrate these moments. The tender curriculum of Dream Pillow is about Baby's bedtime. The loving interaction that defines the rituals of rocking, nursing, cuddling and singing is the essence of Dream Pillow. You are invited to enjoy bedtime closeness with Baby at any time of day by listening more closely, sharing the gifts of singing and talking with Baby, and exploring and extending the musicality of Baby's environment. Our Kindermusik class activities are easily woven into your family's daily routines.

You will find many upbeat and playful activities as well as an array of stimulating and age-appropriate things and instruments for Baby to explore. There is a swirling dream cloud dance, on the one hand ("Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland"), but there is also a dance to the exuberant and humorous recording of "Tants, Tants, Yidelekh!" Other favorite dances include, "Skinnamarink," "Sur le pont d'Avignon" and "Maypole Dance." You will enjoy quiet play with chime balls to "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and you will revel in the clatter of drums while singing "Sarasponda." Baby will handle humongous scarves, drums, hair curlers, drums, clackers, egg shakers, chime balls, mirrors and baby bells. In addition, he will hear the sound of the slide whistle and resonator bars. Favorite lullabies are "May There Always Be Sunshine," "O, How Lovely Is the Evening," "Rock-a-bye, Baby," "Manx Lullaby" and "Latvian Lullaby." Each of the musical activities in Dream Pillow was carefully planned and stimulates development in every area of Baby's growing brain, promoting Baby's physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and language development.

Zoom Baby! Zoom Buggy! How many ways can Baby zoom? Hop in the Zoom Buggy! And find out. Through a variety of songs, chants, and instrumental selections you will discover that Baby can enjoy rumbling, squeaking, chugging, bumping, vrooming, swooshing, and more. Familiar tunes and old favorites such as "Little Red Caboose," "Lightly Row" and "Canoe Song" are interspersed with new songs used in activities designed to help Baby move down that fascinating road of development. Baby's board book, Zoom Buggy! focuses on six ways to "go zoom" such as the baby buggy, stroller, wagon, train, rocket ship and canoe. The "zoom vehicles" are also featured on the art banner. Favorite songs related to this theme are "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "Travlin' Round," "This Little Light of Mine," "I Have a Wagon," "Little Red Caboose," "Riding in the Buggy" and "Zoom-e-oh!" Baby will enjoy exploring scarves, chime balls, baby bells, slide whistles, egg shakers, resonator bars, triangles, woodblocks and drums clackers while learning about fast and slow, stop and start and long and short. We will rock baby while singing favorite lullabies such as "May There Always Be Sunshine," "Drifting," "Rocking Horse" and "Suliram." Dancing to "Pretty Baby," "Travlin' Round," "Zoom-e-oh!" and "The Keel Row" brings smiles to all. Relaxation and listening to beautiful classics such as "Polovtsian Dance," "Reverie" and "Lightly Row" are included in every class. Learn about the latest research with babies with Foundations of Learning Statements.

Discover the joy of interacting with your baby and the support and nurture you will receive from being with other parents and babies at this unique stage in your lives!

Our Time for toddlers 18 months - 3 years old: Time for Milk & Cookies! Mmmmm!

2008-07-21T09:57:00.008-04:00

Imagine the aroma of baking cookies, the coziness of the family kitchen, the chatter among sisters, brothers and grandmas, granddads, mom and dad, and the anticipation and excitement of having friends come to visit. These moments at home are times to be shared and treasured. These special moments are captured in Milk & Cookies.

We'll celebrate that time of year when we return to the home and hearth. The aromas of the kitchen, sounds of laughter, thrill of preparing the house for special occasions this fall, the joy family and friends. Relish the holidays from October to December where we find ourselves longing to connect with those we love.

As in the previous units of Our Time, the central focus of Milk & Cookies is the toddler's need for security balanced with his need for independence. Milk & Cookies songs and activities promote interaction between parent and child where the parent gently guides their child's learning and the process of scaffolding takes place. Capturing the security, excitement and familiarity of "at home" moments is the ideal theme for empowering the parent to act as teacher through scaffolding. What better way for parents to lead their child than with familiar, everyday home activities such as cooking in the kitchen, dusting and washing clothes?!

Milk and Cookies Home Materials

The child's at home materials are packaged in their own distinctive kit. The Milk & Cookies At Home kit consists of a Home Activity book, 2 CDs, 2 literature books and a stir xylophone. These items are packaged together in a high quality, deep purple insulated lunch bag.

There's no better way for your toddler to learn and grow with the joy of music & movement during this special time of year! See ya in class!

Kindermusik Class for Preschoolers 3 - 5 years old!

2008-07-19T01:25:00.010-04:00

We've mixed it up a little this semester! This music enrichment class is designed specifically for children 3 - 5 years old, and includes keyboard time. The program consists of 12 weeks of classes this fall. Classes are 40 minutes long, with the last 5 minutes given to family time with parents/siblings/caregivers.

12:40 p.m. class: OPTIONAL LUNCH BUNCH: For children who do not eat lunch at preschool. This is a great way for your child to enjoy eating with his/her friends prior to music class and enables parents to pick up after music, therefore, fewer transitions for your child and a later pickup time for the parent/caregiver. Children enrolled at Hope Lutheran Preschool who have not had lunch during preschool may join the lunch bunch for an extra fee. Send a nutritious lunch on music class day. Kindermusik teacher will sign out your child at dismissal time (note: this will require parent to authorize teacher to pickup on designated day.) Lunch bunch is an additional $40 per semester to cover supervision and assistance.

Children coming from other preschools are welcome to come eat with their friends at no extra charge, provided that the parent stays until class time begins, or may be dropped off for the lunch bunch fee.

Each lesson emphasizes a different area of a child's development: confidence, coordination, vocal expressiveness, careful listening, and early exposure to reading skills.

Your child will receive a new kit approximately every 4 weeks.

JUMPING BEANS: Memory and sequence skills will strengthen with stop-and-go activities—all set to the music of Latin America. Tucked into stories and pretend play activities, stop-and-go games help children learn to control their bodies and follow directions on the go.

JOIN THE PARADE: You can watch this month’s theme play out in Wake Forest or downtown Raleigh with the season’s upcoming holiday parades. In class listen to marching music, play pretend parades, and help preschoolers develop rhythm and coordination skills.

Marching to the beat of his own drum—in class and at home—helps children make a vital rhythm and body connection, one that’s necessary to help master any number of movement activities such as writing, dribbling and shooting a basketball, dancing, and skipping.

ALL KEYED UP: A piano and a composer, J.S. Bach, helps preschoolers get ready for school this month. The answer is right at the tip of your fingers. The same fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination children need in order to hold a pencil are developed through the special keyboard-playing activities we’ll be playing in class. Learn from the best “hand-eye” coordination composers with music penned from world famous composers, such as J.S. Bach.

See ya at 12:40 or 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays this fall!

I am very excited to start a new cycle of Kindermusik for the Young Child!

2008-07-19T01:12:00.006-04:00

This class for rising kindergarten & 1st graders will be held on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.

Young Child is a rare gem to which most children don't have access. After teaching this curricula before, and knowing what I know about the Young Child program, I have not yet identified a child who I would say should go ahead with private lessons when I know what they will gain from Kindermusik. Young Child curricula is amazing in the way that it respects children's developmental needs while providing an exceptionally sound music education. Lay the foundation now with Young Child and watch your child reap the benefits now AND after graduating from the program and commencing formal private lessons. Many parents feel pressured to go ahead with private lessons to try and give their child a head start. Unfortunately, children often move at a snail's pace and often become frustration or lose interest. If you want to give your child a head start, then Kindermusik is actually the perfect choice!

Fall Semester (1 of 4)
What could be more natural than the child who explores his world through music? Children love singing favorite songs such as "Come and Follow Me," "Star Light, Star Bright," "Train Is A-Comin" and "Bell Horses," echoing vocal patterns and singing games like "Farmer, Farmer". This semester, Mozart is the featured composer and we listen to many of his compositions, including "A Little Night Music" and selections from "The Magic Flute." Other listening repertoire includes "The Clock" by Haydn, "Cloudburst from "Grand Canyon Suite," by Grofe, "The Aviary" from "Carnival of the Animals" by Saint-Saens and the percussion and brass families and their individual instruments. The children's favorite activity is playing various percussion instruments for ensembles such as "A Weather Story," "The Birds" and a barred instrument called a glockenspiel for playing melodies. Children love to move to newly composed music for stories like "Into the Woods" and "Magical Dancing Clocks." Other singing games are "Dr. Foster," "Tideo," "Here Comes a Bluebird" and "Wild Bird." Parents will love the musical concepts that the children learn as we lay the foundation for future instrumental study. Concepts in Semester 1 are quiet/loud, steady beat, fast/slow, long/short, high/low, singing/speaking, melodic direction and actual reading and writing non-traditional and traditional rhythm and staff notation.

I hope to see you in Young Child!

reflections on the 2007-2008 year

2008-05-31T21:01:00.010-04:00

I am in awe. Feelings of joy, love, amazement bubble up at the thought of these precious little ones I taught during the 2007-2008 year. I had the joy and privilege of watching the miracle of each child growing week after week through dancing, singing, playing drums, waving the parachute, rocking, bonding with mom or grandma...and lots of dads this year, too! And the list goes on. My heart is overflowing just thinking about this time and place where parents brought their little babies, many still scrunched up and wrinkled, some taking their first steps in class to reach the bells or scarves. How lucky I am to have been there! The toddlers...some exuberant and others more reserved--both equally valid personalities and learning styles. I stand amazed at the preschoolers who taught ME so much about life. I thank them for reminding me to see life through a child's eyes a little more often. Their looking glass often makes things look crystal clear! The Young Child students moving into piano and string lessons. I'm fulfilled. Life is good! Thank you families for your amazing support of your children, lovingly guiding them, gently encouraging them to grow at their unique pace and make the most of this special time together. This experience simply cannot be replicated anywhere else. Thank you for bringing your children. I'm humbled to be a part of these fleeting days of their childhood.

Summer Programs

2008-04-20T06:27:00.008-04:00

Many wonderful opportunities are available this summer for newborns to seven year olds.

Weekly classes, KAMPs (Kids-Art-Music-Play) and mini-KAMPs.

Village (BABIES 0 - 1 ½ & caregiver) Peek-a-Boo, I Love You!
Play peek-a-boo with your baby as s/he hides under a scarf! Learn Mother Goose rhymes and expose your baby to rich language. Learn new ways to say "I love you" using American Sign Language, soap bubbles, and more. Dance with your baby to Skinamarink. Learn exercises, infant massage, and games to play with your baby at home. Explore musical instruments, fascinating props & lively music. You will love connecting with other families with babies in the community and your baby will learn his/her first social skills, too! Home Materials include: Hardcover Book, CD, Duck Wash Mitt, Baby Duck Gertie Ball, and Poster.
Sessions 1 & 2: Tuesdays 9:15, Thursdays 11:15

Summer Sampler Series
Here's a delightful opportunity to sample the Village curricula on tap for fall 08 and spring 09. Enjoy the music, dancing, bouncing, giggling, rocking, and swaying found in each unique unit...Zoom Buggy, Dream Pillow, Hickory Dickory Tickle & Bounce, and The Rhythm of My Day. A great way to get out of the house, meet new friends or stay in touch with your Kindermusik friends over the summer, and get a sneak peek at what's in store for your little one in the upcoming semesters. Home Materials include: CD & booklet
Session 1: Saturdays 9:15 ~ Session 2: TBA

Our Time (TODDLERS 1½ to 3½ & caregiver) Zoo Train
Everyone sing, “Hurray, hurray! We’re going to the zoo today!” Your toddler and the train make a natural match—always on the move. Tag along this summer with a traveling zoo train. Learn American Sign Language for the zoo animals. Bring your own stuffed animal for the petting zoo. Wear long white socks on your hands for polar bear paws and learn about real animals in the zoo. Sing songs for clapping time and use music to help toddlers regulate emotions. Home Materials include: Book, CD, Funky Chunky Animal Shaker, and Poster. Sessions 1 & 2: Tuesdays 10:15, 11:15, Thursdays 9:15. 10:15, Sat 10:15

Imagine That! (PRESCHOOLERS 3 to 5; Caregiver attends the last 10-15 min.)
Keep the routine and structure going with Weekly classes:
June: "Drums, Drums, Drums"
Your child will experience the concept of fractions through hearing and playing quarter and eighth notes. In class we’ll do “call and response” activities to the rhythmic sounds of African music. Meanwhile, your child will sharpen listening and attention skills, as well as fine tune you’re her ear to finding patterns. Play together the activities in your Home Kit, and you’ll help your child develop a strong foundation in math, rhythm and coordination, and critical listening, all designed to help your children get ready for kindergarten. Home kit includes CD, parent/child magazine.
Session 1: Thursdays 11:15 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

July/Aug:

"Giggles" - All about the sense of humor that your children are beginning to develop. Get ready to laugh, be silly and hear lots of knock-knock jokes in "Giggles." In class use word plays, word puns, and all-around word silliness to boost vocabulary, develop conversational skills, and nurture happy learners. Use music to strengthen the learning taking place while adding a musical twist to the humor! Take the learning home and share with family. FUN! Home kit includes CD, parent/child magazine. Session 2: Thursdays 11:15 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Morning KAMPs (Kids – Art – Music – Play) (ages 3 – 5 & 5 – 7)

Session 1: Jumpin’ Beans (Music & culture of Latin America) Each day of KAMP will include time given to music & movement, arts/crafts, snack & play time. In Jumping Beans KAMP, your child's memory and sequencing skills will strengthen with stop-and-go. Tucked into stories and pretend play activities, stop-and-go games help children learn to control their bodies and follow directions on the go - two great assets for school & social readiness. Integrated arts & crafts time will teach children about Latin American culture. A delightful, cultural experience. Small setting, educational, and hands on fun! Parent provides a nutritious snack daily. Grand finale & fiesta on Friday showcasing art/crafts, music, and yummy food! June 23-27, 9 a.m. – 12 noon.

Session 2: Jazz Kitchen - Your child won't feel lost in the crowd in our K.A.M.P! Children will be divided into smaller groups based on age. Low ratios, individual attention! In Jazz Kitchen, get an extra helping of learning to share with some jazz music in the mix. In class young children will use this story and other activities to learn to observe and accept others' ideas, how to be a leader and a follower, as well as how to watch, listen, and speak to friends and teachers. We’ll combine cool jazz and kitchen fun in this adorable KAMP! Parent provides a nutritious snack daily. Grand finale on Friday showcasing art/crafts, music, and yummy food! July 14-18, 9 a.m. – 12 noon.

Mini-KAMPs (ages 3 – 7)
Musical Princess mini-K.A.M.P. (2 hours/3 days) Join us for a musical adventure with princesses of land and sea! Dress up, puppets, stories, glamour, singing, folk dances, crafts, and so much more! July 21, 22, 23, 4-6 p.m.

Musical Pirates mini-K.A.M.P. (2 hours/3 days) Yo ho ho! A Pirate's (and pirate princess) life for me! Meet our friendly crocodile (puppet), play echo games with our parrot (puppet). Walk the plank. Sail the gallant ship, dance, dress up, stories, crafts & more! Aug 4, 5, 6, 4-6 p.m.

before you take out the recycling...

2008-03-29T23:10:00.003-04:00

free preview classes now being added to the schedule

2008-03-25T08:08:00.019-04:00

Interested parents can now check the online schedule for preview classes.

The next opportunity is Thursday, April 3rd.

Our Time (toddlers): 10:30 a.m.
Village (babies): 11:15 a.m.

Expectant moms are welcome and encouraged to attend the Village preview! We have dolls to use for practice!

Speaking of...did you know that this semester, our 3 youngest babies were 3 weeks old, 8 weeks old, and 3 months old when they joined!

But I digress! Everyone in attendance at the preview will be entered into a drawing for a prize, such as $15 off tuition or a Kindermusik CD!

Come with a friend and you both will be entered into the drawing twice!

In addition, all names will go into the grand prize drawing for a tuition-free semester. This grand prize is valued between $175 and $200 and does not include materials/registration. This drawing will be held in May.

You may also enter the grand prize drawing by sending an email with your name, mailing address and age of your child/ren to Kathy Bailey.

Because spaces are limited at the preview classes, please call or email to register. There is a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 spaces for children. To register, please call 761-4290 or email Kathy Bailey .

Check the online schedule often for future opportunities. More preview classes will be scheduled for May.

summer schedule is up!

2008-03-14T21:54:00.009-04:00

There is something for everyone this summer!
- Weekly classes for babies & toddlers
- Morning KAMPs (Kids - Art - Music - Play) for 3 1/2 - 5 and 5 - 7 year olds
- NEW this summer! mini-KAMPS. Mini-KAMPs (ages 4-7) are 2 hours long for 3 consecutive afternoons/evenings in July. Your little pirate and/or princess will enjoy this splash of FUN!

Two sessions are offered this summer. Sign up for one or both. Sign up for both and take 1/4 off second session. To do this, you'll need to register for both classes individually. Once you've registered or at least created an account, I'll modify your account to reflect the discount. Or simply call or email and I'll take care of it all for you!

Your child won't feel lost in the crowd at our KAMPs! Check out the schedule!

FLEXIBILITY is the word of the season. Vacations and last minute get-aways are bound to happen, and I completely understand that need. So we are very flexible with makeups and special circumstances. Don't hesitate to get in touch about your scheduling needs.

my secret crush

2008-02-17T15:16:00.012-05:00

We Love Dan Zanes at our house! He's part bluegrass, folk, rock, blues, and definitely ZANE-y. Parents find him appealing too (and I happen to think he's just so darn cute!). A little bit of nonsense, yet perfect sense for a day in the life of a family with young kids. In Village class we're enjoying the Farm in Cock-a-doodle-MOO. Here's to the fun we're having in Kindermusik....ENJOY, and grab your little one and dance around the kitchen!

Kindermusik Birthday Party!

2008-02-13T22:55:00.008-05:00

I've been getting more and more requests for Kindermusik birthday parties lately. It's been 3 years since I started doing music and movement parties, but suddenly in the last couple of months, there's been a surge. Some happy little children have been having awesome Kindermusik birthday parties with themes such as John Deere, Little Einsteins, Butterflies, Princess, and Safari. Every party has been unique and all have been a blast!

Now that my baby is 16 months old and my husband's schedule has changed a little, therefore freeing me up more on the weekends, there's room in the schedule for 2-3 weekend parties per month, either on Saturdays or Sunday afternoons/early evenings. Weekday parties are also a possibility.

Each child's party is unique and personalized, and if your child is enrolled in Kindermusik, then he or she probably has an affinity for a particular instrument or prop (drums, parachute, etc.). I'll weave your child's favorites into the activities and really make the day very special for your child!

I'll consult you with regard to a suitable theme tailored specially for your child. At a Kindermusik birthday party, you'll see puppets, instruments, circle dances, storytime, instruments exploration, instrument play-alongs, singing, creative movements and lots more activities to give everyone a delightful time!

Read more here and Send me an email or call 761-4290 today schedule your child's Kindermusik birthday party. I would LOVE to do it!

The secret language of babies

2008-01-27T20:03:00.000-05:00

I'm always interested in learning about and sharing information that brings parents and children together in meaningful ways. My now 15 month old benefited tremendously as a little baby from my knew-found knowledge of Patricia Dunstan's Baby Language. The payoff? A more relaxed, content, and secure baby.

When my baby was a newborn, Priscilla Dunstan from Australia was receiving nationwide publicity over her insight into the 5 unique and distinguishable sounds babies make to communicate their needs.

I was definitely interested in knowing more, so I scoured the information and applied it when my baby cried. To my astonishment, it worked! It's really quite simple. Just tune in to your baby's different cries. Newborns function physically and emotionally by reflex, so it makes perfect sense to learn that they also are born with vocal reflexes.

Dunstan tested her baby language theory on more than 1,000 infants around the world. She found a consistent pattern of five words that all babies 0–3 months old say regardless of race and culture:

Neh= "I’m hungry"
Owh= "I’m sleepy"
Heh= "I’m experiencing discomfort or change me"
Eair= "I have lower gas"
Eh= "I need to burp"

Those “words” are actually sound reflexes, Dunstan says. “Babies all around the world have the same reflexes, and they therefore make the same sounds,” she explains. If parents respond to those reflexes early, they may continue to hear those "words" after the 0-3 month age; however, if parents don’t respond to those reflexes, Dunstan says the baby will eventually stop using them.

It's important that parents listen for those words in a baby’s pre-cry, the window of opportunity when baby is communicating his or her need and before baby gets so upset and hysterical that the sound is lost.

The musical connection: (from www.dunstanbaby.com)
"Already an exceptional violinist by the age five, [Dunston] could hear a piece by Mozart once, then play it back in its entirety, note for note. Her father, Director of the Educational Testing Centre at the University of New South Wales, found that his young daughter had an eidetic memory - a rare photographic memory for sound.

"During her teenage years Priscilla toured throughout Europe and Australia as an accomplished concert violinist. Priscilla then spent more than 10 years exploring the world of opera, where her talent as a mezzo-soprano deepened her understanding of sound produced by the human voice.

"When Priscilla gave birth to her son Tomas, her instincts as a mother and musician led her to believe that a baby’s cries had to be something more than just random sounds. Noting combinations of sounds in a journal, Priscilla explored various settling techniques and observed Tom’s reactions. Eventually she was able to recognize patterns, and identify how specific cries had a distinct need attached to them."

Priscilla says, "Because of my gift for sound, I was able to pick out certain patterns in his cries and then remember what those patterns were later on when he cried again. I realized that other babies were saying the same words.”

How to PREVIEW a Kindermusik Class for FREE!

2008-01-19T18:41:00.001-05:00

Our spring semester is just around the corner and this is a great time to bring your child to a preview class!

There is no charge, of course. Just come and enjoy and see for yourself just what is so special about Kindermusik.

If you missed the demo days and friend days, it's okay! Send me an email or call me today at 919-761-4290 to schedule your FREE class!

Sign up on the day you preview, and you'll receive a Best Of Kindermusik CD for FREE!

View the schedule and enrollment options here.

cutie pie who LOVES Kindermusik!

2007-12-08T08:39:00.000-05:00

It's always fun to find out that we've made news in a parent's blog. Here goes! (Don't miss the pic at the end!)

Click to visit the blog of one of my adorable little students named Lilly!

see what's in store for spring 2008

2007-12-08T07:01:00.001-05:00

Scroll down to find info on toddlers, preschoolers, and young children.

Village for babies 6 weeks to 1 1/2.

Click here to view the schedule and enrollment options.

Cock-a-doodle MOO! This light-hearted curriculum is centered around farm animals and activities. Many familiar American folk songs are included, such as Skip to My Lou, Yankee Doodle and Old MacDonald. Babies enjoy vocal play with This Little Cow Eats Grass. Let baby know how special she is while singing a personal favorite, You Are My Sunshine. Begin the class with infant massage with Hey Diddle, Diddle and limb exercises to Cock-a-Doodle-Doo!
Babies enjoy playing loud and quiet on the large gathering drum to "Yankee Doodle." We enjoy playing specially designed instruments to The Farmer in the Dell. You will love dancing to Hop Up My Baby and Shady Grove. Bonding time is special during our quiet time for listening to Simple Gifts. The board book bears the name of this precious curriculum, Cock-a-doodle-MOO! You will personalize this book by inserting your baby's picture riding on the tractor! Learn about the latest research with babies, why reading & singing to baby is so important, how intentional touch stimulates the regulation of healthy levels of a stress hormone , and more!

We'll continue into spring with Dew Drops. This tender curriculum is centered around flowers and creatures outdoors. Familiar American and United Kingdom folk tunes we will sing include Lavender's Blue, Did You Ever See A Lassie?, London Bridge. Rock with your baby to Greensleeves and The Ash Grove and sing tender lullabies such as That's An Irish Lullaby, Annie Laurie and Sweetest Little Baby. Baby will love swinging in a blanket to Come My Little Darling. Your baby will love playing specially designed baby bells to All the Way to Galway, Rig-a-Jig-Jig and Ride a Cock Horse. All babies love banging on drums to Belfast Hornpipe. Dance with scarves to Jasmine Flower and Come Follow. Relax and bond with baby to Scarborough Fair.

A favorite dance is the Irish Trot and we will experience singing in a beautiful round to White Coral Bells. Baby will love the fingerplay, A Snail and a Grasshopper, as Baby learns about slow and fast. The beautiful board book includes pictures of various flowers. Baby will explore sponges and flowers and unbreakable mirrors. Learn fascinating facts about your baby's development such as why crawling is so important to the developing child to avoid learning difficulties later on and why musical beat reminds baby of mother's heartbeat and is integral in learning speech and reading later on.

Our Time for 1 1/2 - 3 years old.

Click here to view the schedule and enrollment options.

Away We Go! Toddlers love to GO! Going is their gift, their license to venture out into the world and their means of retreating to the security of Dad or Mom. With toddlers' desire to go comes an attraction to other things that go----people, animals, pull toys, tricycles, cars, planes, and the list goes on. Our transportation adventures are symbolic of the central theme in the toddler's life----the balancing act between independence (going away) and dependence (coming together). From the toddler's perspective, we run and jump into the arms of our grown-ups, then we fly away from them like airplanes in Run and Jump and Soar. We rush into the circle holding hands, then pull back out and raise our hands in the air all by ourselves in Zoom-e-oh Circle Song. We rock cozily together to Silver Moon Boat Then sit apart from each other to roll the ball while singing Keep the Ball-A-Rolling. Transportation naturally relates to music and movement in the toddler's life. Our lessons demonstrate this, linking music, movement and transportation through the concepts of tempo (fast and slow), level (up and down), and articulation (smooth and bumpy). Transportation sounds are interesting to listen to and imitate, while the toddler is learning to listen (as opposed to simply hearing). Away We Go! explores the concepts of stop and go and steady beat and basic spatial relationships awareness such as forward/backward, under/over, around/through, up/down, in/out and on/off. Some familiar chants and songs are Wheels on the Bus, I've Been Workin' on the Railroad and The Arkansas Traveler. Some music selections are tailor-made for this unit such as Soaring and Riding the Rails.

For Preschoolers 3 - 5 years old

Click here to view the schedule and enrollment options.

What’s more exciting to a 3 - 5 year-old than a new toy? How about an entire Toy Shop full of toys! Imagine the eyes of a young child lighting up as he enters an amazing toy shop filled with boats, trains, teddy bears, jack-in-the-box and many other delights. Better yet, imagine a toy boat coming to life and taking that child to a beautiful tropical island. Or a train that takes him wherever he dreams to go. Our newest Imagine That! curricula this spring is Toys I Make, Trips I Take and is designed to bring a young child's vivid imagination to life.

Materials include:a two full-color literature books,a home activity book with songs and activities, an interactive play set, two CDs and a beautiful double-sided purple drum! All new students will also receive the Kindermusik backpack.

Backpack. The backpack will carry items from class to home and creative projects from home to class. The backpack will carry items from class to home and creative projects from home to class.

Toys I Make~Trips I Take Home Materials

For the Young Child age 5 -7
If your child will start kindergarten fall 2008, then this is the class to look forward to!

We will begin a new cycle of the Young Child program fall 2008.
As the capstone to the child's Kindermusik journey, Young Child broadens and deepens the child's introduction to the fulfillment and excitement of musicianship. Young Child helps every child develop a confident, joyful voice for singing and speaking as well as essential building blocks for a future of learning. What could be more natural than the child who explores his world through music? Children love singing favorite songs such as Come and Follow Me, Star Light, Star Bright, Train Is A-Comin and Bell Horses, echoing vocal patterns and singing games like Farmer, Farmer. This semester, Mozart is the featured composer and we listen to many of his compositions, including A Little Night Music and selections from The Magic Flute. Other listening repertoire includes The Clock by Haydn, Cloudburst from Grand Canyon Suite, by Grofe, The Aviary from Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens and the percussion and brass families and their individual instruments. The children's favorite activity is playing various percussion instruments for ensembles such as A Weather Story, The Birds and a barred instrument called a glockenspiel for playing melodies. Children love to move to newly composed music for stories like Into the Woods and Magical Dancing Clocks. Other singing games are Dr. Foster, Tideo, Here Comes a Bluebird and Wild Bird. Parents will love the musical concepts that the children learn as we lay the foundation for future instrumental study. Concepts in Semester 1 are quiet/loud, steady beat, fast/slow, long/short, high/low, singing/speaking, melodic direction and actual reading and writing non-traditional and traditional rhythm and staff notation.

Click here to view the schedule and enrollment options.

Kindermusik! Seven magnificent, musical years!

What a Wonderful World - um, I mean Puppet Show!

2007-10-03T07:55:00.000-04:00

NEW! Saturday Village Class for Babies!

2007-09-14T21:57:00.000-04:00

NEW! ANNOUNCING a Saturday 9:30 class just for babies/young tots 0 - 18 months old!

Only 5 spots remain.

Register and bring a friend who also registers, and you both receive a FREE world lullabies CD and $10 off!

As long as spaces remain, you may join anytime and receive prorated tuition.

Are you craving special one-on-one time with your littlest one? Do you work or have a full schedule during the week? Slip away to a 45-minute Village class on Saturday mornings! You'll find a supportive environment of lap babies, crawlers, and walkers and their special caregivers where you can savor your precious baby's fleeting first year and a half.

Imagine your little one swinging softly in a blanket or dancing with you around a maypole. Village provides a delightful environment unlike any other. Through a unique blend of multi-level activities that includes creative movement, vocal play, object & instrument exploration, and a colorful literature component, your baby’s growth and development are stimulated and all of his senses engaged.

Meet the teacher, Miss Tara, and/or register online or call Kathy at 761-4290.

We hope to share the joy of music with you and your little one soon!

these choristers must have been kindermusik kids

2007-09-07T21:54:00.000-04:00

See what Kindermusik can do for your child! The voice is our first and most important instrument, and this clip showcases just what is actually possible!

2007-08-30T21:21:00.000-04:00

We hope to see you and your little one in class next week! Come share the joy of music and movement with us.

Some things to keep in mind...
~Ask about childcare for siblings on Fridays!
~Kathy is back! After taking off time to be with her new baby, Kathy is returning to the classroom on Thursday mornings this fall.
~Welcome Miss Tara and Miss Janet. Read about our teachers at www.wakeforestmusik.kindermusik.net/Staff.html
~Wishing safe deliveries to Miss Leena and Miss Lisa as they prepare for their blessed arrivals this fall!

~Limited spaces remain. See the schedule and enroll online if you wish @ www.wakeforestmusik.kindermusik.net.

Village (BABIES 0 - 1 ½ & caregiver)

Feathers introduces Baby to a delightful range of songs, movement activities, object play and vocal play relating to our feathered friends and naturally occurring sounds in nature—helping babies develop an early appreciation—and accelerated aptitude—for language, movement and music. The Australian Kookaburra, the African Ostrich and many more birds from across the world are featured in songs, dances and poems. A Yiddish folk song, a Muskogean melody, and Mother Goose rhymes set to music are just a few of the colorful and exciting pieces introduced in this unit.Materials: CD – Little Bird Shaker Instrument – picture board book – integrated art banner - satchel

Pick up your baby and dance! Do the Charleston, the Tango, and the Cha-Cha and learn why dancing with your baby helps her develop vital learning skills—from head to toe. Do-Si-Do stimulates a wonderfully unique experience of rhythm and movement for Baby and Parent/Caregiver. Other activities range from chime ball play to instrument exploration and more. Music selections draw from many traditions, including African American, Mexican, Romantic, Scottish, South African and Southeast Asian.
Materials: CD – Yellow Do-Si-Do clacker – picture board book – art banner – satchel

Our Time (TODDLERS 1 ½ to 3 & caregiver)

Wiggles & Giggles capitalizes on the wonderful blend of the unlimited physical energies and uninhibited playfulness of the Our Time age child! One favorite movement activity is the Music & Movement Story Time with the Watch Me! Book. Other delightful songs include “Wishy Washy Wee!,” “Lukey’s Boat,” “I See You,” and “Clapping Land.” A variety of activities focus on various lesson themes such as steady beat, tempo, and musical form. Children will enjoy exploring a variety of shaker instruments and metal instruments while incorporating fun, creative props like scarves, sponges, bubbles, parachute, hoops, & mirrors.

Materials: 2 CDs – 2 story books – family activities book – zig-zag blocks – waterproof duckie bag

We hope you’ll join us for a great time of wiggling, giggling, bonding & nurturing in this unit!

Imagine That! (PRESCHOOLERS 3 to 5; Caregiver attends the last 10-15 min.)

See What I Saw!

To the preschooler poised with the emerging power of his or her imagination, anything is possible and everything is a story waiting to be told.

This fall, take an imaginary trip with us to Grasshopper Park where your preschooler uses real experience playing in the park to create imaginative, story-telling scenarios with music. Enjoying Josh, Katie, and Grasshopper Park at home is a snap with the park play set complete with trees, grass, a fence, a lake, a sailboat and more. Books, storytelling, language, drama, puppets, and LOTS of music are all part of this delightful unit!

Materials: 2 CDs – Interactive Play Set – Family Activities Book – 2 literature story books – slide whistle – FREE backpack for new students

Please do not hesitate to call at 761-4290 or send an email to Kathy Bailey.

We look forward to seeing you in class!

Kindermusik + StrollerFit = Happy Baby and Happy Mommy

2007-08-11T10:41:00.000-04:00

Download a coupon to try out Kindermusik for free, compliments of StrollerFit.

Try Kindermusik, Free

Plus receive free MP3 music downloads

This month Kindermusik & StrollerFit have teamed up to bring you the best of something for your little one and something for you!

You’ve heard that Kindermusik helps your child’s language and math skills. And you know families love Kindermusik’s fun mix of music and movement. And, with classes for children from newborn to 7 years old, there’s something for all the little stars in your life. Now you can find out for yourself: Try a free class with no obligations.

Click here for a free class coupon!

Click here to learn more about StrollerFit.

2007-07-27T06:49:00.000-04:00

Thanks Molly for sharing this. I'm reminded of the power, joy and enrichment that music brings to our lives. So, about this journey...Where are you? Your children?

Try it out...for FREE

2007-07-26T08:27:00.000-04:00

Join us, along with millions of children & families around the
world, for a FREE demo class.

Babies & young children 0 - 5 can participate right here
in Wake Forest
Thursday, Aug 23 @ 11:15 a.m.

Receive a FREE Best of Kindermusik CD if you register for the fall semester while at the Demo Days Class!

Space is limited, so call or email now to reserve your spot in the FREE Demo Days Class! 761-4290 or email Kathy Bailey

Summer Session 2 - There's still time!

2007-07-26T08:25:00.000-04:00

We pick back up with 4 more weeks of summer Kindermusik beginning the last week of July, and it's not too late to get in a class!

Mom (or Dad or Grand), grab your little one and get out of the house and do something sweet and fun *indoors*, and while you're here make some new friends!

In Village, we'll continue our Summer Sampler Series where you'll get a taste of all the different baby units.

In Our Time, we'll go "Out & About" and explore fun summer destinations. We'll ride our bikes together, visit the seashore, setup a campsite - all while making music together.

If you want to sign up for the final summer session, give me a call or send an email - I'll enroll you the "old-fashioned" way! However, we've just made it a lot easier for you to get into the class you want. Beginning with this fall (the schedule is up and running, and in realtime!) you can view course offerings and enroll online at your convenience (and if you're a busy mom like me, sometimes that's after midnight!). It's never been easier to get your child and yourself out of the house and involved in something so meaningful and musical!