Happy “We Love Kindermusik” Week!

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! This week we are joining with Kindermusik programs around the world to celebrate “We Love Kindermusik” Week.  During classes, we will add some “love”ly songs, dances, and instrument play-alongs to show the love between our parents and their children, and our teachers and their families.  Each child will get a small [...]

Parenting = Happiness? Let’s Be Honest

This is a departure from my usual posts about how music and play bring joy to the lives of young children.  In my work as an educator of young children, I have the opportunity to see how parents interact with their children and each other, and this article is for them. For the past few [...]

Music Boosts Language Skills

Here is a great article with information about how music can enhance language skills, including the ability to learn a foreign language.  Click on the link to read the entire Reuter’s article: Learning to play a musical instrument can change your brain, with a U.S. review finding music training can lead to improved speech and [...]

Why Should We Pay for Music Education?

While I’m usually a pretty positive person, it’s been a little tougher to keep my spirits up this past week.  The Kansas state government is proposing ways to deal with the huge shortfall in funds, and (not surprisingly) both arts and education are in the running to receive large cuts in funding.  I just found a [...]

Beethoven for a New Generation

A fellow Kindermusik educator shared this video of a 3-year-old conducting along with the 4th movement of Beethoven’s 5th symphony.  I believe this little guy has so much music inside of him, it can’t help but escape.  Check it out: Enjoy, and have a great week!

Meet Derek Paravicini ~ Music Savant

It always amazes me when I see people with disabilities either respond to, or even perform, music with joy and talent.  The power of music to reach beyond disorders of mind and/or body is truly extraordinary.  I’ve seen this “60 Minutes” segment before, but Leslie Stahl revisited this extraordinary musician earlier this year.  If you [...]

How Do I Continue the Learning at Home?

I consider myself fortunate beyond belief that I get to spend 30 to 45 minutes a week singing, moving, playing, dancing, and rocking with children from infants to high school.  My time with you and your children each week is precious–time devoted to developing your child’s brain and strengthening the bonds between the two of [...]

Play Me, I’m Yours ~ Totally Cool!

I recently heard about a new music project being done on the streets of New York City, called Play Me, I’m Yours.  Between June 21 and July 5, pianos will be available in various places for anyone and everyone to play.  What a cool way to bring music to the masses, and what better way [...]

Give the Gift of Music to a Child in Need

Ten days ago, I attended the joint Kansas/Missouri Music Teachers Association state conference.  I received a wealth of information that will hopefully make me a better music teacher, especially to my piano students. I was also privileged to learn about a very worthwhile charity in our area.  It’s called Music 4 Jeremy’s Cherubs.  It was [...]

Why is Music Important?

I first published this quote well over 2 years ago.  With all of the recent budget cuts happening in public schools all over the country, including music and arts programs, I found myself thinking about it today.  For me, it is a great summary of why children (of all ages) should have music in their [...]