Music Garden

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Nora, the Cat, Plays the Piano

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Why Music Garden? (Musikgarden)

		We believe Musikgarten has no equal.
			Our early childhood program is expertly planned, executed, and supported.
			Our teachers enjoy their classes.
			Our parents marvel at the progress of their children.
			And our students, well, they just seem to love coming to Musikgarten.

Advantages
	Experience – Our founders have been involved in early childhood music education since before it was recog-nized. Dr. Lorna Lutz Heyge has been developing early childhood music curricula for 30 years, while Audrey Sillick has been training early childhood educators for 40 years. Reputation – Musikgarten has an impeccable track record. Our teacher educators and Musikgarten staff are known for their integrity and professionalism. Our founders, authors and teacher trainers can be heard speaking at MENC, MTNA, Orff and Suzuki conferences across the globe. Endorsements – Hundreds of teachers have switched to Musikgarten. When we talk with them, we always hear how much they enjoy teaching our curricula. Training – The early childhood music professionals who teach in our workshops are authorities on children and early childhood music education. Our trainers have an easy-going style that blends lecture with hands-on activities. Our training is a real-life experience, not a videotape or online degree. Because of the quality of our training, parents and children will recognize you for the high quality of your classes. Aural Emphasis – We emphasize active, thoughtful participation, not entertainment. We emphasize movement, not visual stimulation. Musikgarten is unique in these respects. Research documents that kids today are over-stimulated visually and need purposeful movement and music training now more than ever.		Comprehensive Pedagogy – The Musikgarten program is the most pedagogically sound available, covering children birth to age nine – a complete bridge from early childhood to piano lessons. Our curricula are uniquely effective because we have designed learning sequences that repeat and build patterns to continually reinforce and stimulate our students. Students will enjoy their lessons more and you will be able to retain them for up to nine years. This continuity is as valuable to you as it is to the child. Flexibility and Form – As a Musikgarten teacher, you will find that our lesson plans and other resources can be used as a guide to your own creative studio or classroom teaching. Lesson planning cards make it easy to mix and match the songs and activities to your students and setting. Resources – Musikgarten resources reflect the latest research in early childhood development and combine the talents of top authors, musicians and artists to bring a complete and holistic approach to teaching music. Fair Prices – All of our products and training are reasonably priced, making them accessible and affordable for everyone. Support – Our Business Advantage Program (BAP), including telephone support, is always available to you and continually improving. Environment – At Musikgarten we include nature as part of our classroom. We believe in the benefits of teaching children to value and respect our natural environment. Even our products and packaging are environmentally conscious.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Music Garden Benefits

Children are innately drawn to music. And why shouldn’t they be? They have been listening to the rhythm and melody of their mother’s voice since the fourth month after conception. Children learn best through moving and listening. Music and movement classes will help them grow and develop into successful students.

	Benefits to Children
				Language Self Expression Memory Skills Concentration Social Interaction Fine Motor Skills Listening Problem Solving Teamwork Goal Setting Coordination	Music Playing Creativity Family Involvement Self Esteem Confidence Poise Family Interaction Parent/Child Bonding Emotional Development Voice Expression And kids like it!


		Music awakens and stimulates neural pathways in the brain that are associated with higher forms of intelligence, such as abstract thinking, empathy, mathematics and science.	Music’s melodic and rhythmic patterns provide exercise for the brain and help develop memory. Remember singing the ABC song to learn your ABC’s?	Studying music helps children establish good listening habits, which are essential for achievement in school.	Overall, music activities are perfect for child development. Music immerses the child in language, evokes movement, stimulates the brain and fosters physical coordination – all in a group setting that builds community – a holistic experience.

Monday, February 4, 2008

MusikGarden Beliefs

	I completed my training for Musikgarden (toddlers) this week! What a joy it was! This program is the best I have ever found. It incorporates long term, credible research in baby development, early childhood education, music and movement with a family first philosophy. As an organization, Musikgarten supports making music and movement education available for all children. Here is a synopsis of the Musikgarden beliefs: We believe in…

				Children – From birth, children love music. We help them channel their energy and focus their attention as they embrace music and enjoy learning.

				Parents – We inspire parents to meet their children’s need for music education. We teach parents how to play with their children purposefully and joyfully.

				Teachers and Training – Our training staff consists of world-class teachers and educators with 10+ years of experience in early childhood music education. We have a great mixture of talent from university professors to owners of some of the best music studios.

				Curricula – We offer a comprehensive early childhood program that spans the first nine years of a child’s musical development. Children love the progression from semester to semester, as patterns are repeated and built upon, addressing students’ needs at each level.

				Freedom and Flexibility – Unlike many other programs, our curricula are specifically designed for teachers to pick and choose the songs and activities for a lesson plan that fits their personal style.

				Support – We encourage interaction by providing extensive telephone and email support to our teachers. We also encourage an online chat group. Each year all teachers are invited to our Musikgarten Festival for fun, fellowship and learning.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Who Trains the Teachers?

	The instructors at our workshops are specifically trained Musikgarten teaching professionals. All of our teacher educators have advanced education as well as vast experience teaching young children. Each trainer brings unique “real world” experiences that will enable you to succeed.

					Martha Hallquist – Masters in Early Childhood Education – Editor of Early Childhood Connections – Founder/director of Union Colony Children’s Music – Level III ECMMA

					Jill Citro Hannagan – Lecturer, University of Delaware – Co-author of Music Makers: At the Keyboard – Founder/director Hockessin Music School – Level III ECMMA

					Karen W. Haughey – Masters in Music Education – Founder/director of Haughey Music Studio – Level III ECMMA

					Joyce Jordan – Department Chair of University of Miami Music Education and Music Therapy Dept. – Founder/director of UM MusicTime serving over 450 families in Miami area – Research Editor for Early Childhood Connections – Level III ECMMA and former president

					Marlene Lee – Masters in Teacher Education – Bachelors in Piano and Music Education – Founder/director of KinderStudio of Musik – Level III ECMMA

					Catherine Mathia – Masters in Conducting – Co-author of God’s Children Sing – Founder/Director of East Dallas Children’s Music Studio – Level III ECMMA and former president

					Karen McIver – Masters in Music Education – Founder of Bethany Academy of Music – Level III ECMMA

					Leilani Miranda – Masters in Music Education – Founder of The Music Garden studio – Level III ECMMA and former president
					Jenny Lay-Ean Ong – Masters in Education – Advanced Diploma in Music Education – Founder/Director of Musikgarten Malaysia & Singapore – Level III ECMMA
					Linda Robinson – Masters in Music Education/Family Studies – Co-author of God’s Children Sing – Teacher at Jessamine Early Learning Village – Level III ECMMA and founding president

					Mary Louise Wilson – Ph.D. in Music Education – Co-author of Music Makers: At the Keyboard – Adjunct Professor at University of Miami – Level III ECMMA

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I pursue early childhood music education for my child?
Music awakens and stimulates neural pathways in the brain that are associated with higher forms of intelligence, such as abstract thinking, empathy, mathematics and science. Music's melodic and rhythmic patterns provide exercise for the brain and help develop memory. Remember singing the ABC song to learn your ABC's? Studying music helps children establish good listening habits, which are essential for achievement in school. Overall, music activities are perfect for child development. Music immerses the child in language, evokes movement, stimulates the brain and fosters physical coordination - all in a group setting that builds community - a holistic experience.

How long do the classes last each week?
Classes for babies and toddlers are 30 minutes per week. Cycle of Seasons classes are 40 minutes and all classes for older children are 1 hour per week.

What does is mean when you say Musikgarten has a 9 year developmental plan for my child?
Only Musikgarten has a program that addresses the unique developmental needs of children at each age. Each of the classes are interrelated, as they were written for children to grow-up with Musikgarten. This sequential planning also makes it easier for the students to grow in their musical competence and graduate to instrument playing.

Should Parents attend and participate in the classes?
Parents are an integral part of class in the younger years. As students get older they participate by themselves, but parents take part in the classes towards the end of each lesson. For all classes, parents are asked to include active music making in their child’s life. Sing along with the CD. Play echo games, making up patterns, as we do in class. Put the picture cards or notation games on your refrigerator and play identification games with them as you get ready for dinner. More structured practice is required when the children get to Music Makers: At the Keyboard.

Does Musikgarten today better prepare students for piano lessons?
Yes, in most cases. Musikgarten classes develop students aural senses more than other pre-piano methods. The Music Makers: At the Keyboard classes are taught in a group session, so that children learn from each other and grow in their comfort of playing with and in front of one another.

Why do the students get Home Materials? Are we supposed to practice at home?
Children and parents can have so much fun at home and in the car with Musikgarten songs and dances. In class you learn the songs, but at home is where you really have fun with the songs and dances. It's a great family bonding time. Try it and you won't have to ask this question ever again!

As my child gets older there seem to be more and more activities for him/her to do? Why should I continue with music and movement training?
After being in the program for a while, you can see the benefits your child is getting from class. It is our view that the singing, dancing and playing (in class and at home) is the best for your child's wholistic development: language, movement, math skills, and physical coordination - all in a group setting that builds community. While other activities can be fun too, the primary building block of your child's developmental time should be spent with Musikgarten.