The world of music is one that welcomes everyone. No matter what age you are, music feeds the soul. The experience of creating and responding to music has an endless list of benefits, and that is exactly why Dan Pratt founded Kindermusik in 1978.
Kindermusik classes empower children from birth to age seven to find joy in music making in combination with movement to build a foundation for a lifetime of learning. These classes use a mixture of song, body movement, instruments, and dancing to enhance the development of the whole child.
The Kindermusik curriculum was designed to fit into a variety of locations – all it takes is an open space and a magical educator. Here in the South Sound, there are a variety of spaces where Kindermusik classes are offered. From The Little Gym of Puyallup with educator Tammie Bassett to Kindermusik with Heather at the Emmanuel Lutheran Childcare Center in Tacoma, there are many places in and around the South Sound that offer these classes.
Heather DeJesus, who has been an educator for Kindermusik for seven years, passionately believes in the benefits the program has for each child.
“Class content is developmentally specific to the age of each child and each class uses an integrated and multi-sensory learning style, so children have an opportunity to learn in the style that he/she feels comfortable with,” DeJesus said. “Classes provide a comfortable place for bonding time, socialization among other students in the class and activities that encourage creative play.”
The Kindermusik curriculum is based on six learning domains: cognitive development, language and literacy, movement, musical awareness, sensory awareness, and social emotional development. Each of these domains are included into each lesson, all while the kiddos are encouraged to be creative and inventive with how they move and make music.
“Not only does Kindermusik provide so many wonderful learning and brain building opportunities for children, but each class is presented in an age-appropriate way that makes it fun for the child,” DeJesus shared.
The pricing and time logistics of classes vary per the location, but one thing is true no matter where you go: your little one will experience the magic of music the Kindermusik way.
Tammie Bassett, who as been a Kindermusik educator for nearly 20 years, jumped into the world of Kindermusik because she saw how important music is for young children.
“I think our program sets itself apart because we actually make music,” Bassett shared. “We are participants in the music making process, which is very different than doing an activity with music playing in the background. Passive listening versus actively participating stimulates many areas of the brain, which then enhances all learning.”
Families also receive access to digital materials each month while enrolled in Kindermusik to enhance the learning done in class and to bring the music home.
“The activities done in class help enhance the whole child by developing different areas of the brain including cognitive development, physical, social and language skills along with music,” Bassett said. “We use mainly percussion instruments like bells, shakers, and drums to explore musical concepts like fast and slow, up and down, and quiet and loud. We also incorporate whole body movements such as in circle dances, group dances, and free dancing.”
To check out which Kindermusik location is closest to you, visit the Kindermusik website.