The brochure says it all: ‘Shakers to social skills. Castanets to coordination. Cymbals to self-esteem.?
Kindermusik is much more than learning about music. It’s about preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s adventures.
‘I’m amazed every semester at what it (class) accomplishes,? Giselle Graham, Kindermusik instructor, said.
Kindermusik is a national program found in many communities throughout the country. Clarkston is home to the 15-week course inside the Clarkston Conservatory under the director of instructors Graham and Christine Murrell.
Classes are divided by age groups, starting with newborn babies and going all the way up until age 7. Each class focuses on a specific set of goals and objectives for the given age group.
The overall fundamentals of the program, for all ages, are language development, physical development, cognitive development and social and emotional development.
It’s the power of music that helps achieve these properties.
‘It’s been a good first chance to get her around kids,? Heather May, parent, said of daughter Grace Ann. ‘And she likes to listen to the music.?
During a typical class, students, along with their parents, engage in a number of different songs and utilize various instruments depending on the age. Both are designed to entertain and build skills.
‘The combination of music and rhythm really aids in memory retention,? Christy Sweeney, parent, said. ‘I think that helps them learn and start the learning process.?
Every class features familiar songs to encourage memory skills. However, new songs are constantly added throughout the duration to the semester to increase variety. Students can learn more than 40 songs during a given course.
‘Repetion tends to stimulate the brain for remembering and basic recognition,? Graham said.
Another bonus of the class is the social interaction the students receive. For many, attending a Kindermusik class is the first time for such an interaction.
‘I’m kind of like their first teacher,? Graham said of her younger students.
Often hearing instruction from someone other than a parent, such a Graham, is a beneficial method for students to learn how to follow directions from others.
‘With us, it? been like a first learning experience,? Gretchen Diver, parent, said of her class time with son Luke. ‘You watch your kid take direction from someone other than you.?
Graham has seen the class work for all kinds of children.
‘The ones that are shy interact better and the ones that are talking sit better,? Graham said.
Kindermusik isn’t the type of class where the participants sit down the whole time. Both child and parent are constantly dancing, playing with props or moving around the room to the beat of cheerful music.
‘It’s satisfying for me, unbelievably satisfying,? Graham said. ‘I’m amazed at what can happen after 15 weeks.?
To learn more about Kindermusik in Clarkston, visit www.clarkstonconservatory.org.