Contact Our Studios: 801-953-0416 info@songheart.com
We are the place where hearts sing and children flourish. This is exhibited in our approach to and philosophy of learning. One of the many strengths of the Kindermusik philosophy is its focus on the different developmental needs of each stage of childhood. Each class level is designed to give your child the most developmentally appropriate, stimulating musical activities to nurture their development right where they are. We celebrate and explore each age – rather than rush forward. Coaxing forth the joy and creativity in each individual child and respecting their unique pattern and pace in growing up. At Kindermusik, we grow WITH your child for 7 beautiful years.
Since Kindermusik nourishes the development of the whole child, you will see an overlap in ages between the various classes. Our levels and ages are there to guide you, but there is flexibility in certain age spans which overlap certain levels. Our Foundation Level and Level 1 are self explanatory, as is level 4. The “transitional stages”, 18-20 months, 3 to 3 ½, and 5, are points at which we can give you guidance about which level might be most beneficial and appropriate. Below are some characteristics which indicate that your child will obtain the maximum developmental benefits and joy from a particular class level. They are there to assist you in making this important decision. While no two children develop in the exact same way, a child who is ready for a certain curriculum will display many of the characteristics of that level. We are always happy to discuss individual questions or concerns and talk you through what might be best for your child. Contact us at info@songheart.com or at 801-953-0416.
Level 5 realizes the developmental leap to school-age child. Musically, it is the culmination of all that has come before. In addition to movement, instrumental play, singing, and creating, Level 5 students begin to learn musical notation (note and rhythmic), begin to explore playing in an ensemble and learn to play a melody instrument, the glockenspiel. We strongly recommend that the step to Kindermusik for the Young Child be made by children who are entering Kindergarten, rather than those who are still in preschool. If your child has a fall or early winter birthday, and either falls after the school cutoff or you have chosen to wait for the following year to begin school, consider the guideposts below when choosing to begin Level 5. This class is a sequential, two year curriculum – new students may join as class space allows, with the understanding that the family and child will work with the teacher to catch up on concepts and learning already covered. The child ready for Level 5
As a general rule, most children are not ready to begin formal instrumental training before the age of 6 or 7 for piano or string instruments, and most instructors will not accept students younger than 8 or 9 for other orchestral or band instruments. Before that, they tend to lack the size, stamina, and outcome-oriented commitment to make lessons a joyful and successful experience. Children are individuals, with a wide range of aptitude, but all children possess the ability to enjoy lifelong music making, and this ability can be greatly influenced by how we choose to approach their earliest experiences.
Kindermusik contains all of the needed elements to develop a child who is musically aware and who has the solid foundation to make lessons a natural and joyous next step. Children who grow up in Kindermusik have had chances to succeed, be nurtured and encouraged in their early creative explorations, and develop a core of music theory instilled through voice, body, and mind. Music for them is a natural part of their environment, and they have gained the language of note, rhythm, and expression to help them as they select which instrument they most wish to make their own. Many experts agree that early musical enrichment lays a foundation for musicianship which may accelerate later progress on an instrument.
Children who graduate from our two year Level 5 program have a strong basis in theory, musicianship, and instrumental technique. More importantly, they have been allowed to holistically develop through music, in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, which lays the groundwork for a lifetime of positive outlook not only towards music learning, but towards learning in general. Let it begin with Kindermusik!