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Think about when you listen to a song, does it make you happy? spark emotion? The same goes for your little babe! Babies loved being sung to [no matter how off-key you are] and often find music soothing. They can benefit from music is various ways, for example: Babies exposed to lots of music has even been linked to increased reading and math skills.
With summer coming to an end and the brutal MN winter approaching [yes I said it], I am thinking that enrolling in a music program would be a great activity for E and I to get us out of the house. But now the question is where? and what program?
In doing some research I found two large companies that have various classes throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
First there is Kindermusik. Kindermusik has a program called "Village" that is for newborn to 18 months. In this program you'll experience: a variety of music, instrument play, dance, together time, and learn how to bring music into the home. It's [typically] a 16 week class where you spend 30-45 minutes learning various songs, lullabies, and nursery rhymes. Still not convinced? Try before you buy and sign up for a free class to see what's it's all about.
[NOTE: cost may vary on teacher, location, duration of program]
The other company is called Music Together. Music Together consists of a small group of six to twelve children [babies-preschool age] and their caregiver. In this 45 minute class [10 week program] you and your baby will engage in various musical activities including singing, dancing, small and large movement, instrument play, and improvisation. Music Together believes a mixed-aged group promotes children interaction and a richer learning environment. However, they do offer a special "Babies Class" at certain locations. This class is for babies 8 months and younger and is offered as one-semester only introduction to Music Together. They also has a "try to before you buy it" demo class you can preview first.
[NOTE: cost for a 10 week session = $168 for the first registered child in the family. *If you have an older sibling taking a class, babies 8 month & under can attend for free!]
So now it looks like I've got some demo classes to go to before I make my decision!
Have you done a music class with your baby? Did you go through one of these companies? Or is there somewhere else you would recommend? I'd love to know!
3 comments:
We tried the demo class of Music Together at Groth Music in Bloomington. It was a wonderful experience. Though, it just wasn't in our budget to attend at this time. I'd highly recommend it though.
as an early childhood educator and nanny, i signed up for music together with the little guy i watch in the babies only class. not only did he love it, but i fell in love with the program as well! after 2 sessions, i ended up taking the training and now teach music together myself! i highly recommend this program to anyone, whether they think they can sing or not! you WILL have fun and your child will benefit greatly.
I have never tried the two programs listed but the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) in my district has a music class for ages 1 - 5. It was a bit pricey at $100+ but this covered an entire year (September - May). I took this class when my older daughter was 3, and we LOVED it. The class we took was about 2 hours one night per week. The time included playtime in a preschool-type classroom followed by music time as a group where we'd sing new songs and familiar songs, use finger puppets, drums, triangles, and other props along with hand motions or dancing. The big highlight was the one or two songs we'd sing with a large parachute. I am looking forward to taking the class again with my younger daughter. ECFE classes vary by school district so the cost and availability of this class might not extend across all districts.
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