KINDERMUSIK AT MUSIKANDMOTION

Meeting Dr. Gordon

2008-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

In between Summer Camp A in May/June and Summer Camp B in July/August, I squeezed in a two-week training opportunity at The Gordon Institute of Music Learning (GIML) and completed my Mastership Certification Level 1 in Early Childhood Music Education. Meeting Dr. Gordon has been a transformational experience for me which I'll share with you more in future posts. The program was held at Michigan State University, and to my surprise, staying in the dorms wasn't that bad. It was more like a mini hotel! Cafeteria food downstairs was great!!! The campus was beautiful-- lots of lush trees and gorgeous landscaping.

Next Saturday, I'm hosting a Parent Education Night for Kindermusik families-- I can't wait to share with you some exciting research conducted by Dr. Gordon on how babies and young children learn music.

As a living master, Edwin Gordon is known internationally as a preeminent researcher, theorist, lecturer, educator and author on early childhood music education. Please visit his site at GIML to learn more about his work and come to our gathering next Saturday evening.

Please contact Miss Sunny @ musikandmotion@yahoo.com to RSVP!

Giving Meaning to Father's Day Tomorrow

2008-06-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

On this particular Father's Day, I will be remembering with fond memories one of our own Kindermusik dads who passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. Adam Aguilar, age 44, is survived by wife, Kathy and son, AJ.

You could always spot the curly haired dad & son duo in Saturday's Our Time class-- how "AJ" loved to sing the "Choo-choo" train song last semester! And like all Kindermusik dads, Adam provided his active and energetic son the emotional anchor all little boys need, and together the father and son team made us smile in class.

The loss of a seemingly healthy dad to cancer is deeply felt by every Kindermusik parent and caregiver at Musikandmotion. The outpouring of support for Kathy and AJ has been tremendous-- the cards, email and words of sympathy for the Aguilar family. In the past two weeks, the community of Kindermusik families in Natomas donated $1345 to the Adam Aguilar Jr. Trust Fund-- I am truly humbled to be a part of a one of a kind music community...

I'd like to acknowledge all the families for their support and generous contribution to Adam Aguilar Jr. Trust Fund. I thank each of you for your giving and caring spirit.

Ronald & Candy Carson (Parents of Nico)
Edward & Corey Grundel (Parents of Andrew)
Winnie Chan (Parents of Lauren)
Karla & Ryan Hall (Parents of Angela)
Stephanie & Scott Le (Parents of Courtney)
Christy & Richard Tsai (Parents of Mia)
Sumit & Mrinalini Date (Parents of Yash)
Sherry & Shaun Nealon (Parents of Molly)
Mirna & Philip Tohme (Parents of Melania)
Simon & Jackie Lim (Parents of Shaun)
Susan Iratene (Parents of Kaden)
Melisa & Todd Chase (Parents of Aidan)
Monica Hagan (Aidan’s Aunt)
Nora Knell & Patrick Horne (Parents of Phoebe)
Shelly & Todd Williams (Parents of Madison)
Amber & Scott Husten (Parent of Skylar)
Patrice & Lee Westover (Parents of Luke)
Rachel Lee & Chantha Trinh (Parents of Ajay)
Gina & Charles Hines (Parents of Julia & Grace)
Davita and Seth Levin (Parents of Eliana)
Hope & Matt Gawlick (Parents of Hope)
Surekha & Vinnay Reddy (Parents of Maya & Jaypal)
Richard & Claudia Bow (Parents of Wolfgang)
David Rhoads & KJ Strong-Rhoads (Parents of Kate-Lynn)
Shawn Kanehira-Mar & Daniel Mar (Parents of Tyler)
Eloisa & Alberto Gomez (Parents of Lauren)
Kelly & Jeff Putzke (Parents of Ellery)
Susan Wu & Valentin Chou (Parents of Jason)
Iryna I. Kline (Parents of Sophia)
Kathy & Michael Johannesmeyer (Parents of Nathan)
Mike & Jazmin Gibson (Parents of Mathew)
Carla & Chris Curcuro (Parents of Julia)
Beth & Mike Negrety (Parents of Keira)
Jennifer Rauzon (Parent of Lily)
Carrie & Devin Koehn (Parents of Colina)
Naomi & Enrique Villaruz (Parents of Maya)

And countless others for their support, kind words, thoughts and prayers. Have a wonderful and happy Father's Day, everyone-- be sure to give your dad an extra hug tomorrow!

P.S. In the event you would like to make a donation, please send your check directly to:

Palo Alto Community Federal Credit Union
616 Ramona Street
Palo Alto, Ca. 94301
(650) 329-8900
Make check payable to Adam Jr. Aguilar Trust Fund

Book of the Summer

2008-06-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

If there's one parenting book I'd like to recommend this summer, it's "Bright From the Start: The Simple, Science-Backed Way to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind from Birth to Age 3" by Jill Stamm. A month ago, I was browsing through Border's with a gift card I had received last Christmas and I came upon this fabulous book-- it literally combines science, brain research, child development and practical ideas all in one, and to my delight and surprise, the author references Kindermusik (check out page 266-- sure it's only a 4-liner but it's a positive recommendation)! I hope you'll check this book out-- it will affirm everything you are doing as a Kindermusik parent/caregiver and provide you with even more insight, ideas and inspiration.

What's a Didgeridoo?

2008-05-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what a Didgeridoo looks like? Kindermusik parents and caregivers with their babies, toddlers and preschoolers have all been listening to this fascinating Australian instrument in Epo I Tai Tai E (from "Peek-A-Boo, I Love You") and dancing to Dover's Dance (from "Zoo Train")-- two of our summer camp (A) themes at Musikandmotion!

Here's a bit of history behind this fascinating instrument which native aborigines of Australia have been playing for centuries...

"Possibly the world's oldest musical instrument. A wind instrument originally found in Arnhem Land, Northern Australia. Is made from limbs and tree trunks hollowed out by termites (insects). Is cut to an average length of 1.3 metres (51 inches) and cleaned out with a stick or hot coals. Was used as an accompaniment to chants and songs. Produces a low-pitch, resonant sound with complex rhythmic patterns," by Helen Thompson, Nursery Nurse and Brain Gym® Consultant.

So while the traditional Didgeridoo may be difficult to find and play, you can make your own by using plastic tubing or a poster tube. Click the link here create-kids-crafts.com to find out how!!!

Farewell to SCSO's 2007-2008 season

2008-05-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

It was truly an elated experience to be able to sing Mozart's Requiem with 200+ choral and orchestral members and the exceptional soloists (David Robinson, Sandra Rubalcava, Oksana Sitnitska and Elias Mokole) last Saturday evening at the Sacramento Community Center Theatre.

Here's an except from Edward Ortiz at Sacramento Bee:

"And as performed at the Community Center Theater on Saturday evening by the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra, the great merit of clarity was the paradigm.

This was an evening where the SCSO spanned a total of 204 years of choral music by following the "Requiem" with Morten Lauridsen's 1997 "Lux Aeterna." It was a mostly inspired performance of both works, which presages a strong performance for the SCSO's debut at Los Angeles' Disney Concert Hall with the same program in June.

Mozart's brilliance is self-evident in the 14-movement "Requiem," which Mozart did not complete by the time of his death in 1791. It's a work that shines best when conductor, orchestra and chorus are conduits instead of invasive interpreters. And this approach proved the great charm to this performance. It was a no-nonsense and vividly expressive take on the work. Here singers seized on all the delicately defined moments in the "Requiem," especially the poignant "Lacrymosa."

Check out the full review by Edward Ortiz at Sacramento Bee!

Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra

2008-05-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra presents Requiem - by Mozart & Lux Aeterna - by Lauridsen on Saturday, May 10 at 8 PM with pre-talk at 7 PM.

Sacramento Community Center Theater
1301 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Here's a "Sneak Preview" of our May 10th Mozart/Lauridsen performance:

SCSO in the news -- by Edward Ortiz of Sacramento Bee

If you can secure a good baby sitter for your little one(s) this Saturday evening, I'd love for you to come out and see the concert as I will be singing in row 5 seat 2 in the soprano section.

Going to Miss Sunny's

2008-05-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

"Going to Miss Sunny's" -- written and composed by Skylar, 21 month old Our Time toddler. Starting pitch: D in duple meter.

Here's what Amber (Skylar's mom) shared: "She was singing it in all her glory, but of course when the video camera cones out I get the shortened version (children are so perceptive to knowing when they are being "watched," aren't they?). Anyway, this is what she was singing on the way to class, on the way home, and most of the afternoon."

Amber, this is quite an honor-- I have never had anyone compose a song about me! But what truly impresses me is the fact that Skylar, at only 21 months, is making music at home and experimenting with her singing voice and music concepts from musical contour (up and down of melodies) to dynamics (loud and quiet), patterns and phrases, rhythmic beat (in duple meter!), and lyrics with words and neutral syllables. Makes my heart sing with joy- Thanks for sharing!

Flower Sweet & Cute!

2008-04-13T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, sort of reminds me of my Malt Furbabies. Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful display of colorful flowers this time of the year.

Thanks Patte for sending the cute picture of "dog flowers" my way!

Proprioceptive Senses in Reading, Writing & Spelling!

2008-04-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

Here's one more reason why it's important to develop those proprioceptive senses (sensors in our limbs, joints and muscles that tell us where our bodies are in relation to space).

According to Susan Johnson, M.D., a behavioral and developmental pediatrician, "There is a widely-held belief that if we just start teaching children to write, read, and spell in preschool, they will become better writers, readers, and spellers by the time they reach the first and second grades. This is, however, not true. The truth is that children only should be taught to write, read, and spell when their neurological pathways for writing, reading, and spelling have fully formed... In order for children to be able to sit still, pay attention, and remember abstract shapes, like letters and numbers, they first need to have developed their proprioceptive system."

I encourage you to read the following article by Susan Johnson, M.D. of Teaching our Children to Read, Write and Spell who is a strong proponent of movement in early child education. The article is featured in Lilipoh, a quarterly magazine with Waldorf education philosophy.

You may also want to check out Carla Hannaford, Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in Your Head to read more about the importance of movement for brain development and learning!

"Music of Possibilities"

2008-04-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

Please check out "Patrick Henry Hughes - Inspirational Story." This story goes beyond the strength of the human spirit or a child's amazing musical abilities. It's a story of a parent's devotion and unconditional love for his child. I know you will enjoy it!

A Baby's Amazing Sense of Smell

2008-03-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

Did you know...

At only 28 weeks of gestation, your unborn baby's sense of smell is awakened?

As a result, your newborn baby is able to recognize the scent of your amniotic fluid after being born?

Your baby's sense of smell helps bond you with your infant?

Your newborn baby can detect your breast milk over someone else's (after only 2 weeks)?

In general, most infants prefer sweet smells such as butter, vanilla and cream over pungent ones?

For find out more about your baby's sense of smell, check out: Your Baby's Sense of Smell at Different Ages.

Alta California Regional Center

2008-03-18T18:30:00.001-07:00

Alta California Regional Center is a private, non-profit corporation which offers a myriad of services to support individuals with developmental disabilities at its 21 locations throughout California.

You might be interested in knowing that they also offer early intervention services for children, infants to 36 months old free of charge if you meet eligibility. In addition to working with families with children who exhibit significant delays in cognitive development and social adjustment, they also serve infants and toddlers with communication and speech delays.

For more info, please contact the Board Hotline: (916) 978-6400 located at 2135 Butano Drive, Sacramento CA 95825.

You may also want to check out the following articles. Please keep in mind, that each child develops at his/her rate and these are to be used as a general guide posts.

Ages and Stages Developmental Milestones

Delayed Speech or Language Development

Music and Language: New Findings

2008-03-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

"ScienceDaily (Sep. 28, 2007) — Researchers have long debated whether or not language and music depend on common processes in the mind. Now, researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found evidence that the processing of music and language do indeed depend on some of the same brain systems.

heir findings, which are currently available on-line and will be published later this year in the journal NeuroImage, are the first to suggest that two different aspects of both music and language depend on the same two memory systems in the brain.

One brain system, based in the temporal lobes, helps humans memorize information in both language and music— for example, words and meanings in language and familiar melodies in music. The other system, based in the frontal lobes, helps us unconsciously learn and use the rules that underlie both language and music, such as the rules of syntax in sentences, and the rules of harmony in music."

Click here to read the full article:Music and Language are Processed by the Same Language System

Recall on Clear Egg Shakers

2008-03-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recently announced a recall measure against "Transparent Toy Egg Shakers" manufactured by West Music Company. Apparently, West Music Company received a report where the end cap detached from the egg shaker, allowing the beads to spill out-- luckily, there were no injuries.

If you received these clear plastic shaker eggs as a promotional gift from Musikandmotion during the spring of 2007 or in the past year, please bring them to class and I will replace them with a new set of shaker eggs. If you have any questions, please visit U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or email/call me at musikandmotion@yahoo.com or 916-419-6999.

Elgar's Dream of Gerontius

2008-03-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

Though I had to sit the Gerontius concert out last Saturday (due my bout with laryngitis), I hear Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra gave yet another inspiring and dramatic performance! Bravo!!!

"The chorus, which Elgar uses sparingly in "Gerontius," sang with sophistication and dramatic grit. There are some incredibly fluid but unconventional choral moments in this work, and these 180 musicians handled those with a red-blooded urgency." Here's the full glowing review by Edward Ortiz of Sacramento Bee.

North Koreans Welcome Symphonic Diplomacy

2008-03-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

Video of NYC Philharmonic in North Korean

For a brief moment in a concert hall, music helped to bridge the divergent political beliefs between the U.S. and North Korea-- suggesting yet again the power and universal beauty music beholds! Here is a short excerpt from The New York Time. For the full article, please read: The New York Times

"Feb. 26, 2008 - The New York Philharmonic brought musical diplomacy to the heart of communist North Korea in a historic concert Tuesday before the communist nation's elite...

The audience applauded for more than five minutes, and orchestra members, some of them crying, waved. People in the seats cheered and waved back, reluctant to let the visitors leave..."

Is Your Child an "Innie"?

2008-02-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

By Elizabeth Larsen, Photo by Martina Witte (parents.com)

"It was a typical birthday party Saturday. I pulled up to the curb eager to hear about all the fun my 4-year-old son, Peter, had just had with his new classmates from preschool. Then I unlatched the gate and my heart sank. While 12 cupcake-buzzed kids jumped around in one of those inflatable bouncy castles, Peter hunted for treasures in a quiet corner of the yard with the birthday boy's mother. The fact that he appeared to be extremely happy didn't matter to me. In that moment, I wanted my son to be part of the swaying American chorus of people who need people. Lots of people. I panicked that if I didn't teach him how to run with the pack soon, he'd start on a loner trajectory that would leave him sad and friendless for life." From Raising an Introvert in a Extroverted World.

Does this sound familiar? Perhaps you've noticed similar responses from your child in a Kindermusik class? If you have a child with an introverted temperament, one who has "an inborn need for quiet time to process what they take in by observing," I highly recommend reading this article! Growing up as a young child, I was an "innie" who loved to spend time playing with just a few of my closest friends or alone. And now as an educator of children (musically in Kindermusik and academically in public schools), I've had the privilege of working with many "innies" who are intelligent, thoughtful and reflective learners. They are typically the ones in class who prefer to listen, observe and take mental notes of the information presented to them in a class. But at home or in small groups, these "innies" are interactive, outgoing and even dramatic!

Articles like Raising an Introvert in a Extroverted World can be very helpful "because introverts are so widely misunderstood, [and] knowing how to raise one can be a challenge. Experts say parents and other grown-ups in these children's lives need to stop pushing them to be something they aren't and instead help them make the most of their strengths, even as our increasingly extroverted culture pushes them to conform to its way of doing things."

The difference between introverts and extroverts is that introverts draw energy from within where as extroverts draw energy from others. Everyone is born with these personality types and learning styles. If you'd like to read more on this topic, please check out the following book by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D: The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child: Helping Your Child Thrive in an Extroverted World who makes a clear distinction between being introverted, extroverted and shy and offers scientific explanation for each, offers tips for parenting "innies" and highlights the strengths and contributions "innies" offer. If you can't get to a bookstore, you can always borrow my copy or read a two-page article by Parents.com: Introvert vs. Extrovert by Irene Daria.

Happy Valentine's

2008-02-14T16:26:00.001-08:00

A PUPPY has been born in Japan with a large, clear, love-heart-shaped pattern in his coat. The Chihuahua was born in May as one of a litter to a breeder. Shop owner Emiko Sakurada said it was the first time a puppy with the marks had been born out of a thousand she had bred. She had no plans to sell the puppy, which has been named 'Heart-kun'. The long-coated male Chihuahua puppy was born in Odate, northern Japan

Thanks for sharing, Michelle-- Hope you and Jeffrey have a great Valentine's!!!

Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra

2008-02-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, March 1, 2008, Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra will be forming Sir Edward Elgar’s masterwork "The Dream of Gerontius" written in 1899. The SCSO is one of only two "U.S.-based arts organizations" that is performing this great English choral piece by Elgar. In fact, the other group, Boston Symphony Orchestra just completed their rousing performance on Jan. 24-26, 2008. You can click on the link provided to hear a wonderful video podcast compiled by BSO.org.

In case you didn't know, Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra is a non-profit symphonic music organization (for which I will be singing with again this season) based in Sacramento. The choral members are hosting a Singathon at Sunrise Mall on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (In the Mall, Front of Macy's Women's Store)-- everyone is welcome to attend. Our goal this year is to raise $30,0000 for this year's fiscal expenses. From your generous donations, SCSO continues to offer affordable concert tickets for excellent classical performances. SCSO is also committed to education and outreach programs which include free concerts for elementary school children in Title I programs and educational program kits to area high schools.

If you are interested in donating to SCSO, please click here: SCSO Online Donation. You can donate safely and securely, and be sure to include my name (Sunny Kira) in the description so I can thank you personally! By the way, here's our tax ID number: 94-3259903

Musical Factoids

2008-02-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

Did you know???

Music training causes longterm enhancement of preschool children's spatial-temporal reasoning.—Neurological Research, Vol. 19, February 1997.

A research team exploring the link between music and intelligence reported that music training is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's abstract reasoning skills, the skills necessary for learning math and science.—Shaw, Rauscher, Levine, Wright, Dennis and Newcomb.

61% of all students entering medical school play a musical instrument.

Students in two Rhode Island elementary schools who were given an enriched, sequential, skill-building music program showed marked improvement in reading and math skills. Students in the enriched program who had started out behind the control group caught up to statistical equality in reading, and pulled ahead in math.—Gardiner, Fox, Jeffrey and Knowles, as reported in Nature, May 23, 1996.

Arts students score an average of 80 points higher on the SAT College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers. Princeton, NJ: The College Entrance Examination Board, 2001.

Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs).—Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Report. Reported in Houston Chronicle, January 1998.

Hat tip to MENC: The National Association for Music Eduation!

California Association for Music Educators

2008-02-05T10:08:00.001-08:00

"...the best time to plant and nurture "musical" seeds begin at infancy and that informed parenting and trained care givers are ideally suited to begin that process." Darlene Kretchmer, CMEA Early Childhood Representative, CMEA Magazine, Winter 2007.

The California Association for Music Educators (CMEA) is hosting its state professional development conference right here in Sacramento (at the Convention Center) from March 13-15, 2008. They are including a special Saturday workshop for music educators, preschool teachers, daycare providers, parents or anyone interested in learning more about nurturing that "musical" seed in young children.

Please visit CMEA to register if you are interested in attending-- I plan to be there after teaching my Kindermusik classes in the mornings for the three-day conference!

Nuturing Curiosity

2008-02-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

"Once recognized, perhaps the quiet yet persistent voice of curiosity doesn’t go away. Ever.

Perhaps such curiosity will hurt until we come to understand the beauty of a journey that might never arrive at an absolute answer.

And perhaps it’s such curiosity that will lead us to distinguish our own greatness from the mediocrity that stares us in the face."

Seth Godin, an author, a market guru and motivational speaker says curiosity is "a desire to understand, a desire to try, a desire to push whatever envelop you're interested in..." Curious? Watch this video, and let me know what you think!

Thanks, Molly McGinn for posting this on your blog!

Being Voiceless

2008-02-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

It's happened again... I've lost my voice, and as much as I feel terrible about having to cancel classes, I simply don't have a choice... Kindermusik families: I sure wish I could be singing with you and your child at this moment but sadly, here I am (somewhat) house bound as every time I try to go out in public, I inevitably have to whisper to get my point across, and I've found out that whispering is even worse than talking. So I've been walking around with a pen and a note pad-- garnering either strange looks or lots of sympathy from on lookers...

Thank you for your thoughtful email and positive wishes. I'm drinking my cup of "Throat Coat" with ginger, lemon and honey throughout the day... I didn't know that "coughing, laughing, or clearing one's throat" is bad for recovery so I'm avoiding all the above mentioned behaviors as well.

As luck would have it, my parents are visiting me from South Korea and my mom has been bringing me warm and wholesome soup to eat. Moms truly are the BEST!

So with canceled classes this week, I've been spending a lot of time updating my website. I hope you'll take a look at the FAQ page on Musik & Motion website and please let me know if there is a question & answer that should be addressed.

By the way, I found a great website for:home remedies for laryngitis I'm determined to get my voice back, but I think I'll skip the garlic remedy...

Keeping Kids Healthy: Music and Learning...

2008-01-24T23:30:00.000-08:00

"Sesame Street's "Bob" McGrath joins Dr. Winnie King, along with a music researcher and a wonderful group of kids, to try to answer the big question: can music really affect your child's brain, intelligence, and emotional well-being? You'll visit a school that focuses on music and winds up with great academic success, and you'll see demonstrations of ways that music can help your own kids. We'll also visit with a therapist who uses music to help young people with medical problems, and we'll follow her through her hospital rounds to learn how her music creates magic for the kids who need it most..." www.keepingkidshealthy.org

Click here to enjoy this 27-minute video!Keeping Kids Healthy: Music and Learning with Sesame Street's Bob McGrath

Be sure to watch the ending to see how Bob leads a group of young children in a mini music class and I'm certain he mentioned something about Kindermusik at the end!

Autism Speaks

2008-01-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

"The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks each time this video is viewed. The funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal." Thanks Michelle for sending me the link!

Click the link here to view video:Autism Speaks

On a side note, rather a high one at that, CONGRATULATIONS to Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra (alto) alumna SALLY J. ROGERS, Ph.D. for receiving $15,000,000 UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Grant for autism research!

Ball Play

2008-01-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

"What does a child learn from playing with balls? Playing with a variety of balls, children experience different material properties, textures, weights, sizes, colors, and learn words to describe these. She develops motor skills and learns to play alone or with others. All this from the most basic of toys. No batteries required." (Playworks, toys for serious play)

And as Village babies (newborn to 18 months) discovered in class this week, Gertie balls are so much fun as they are lightweight, easy to grasp, squeeze, roll, throw, mouth, roll on top of and explore. Imagine that! preschoolers (3-5 years), on the other hand, have been working on rolling, bouncing, kicking and catching the balls in class all the while developing turn-taking and sharing skills! Imagine that!

Music and Memory

2008-01-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

"One of the most powerful causes of an emotional response is memory."* In other words, events that cause us have an emotional response (whether positive or negative) are the ones we remember and hold on to the most. And for some reason (we don't quite know why) the presence of music helps facilitates this powerful connection between memory and emotions.

Watch this fascinating video by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, a nonprofit agency, which is "dedicated to advancing scientific inquiry on music and the brain and to developing clinical treatments to benefit people of all ages."

Click to view "48 Hours" in Quick Time (it's a large file and may take a few minutes so please be patient while it loads completely-- it is worth seeing!) And if you have problems loading, please visit bethabe.org and scroll down to view the video titled, "48 Hours."

If music can help neurologic patients remember, imagine what it can do for the young and the healthy population!

*Krumhansl CL. An exploratory study of musical emotions and psychophysiology. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology. 51(4):336-53, 1997 Dec.

Tutle Dove

2008-01-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

Great choice for men's choir!

Arranged in a minor key, Turtle Dove has a hauntingly beautiful effect on our emotions as you and your Our Time child have been experiencing in class. While minor modes do at times evoke sad emotions, they also evoke deep and rich ones,too (quite different from say music arranged in major mode such as the "Happy Birthday" song) So what makes some music sound so rich, mysterious or dark? It relates back to music theory and how intervals (distance between two pitches) are built. For example, major thirds sound happy and bright to the human ears... Minor thirds sound dissonant and dark. While we need both to make music, songs arranged in minor modes certainly cause our emotions to stay with it a little longer and invite us to rock a little closer with our children. Be sure enjoy this song at home as a lullaby, rocking or quiet time.

For a complete lyric of Turtle Dove, click here: The True Lover's Farewell

Musik & Motion Presents Kindermusik in Rancho Cordova

2008-01-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

Starting February 20, 2008, Musik & Motion will be offering Kindermusik classes in Rancho Cordova in partnership with Premiere Dance on 10851 Olson Dr. (Target shopping center) Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. April Mason who teaches and owns the dance studio opened Premiere in 2006 and offers weekly ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe and baton classes for students ages 2 to adult.

If you have friends or families who live in Rancho Cordova (or in neighboring cities such as Fair Oaks, Anatolia, Mather, Gold Country, or Roseville), please let them know, and help me spread the word! Of course ditto for current classes in Natomas and West Sacramento locations as well!

Remember when you refer a new Kindermusik family to Musik & Motion in 2008, you receive an instrument of your choice plus Folk Playground Cd from Putamayo Kids! Thank you Susan, Rae, Maegan, Mirna, Kate and Suzanna for your referrals this month!!!

Link to Kindermusik Video at Musik & Motion

2008-01-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

I've heard from a few folks out there (thankfully, not too many) that they could not view the video on the Musik & Motion web site so I thought I might share the following link in hopes you might be able to view the in-house video made last month at Musik & Motion. The video on the web site requires a flash player.

As an alternative, if you have Quick Time installed you can paste the following link on the web browser and view the video. However, it's a large file so please be patient and it should load completely after a few minutes-- while waiting, why not get some popcorn or a nice warm drink!

www.chrisstoneeditorial.com//ftp/miss_sunny/
miss_sunny_roughcut2.mov

(all in one line)

Be warm, dry and safe during the rain storm...

Miss Sunny's New Year's Wish

2008-01-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Here’s to 2008...
May it bring more love, music and harmony to each and every Kindermusik family.

To our children...
May the children’s love for music continue to inspire parents to partner with them at home.

To our Kindermusik parents...
May the parents’ passion and commitment to their children's early music education inspire their teachers to partner with them in class.

To our Kindermusik educators...
May more educators reach out to one another, share a kindred spirit and work toward stronger collaboration to better serve the Kindermusik community.

To our Kindermusik community...
May our shared vision break down all barriers and impossibilities, helping us to be our children’s strongest advocates and each others' most trusted support group.

To 2008...
A very Happy and Musical New Year to all of us!

Holiday Tips for Parents

2007-12-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

While the holiday season is a time for reflection and celebration, it is also a time of holiday stress for parents and children. With family events, cooking, shopping, and travels, normal routines which we rely upon are interrupted (i.e. no Kindermusik classes at Musik & Motion to attend during the winter break), it can wear you out and make you and your child feel a bit out of sync.

So "experts with Parents as Teachers National Center offer holiday tips for families with young children, who are often at the center of holiday celebrations and family get-togethers. By remembering that holiday stress can affect children differently, that sharing cultural traditions helps parents create special memories for their kids, and that seasonal music offers a learning opportunity, families can celebrate together in peace and prosperity."

You can read more by clicking the following link to Parents as Teachers National Center.

The Making of a Kindermusik Video

2007-12-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

I'm so very excited to share with you that Musik & Motion website now features an in-house video of our very own Kindermusik families in action. In working with Chris Stone (a genius in video editing and story crafting) and Pat Kuske (ditto for cinematography)-- these two amazing and talented people have skillfully and visually captured a bit of what goes on in the Kindermusik class at Musik & Motion in a 5 minute 38 second video. Chris and Pat are consummate professionals, extremely personable, dependable, and willing to go the extra mile for you. I hope to be able to work on future projects with both of them again!

Kindermusik families, thank you for generously offering and bravely sharing your testimonials on camera after class. Each of your testimonials whether on/off camera, written or verbal mean oh, so much to me, and I appreciate every word of it!

And Kindermusik educators out there, if you're looking to create a video for your program, please don't hesitate to contact me or Chris. Ditto for any businesses, schools or non-profit organizations looking to capture your mission and story on camera.

Here's the link to Musik & Motion website: Enjoy!!!

Chris Stone's information:
Chris Stone Editorial
916.591.4987
chris@chrisstoneeditorial.com

On The Night You Were Born

2007-12-20T12:22:00.000-08:00

This is such a lovely book that I just had to share it with you and your Our Timers in class this week-- it's one of those books that just invites you to snuggle up with your little ones to enjoy as part of your bedtime rituals. On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman available at Borders (where I got my copy) and Barnes & Nobles.

Click here to read more glowing reviews the book: Publisher's Newswire

Love this Song!

2007-12-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks for letting me share some of my personal favorite songs with you and your child as we end another joyous semester of Kindermusik Our Time! See you in January 2008 Kindermusik families.

Singing Puppy

2007-12-13T17:19:00.000-08:00

This is just so cute! I wonder if there have been any studies about animals and pitch matching???

Update: Kindermusik Holiday Disco Night

2007-12-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

What an incredible turn out last Friday night! It truly was wonderful to see so many of you with your families, dressed up and enjoying the night with your little ones, disco music and great food! Everything was so yummy-- by the way, who made the beautiful Christmas Wreath Rice Crispies?

Karen's photo backdrop added a lovely holiday scene inside the boathouse. If you are purchasing pictures from the photo shoot, please contact Karen directly at (916) 206-8132. If you need an experienced and reliable DJ for your future events, please give Ron a call at DJ West Entertainment.

Several families have uploaded photos from the party onto the evite photo album-- fun, fun, fun! Unfortunately, I don't have any to share (I'm borrowing the photo at the top from the internet) as I was too busy having fun! By the way, if you have any suggestions or comments for next year's Kindermusik holiday party, don't hesitate to let me know!

Special thanks to Mike, Jazmin, Wendy, Amy, Juan, Nina, and Tammy for staying to clean up with me!

She without arm, he without leg - Ballet

2007-12-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

I hope you'll steal a quiet moment to enjoy this video my good Canadian friend, Deanna sent me-- it will inspire you and make you want to dance!

It's lovely, Deanna!

Hava Nagila and Dance of Evolution

2007-11-29T12:03:00.000-08:00

“Art is a normal and necessary behavior of human beings and like other common and universal occupations such as talking, working, exercising, playing, socializing, learning, loving, and caring, should be recognized, encouraged and developed in everyone. Via art, experience is heightened, elevated, made more memorable and significant” --Ellen Dissanayake

Hava Nagila-- meaning "Let us Rejoice" in Hebrew-- is a popular wedding song and dance (known as the hora) in Jewish communities and an instrumental piece we've been jamming to in the Our Time Wiggles & Giggles class this fall semester. So when I saw its name mentioned in a recent New York Times article, I was delighted to read a scholarly article on yet another perspective on the origin of dance and art but this time connecting it to the mother and child interaction and bond!

Natalie Angier, the author of the article illuminates the work of Ellen Dissanayake, an independent scholar at the University of Washington whose work focuses on the anthropological exploration of art and culture. At a symposium this month, Dissanayake proposed that the origin of art "can be traced back to the most primal of collusions — the intimate interplay between mother and child."

Based on Dissanayake's observational research of mother and child interactions, she's found that "the tightly choreographed rituals that bond mother and child look a lot like the techniques and constructs at the heart of much of our art. These operations of ritualization, these affiliative signals between mother and infant, are aesthetic operations... And aesthetic operations are what artists do. Knowingly or not, when you are choreographing a dance or composing a piece of music, you are formalizing, exaggerating, repeating, manipulating expectation and dynamically varying your theme."

In the past, Dissanayake has also theorized that music "originated in the ritualized verbal exchanges which go on between mothers and babies during the first year of life." (Anthony Storr, Music and the Mind, p.8-- another great scholarly book on the origin of music and how the human brain is wired for music.)

I love reading articles like this because it affirms how innately musical, artistic and creative we are as human beings, and how artfully we interact with young babies and children in our lives.

To read the full article by Natalie Angier, click here: The Dance of Evolution, or How Art Got Its Start

Home for the Holidays

2007-11-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra Presents: Home for the Holidays in honor and memory of
Peggy MacArthur who has dedicated her life to supporting the arts.

Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 8 PM
Sacramento Memorial Auditorium - 15th & J, Sacramento

Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 3pm (Matinee Performance)
Mondavi Center - Jackson Hall, Davis

If after the Holiday Disco Night, you are in the nostalgic mood for some more holiday music and singing, go check out the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra (SCSO). Noah Stewart is an up and coming operatic singer from San Francisco and is the featured soloist. He mesmerized the audience when he sang with us early this spring for the SCSO Verdi Requiem Concert in Sacramento. Though I'm taking a break from the season, I will be returning to my Monday evening rehearsals in January just in time for March 1 and May 10 concerts next year. Noah Stewart, Tenor

Get your tickets early for this Sacramento standing-room only tradition!

Kindermusik Holiday Disco Night

2007-11-19T07:39:00.001-08:00

Baby Loves Disco we aren't (wouldn't it great though to have them come to Sacramento?!) but it'll be even better because we'll be boogieing in the company of Kindermusik friends and families so put on your and your child's dancing shoes and let's get the party started! Friday, December 7, 2007 from 5-8PM @ at West Sacramento Boathouse. Admission is FREE and available only to current Kindermusik families @ Musikandmotion! Space is limited so be sure to RSVP to Miss Sunny via evite!!!

And don't forget, Karen Hourscht from Belly Beautiful (the in-house photographer at Prenancy Journey) has offered to take holiday family portraits during the party. Karen specializes in pre/postnatal, infant and family photography-- her work is truly beautiful! You can purchase various size prints including images on a CD from her directly at the party. She is offering a very special service and price just for us Kindermusik families!

By the way, what's your all time favorite disco song? Be sure to share them with me on the blog and we'll do our best to get them included at the party!!!

Thanksgiving Week

2007-11-18T17:00:00.001-08:00

There will be no Kindermusik classes in Natomas and West Sacramento locations during Thanksgiving week November 19-24, 2007.

Enjoy your family this Thanksgiving week and be sure to tell your child just why you are so thankful to have him/her in your life!

Blogging Anniversary

2007-11-12T19:12:00.000-08:00

I just realized that it has been exactly one year since I started blogging for my Kindermusik families at Musikandmotion. Starting a blog (the technical side of it) was not easy for me, but a lot of inspiration from Molly McGinn at her blogging workshop at last year's Kindermusik Convention and much help from my tech. savvy husband made it all possible.

So here I am one year later, and still blogging (wish I had the same commitment toward my workout...)! Of course I began blogging because I love to write and to share information. And it's been a great privilege to be able to share my thoughts (both musical, personal, and professional) with Kindermusik families outside of class. So thank you for reading and listening or just visiting and perhaps lurking once in a while.

I love the comments or questions you share both on and off the blog! I look forward to celebrating many more blogging anniversaries with you!

Crawl a Doodle

2007-11-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

Crawl a doodle, crawl a doodle, crawl a doodle fun!

Dancing in the Seats

2007-11-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

Every Kindermusik class incorporates a type of community or circle dance. Whether it's in the form of a line, circle, free, synchronized, layered or partner dancing, it is one of the highlights of the Kindermusik experience where babies, children and grown-ups can all enjoy moving rhythmically, expressively and creatively to music!

In a recent article in the New York Times, Daniel J. Levitin, author of “This Is Your Brain on Music : The Science of a Human Obsession” and professor of psychology and music at McGill University, makes a compelling argument about the "ancient connection" that exists between music and movement.

"Children often demonstrate this nature at classical music concerts, swaying and shouting and generally participating when they feel like it. We adults then train them to act “civilized.” The natural tendency toward movement is thus so internalized, it is manifest in concert halls only as a mild swaying of heads. But our biology hasn’t changed — we would probably have more fun if we moved freely."

In fact, he has research to support the music and movement connection. "Brain scans that I and my colleagues have performed make it clear that both the motor cortex and cerebellum — the parts of the brain responsible for initiating and coordinating movements — are active during music listening, even when people lie perfectly still. Singing and dancing have been shown to modulate brain chemistry, specifically levels of dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitter," explains Levitan.

No wonder it feels good to twirl and whirl my toes while I sit in my chair listening to music.

For the full article, check out Dancing in the Seats by Daniel Levitan.

Dance Little Baby

2007-11-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

"You'll dance the Charleston in the Kindermusik class for babies, "Do, Si, Do." Now you can throw a few new moves into the kickin', toe-turning mix," Molly McGinn Senior Writer for Kindermusik International and ABC Music & Me

Thanks, Molly for sharing another great video!

Halloween Costume Contest

2007-10-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

Lucy as "Spider"

Ricky as "Lack o'Lantern"

We didn't win this year's contest but "Dad" was proud of our fur babies! Have a safe and happy Halloween Kindermusik families!!!

William Tell Overture

2007-10-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

One of my Kindermusik Our Time parents sent me the following video and thought you'd all like to take a look! Sound familiar?-- and I don't just mean the tune! Thanks for sharing, BettMarie!

Pregnancy Journey in Natomas

2007-10-26T16:13:00.001-07:00

Compare standard 2D ultrasound image on the left to Pregnancy Journey's thrilling image of 3D/4D ultrasounds!

According to Christa Luminare-Rosen, PhD, author of Parenting Begins Before Conception: A Guide to Preparing Body, Mind, and Spirit for You and Your Future Child, "Prenates can see, hear, feel, remember, taste and think before birth. Babies can recognize music they've heard in the womb after they're born."

At Pregnancy Journey, Elizabeth Aragona and Christina Marapao (two prior military nurses who first met each other at David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base, California) are in the business of helping parents bond with their babies before their births.

"One of the best ways you can bond with your baby", says Thomas Ivester, MD, clinical instructor in maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, "is having an ultrasound." "Bonding during pregnancy gives a mom a better sense of responsibility in caring for herself, and be extension the baby. In the second trimester you can actually see the baby's chubby cheeks, see him sucking, yawning, and turning over. It's fantastic!"

In addition to fetal images (3D ultrasound) and real-time movements (4D ultrasound), Pregnancy Journey offers prenatal massages, prenatal fitness classes, belly casting, prenatal photography, childbirth classes (The Bradley Method), baby sign classes and Kindermusik classes with Miss Sunny!

Pregnancy Journey is located at 4030 Truxel Road, Suite B Sacramento, CA 95834. (916) 419-3343. Hope to see you there!

A Little Inspiration

2007-10-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

"Talent will fall short of diligence, but even the greatest diligence will always fall short of motivation and a cheerful attitude." -- a quote my nephew shared with his high school classmates upon being elected junior class president this year... I'm so proud of him!

Not Blogging Lately

2007-10-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

No, I've not been blogging for some time... So very touching though that I've had several families call or email inquiring:

"Are you okay, Miss Sunny?"

"You have not added to your blog in awhile and that got me wondering.....Is she just incredibly busy?????"

Yes, I'm doing fine, and yes I've been very busy. Not only was I visiting my nephew (something I do at this time of the year) as he's in a boarding school down in So. Cal., but I've been finalizing my spring 2008 schedule for next year. Now that I teach in multiple locations, I'm finding out that it's a lot harder to organize my class times!

I'm happy to say though that I will be back blogging again. My nephew is doing very well-- a junior in high school now (his dorm room didn't need any cleaning this time), and my spring 2008 schedule is available for current families, and soon will be available on my website for public viewing!

Lessons from Wild Geese

2007-10-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

"Nature teaches us incredible lessons through the actions of birds and animals. Their instincts seem so finely tuned." Boaz Rauchwerger

Whenever I see a flock of birds in flight, I'm always amazed at how perfectly coordinated and organized they fly together in that V shape formation.

In a recent conversation with Patte from N Magazine, she shared a wonderful factoid about how a flock of geese work together during long migrations, and what lessons we humans can learn from their behavior-- I decided to find out more.

Fact #1: Did you know that when a flock of geese fly together in V formation, they are able to fly 71% farther than if each bird flew on its own because of the uplift created by the flapping wings of each bird?

Fact #2: The loud honking we often hear from geese in flight is a way for the birds to encourage one another to keep going and to maintain steady speed (or steady beat, perhaps!).

Fact #3: When one goose is hurt and has to land, two other geese leave the formation to follow the injured bird. They stay to protect and support their feathered friend, and later rejoin the flock or form a new formation.

So what can we learn from these behaviors?

Lesson #1: "Sharing the same direction and working as a team, get us to the destination quicker and easier. By helping ourselves, the accomplishments are greater!" Lesson from The Geese

Lesson #2: "When there is courage and encouragement, the progress is greater... A timely word of encouragement, always motivates, helps and strengthens... It produces the best of benefits..." Lesson from The Geese

Lesson #3: "If we bond together and support each other… If we make true the spirit of teamwork… Regardless of our differences, we can rise to meet our challenge." Lesson from The Geese

Pretty inspiring, don't you think? So the next time you and your baby sing and dance to Wild Geese are Flying from your Village Feather's collection, visualize that V formation of teamwork, encouragement and support found in your Kindermusik class and community!

Rookie- the Dancin' Canine

2007-09-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

You all know how much I love dogs-- this one will have you and your children smilin'and dancin'! Enjoy :)

Expert secrets to raising "great kids"

2007-09-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

Here's an excerpt from an exclusive interview by USA Weekend on the topic of music and its role in "raising great kids" (September 23, 2007). Kindermusik families who play and make music with their children in class and at home know the benefits of early music education but it's simply wonderful and re-affirming to hear it again and again, and again! Big thanks to Kindermusik educator Carol in Maryland for sharing.

"USA WEEKEND: Dr. Greenspan, what role can music play in raising "great" kids?

Greenspan: Great kids have a number of qualities, including empathy, creativity, emotional range, and a sense of morality and caring about others. It begins with that engagement, that rhythm between the baby and the caregiver -- often the mommy -- in the first year of life. Then it blossoms in the second and third years with more complex social interactions. When language comes in, they can give voice to what it means to be happy or sad. So a song like Laurie's helps them understand what a happy feeling or a sad feeling is. You'll see it in their doll play or action-figure play. This helps them with empathy and creativity. If they're going to be great novelists or write songs or perform, they have got to understand the feelings of others.

Berkner: It's so great to hear you say it that way. When I wrote "The Story of My Feelings," I was having a fight with a friend and wrote it to help me get in touch with my feelings. So actually, it was a completely self-centered act! I wrote the song a long time ago about how I feel better after I express myself, which is true. But now, I might have written it a little differently, because it also feels good to be expressing myself, not just afterward. But in hindsight, I do see that, "Yeah, the song can really help kids connect with their feelings."

USA WEEKEND: Both of you make the case for learning through music, dance and creative play. Why?

Greenspan: When you move, you experience more fully. The more coordinated you become, the more you're able to enjoy movement. It enforces the creativity of using your body, whether through dance or music. But now there's a movement toward more impersonal forms of communication, from rote learning in education to parents being told to use flashcards rather than creative play with their kids to the overuse of text messages or hours of isolated self-absorption rather than being with real people.

Berkner: I think kids who are sitting at a computer are missing the physical component that they get through music and dancing. When they're watching television, there's at least a possibility they'll get up and dance and let feelings come out. Think about "jumping for joy" -- it's the way we talk about our feelings sometimes. All of that seems to be so connected to being able to express ourselves."

Stanley Greenspan is a clinical professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at George Washington University Medical Center who is also an author of a new book Great Kids: Helping Your Baby and Child Develop the 10 Essential Qualities for a Healthy, Happy Life.

Laurie Berkner is a popular musician and song writer also known as "the pixie Pied Piper of kid rock" who recently authored a children's book & accompanying CD: The Story of My Feelings.

Here's the full interview! Enjoy: Expert secrets to raising "great kids."

Books, Books, Books!

2007-09-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of parenting books I mentioned in class. A common theme among them seems to be:

*Celebrate and love your child for who they are!
*Interaction between parent/caregiver-child is key to your child's brain development.
*Loving and fun rituals help to develop your child's positive emotional health.

Enjoy!

I Love You Rituals by Becky A. Bailey, Ph.D. "The bond between parent and child is the child's primary source of emotional health. It gives your child the capacity to have satisfying relationships the rest of his or her life." p.14

The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D. "I think of introverts as energy conservers, like rechargeable batteries that need "down time" to restore their reserves. Extroverts are energy spenders. Their motto is "Go, go, go." Both introverts and extroverted children need to balance their natural tendencies." P. 6.

Nurture the Nature by Michael Gurian. "Your child's core nature is thrilling to observe and appreciate as it unfolds before your eyes. It's wonderful to feel confident as a parent, to tailor parenting techniques to fit the unique needs of your child's nature." P. 12

The Emotional Life of a Toddler by Alicia F. Lieberman, Ph.D. "The most important emotional accomplishment of the toddler years is reconciling the urge to become competent and self-reliant with the longing for parental love and protection." P. 3

Inside the Brain by Ronald Kotulak "It is during this period, and especially the first three years, that the foundations for thinking, language, vision, attitudes, aptitudes and other characteristics are laid down. Then the windows close, and much of the fundamental architecture of the brain is completed." P.7

Magic Trees of the Mind by Marian Diamon, Ph.D. and Janet Hopson. "But the parents of babies and toddlers must provide certain kinds of experiences, particularly in the realms of emotional support and language, to foster the child's fullest development at this stage." P. 103

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughter by Meg Meeker This book was recommended by Kelly in our Kindermusik Village class this week. I will definitely check it out!

Care to share any of your favorites with us on the blog or in class next week?

Music and "E"motions

2007-09-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

Recently, one of my Kindermusik Our Time parents sent this video to me (thanks, Marcelle!). As I watched, I was reminded of a quote from a book I'm currently reading called, "The Singing Neanderthals-- the Origins of Music, Language, Mind and Body." In it, Steven Mithen reminds us that "if music is about anything, it is about expressing and inducing emotions." Boy, talk about the range of emotions both the audience and the judges experience before, during and after they hear Paul Potts sing! Enjoy the video-- it will make your day and put a smile on your face!

IKEA Swivel Chairs

2007-09-11T21:57:00.001-07:00

So I was in IKEA the other day and happened to spot several children playing peek-a-boo inside these colorful and inviting "Swivel Chairs." Wouldn't they be a lot of fun for the Kindermusik Our Time or Imagine That!-aged child?

Here's a description of the many fun uses for the "Swivel Chairs!"
* With the hood pulled down the chair is a secret hiding place for a child.
* The fabric lets light in so it is never completely dark under the hood.
* Spinning helps the brain sort sensory impressions.
* Can be used with a cushion or pad for added comfort.

IKEA

Kindermusik International: A Message About Toy Safety

2007-09-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

Recent news reports have highlighted the recall of some toys found to be unsafe. These reports have understandably raised concerns from parents. I want to be sure you know that Kindermusik shares this concern.

For years Kindermusik has gone to great lengths to assure the safety of our products. That is why parents have come to trust the Kindermusik brand. Kindermusik products are engineered to be educational, entertaining and safe before they enter into production. Production samples of each product are then rigorously tested by an independent testing lab to ensure that our toys meet the highest safety standards.

All Kindermusik products have comfortably passed international safety standards in mechanical and fire hazard tests. Our products have also been tested for potentially hazardous materials and have easily met safety standards for those materials.

Two of our core values at Kindermusik International are to Always Do What is Best for the Child, and to Be Open, Honest, and Direct. At all times, and especially at times like these, our core values guide our actions. That is why we bring this information directly to Kindermusik educators so you are well equipped to answer questions from your parents.

As you have come to expect from Kindermusik, we have taken great care to test that our products are safe, and we will continue safety testing with vigilance. Please refer any further questions regarding the safety of our toys to Kindermusik International 800-628-5687 or info@kindermusik.com.

Sincerely,
Michael G. Dougherty
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Kindermusik International

Posted August 16, 2007

First Evidence That Musical Training Affects Brain Development In Young Children

2007-09-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

McMaster student Andrea Unrau has her mind read by a sensor net that monitors brain activity while music is played in the lab. (Photo by Jason Jones)

"Science Daily — Researchers have found the first evidence that young children who take music lessons show different brain development and improved memory over the course of a year compared to children who do not receive musical training.

The Canadian-based researchers reached these conclusions after measuring changes in brain responses to sounds in children aged between four and six.

Analysis of the music tasks showed greater improvement over the year in melody, harmony and rhythm processing in the children studying music compared to those not studying music. General memory capacity also improved more in the children studying music than in those not studying music."

Read the full article here! Science Daily, Oxford University Press

Absolute Pitch-- Nature or Nurture?

2007-08-28T20:06:00.001-07:00

Absolute pitch-- the ability to identify the exact pitch of a tone just by hearing it on an instrument is a perceptive skill Mozart possessed. It is often said that when Mozart was a young boy, his father would demonstrate Mozart's perfect (absolute) pitch ability to delight and awe his audiences.

Back in 2002, a group of scientists in Sydney Australia utilized PET and MRI scans to identify the part of the brain responsible for absolute pitch. However, they couldn't determine whether this was a musical gift that was innate or nurtured. (abc.net.au)
Right frontal (planum temporale) activation in musicians with perfect (absolute) pitch

Today Jane Gitschier, a geneticist at University of California at San Francisco is currently leading a study on absolute pitch from a genetic and cognitive standpoint. Her objectives for the study? "To discover the genes that are involved in the development of absolute pitch... and to better understand the interplay of genetics and musical training in the development of this cognitive trait." She and her colleagues hope to apply the results of their finding to other areas of study such as "language ability, and, more broadly, to neurodevelopment." (UC Genetics of Absolute Pitch Study)

So far, Gitschier and her colleagues have discovered that like so many things, both nature and nurture come into play in order to determine whether or not someone will have absolute pitch. For example you are more likely to have perfect pitch if you have the genetic code for this trait and have been musically groomed during the critical window: birth to age 7. The study points out that early formal musical training alone will not guarantee absolute pitch. Interestingly enough, the older you get, the sharper a note is perceived (for example, when you hear the middle C, you might perceive the note as C sharp instead).

So do you have absolute pitch? You can find out by taking a survey on line! They are currently looking for participants to continue their absolute pitch study.

Ethan Bortnick - 6 years old Piano Prodigy

2007-08-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ethan piano wonder kid
Uploaded by ryanyusoff

Thanks for sharing, Deanna!

A Local Mom Authors a Book

2007-08-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

I am just so thrilled and proud of Stefanie Cruz, a Natomas Kindermusik mom, anchor/reporter to Good Day Sacramento, and now an author to a children's book!

"The parent and child bond between Delta and Dawn inspired me to write about my own unconditional love for my son, Grant. The first thing I thought of when we covered the ordeal of the two whales, was how the mother and baby always stayed side-by-side," explains Stefanie. She continues, "It was a different and creative way to express my love as a mother, much like the special time we spend in Kindermusik at Musikandmotion has helped Grant and me bond and find other creative outlets to express our feelings." Click here to read more about the author!

Delta & Dawn: Mother & Baby Whales' Journey chronicles the adventure of the mommy-baby humpback whale duo up the Sacramento River and successfully back home to the Pacific Ocean on May 30, 2007, and celebrates "the parent and child bond that transcends the human race." Click here to read more about the book.

Delta & Dawn will be sold at Avid Reader, Border's, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and the Sacramento Zoo in October of 2007. Contact Stefanie at author@deltadawnbook.com to reserve your copy now and support a fellow Kindermusik mom in Natomas!

Congratulations, Stefanie!!! Will you reserve a copy for me with an autograph from you and Grant?

Dancing Those Extra Pounds Off

2007-08-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know Kindermusik moms and dads get a great workout with their babies and children in class?

According to www.sixwise.com,
based on a 150-pound person, per hour, if you were to dance you'd lose:

* Swing dancing: 235 calories/hour
* Ballroom dancing: 265
* Square dancing: 280
* Ballet: 300
* Belly dancing: 380
* Salsa dancing: 420+
* Aerobic dancing: 540+

Can't wait for Kindermusik classes to start so I can dance some of this post-vacation pounds off!

Been Gone for the Summer

2007-08-16T01:59:00.000-07:00

I am back in town ready to get back into the full swing of Kindermusik fall line up next week! Soon after Kindermusik Adventure Camps ended on July 19, 2007 my "busy" summer started with a lovely trip to Rhode Island, followed by a week long training at Kodaly Summer Institute at Holy Names University, celebrated Musikandmotion's one year anniversary on July 28 with past, current and new Kindermusik families (a big thank you to all who joined me for the ice cream social!), and finally, an overseas trip to Korea and Taiwan. I got to spend some much needed family time-- just returned and consequently am suffering from a major jet lag and here I am posting in the wee hours of the night.

This was my first trip to Taiwan and I found the cities of Taipei and Beitou to be beautiful, tropical and most importantly the people incredibly friendly and hospitable! Here I am standing in front of the Chiang Kai Sek Memorial Hall with my husband, David and my parents.

Chiang Kai Sek Memorial Hall

Kindermusik in West Sacramento!

2007-07-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

Musikandmotion now presents Kindermusik in West Sacramento this fall! Village (newborn to 18 mo.) and Our Time (18 mo. to 3 1/2 yr.) classes will be offered weekly at the beautiful Bridgeway Lakes Boathouse beginning, August 27, 2007. Click here for the full schedule of classes in West Sacramento. Hope to see many of you at our new location-- be sure to tell your friends, family and neighbors in West Sacramento!

For more information on Kindermusik, please visit our website: wwww.musikandmotion.com or call Miss Sunny @ 916-419-6999

Summer Concert with The Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra

2007-07-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Summer, Music and Community at the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra's SUMMER SING #1 - MOZART CORONATION MASS

Thursday, July 19 at 7 PM

Donald Kendrick, Music Director

St. Francis Church (Air conditioned)
26th & K Street, Sacramento

Refreshments served

Tickets at the door
$10 General
$5 Students/Seniors

Sponsored by St. Francis Church and John Zapata

SAVE THE DATE
Summer Sing #2
Thursday, August 16th at 7 PM
Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church

Faure Requiem
Lux Aeterna (Excerpts) - Morten Lauridsen

Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church (Air Conditioned)
11427 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA
(between Sunset & Madison)

Sponsored by Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church Music Ministry, Carol Newton Hawk, Organist

Come support the SCSO!

Drum Circle @ Musikandmotion

2007-07-07T22:12:00.001-07:00

Thanks again to Deborah Cardoza for leading our Kindermusik families in such an exciting night of drumming and community building!

As a percussionist, Deborah offers private lessons for all ages-- she states,"it's never too early to get children involved in music!"

You can reach Deborah Cardoza at: 916.768.6599 or DLCardoza@hotmail.com

Spring Kindermusik Family Celebration Part 1

2007-07-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

What fun! I hope these videos put a smile on your and your children's faces as they do mine-- thank you all for helping to create a joyful place where we can come together to celebrate children, families, music, personal expression and community building!

Spring Kindermusik Family Celebration Part II

2007-07-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Nation's Teacher of the Year Speaks about Music in Schools

2007-07-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

“The beautiful thing about music is that it can give kids skills that transfer over into their reading, writing, and math.”

Andrea Peterson, the 2007 Nation's Teacher of the Year
Watch Andrea on ed.gov

Hat tip to Molly McGinn @ I am Kindermusik

Kindermusik Families Learn Salsa at Musikandmotion!

2007-07-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you Tony for a wonderful introduction to one of my favorite dances! For more salsa lessons, contact Tony Nguyen @ 916.541.0053 or email tpndance@gmail.com

On My Beach Blanket

2007-06-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Ali's Dramatic Play

2007-06-26T07:28:00.001-07:00

Ali will be turning 3 in just one week. She began taking Kindermusik at Musikandmotion last summer. And since then, Ali's been incorporating a lot of kindermusik in her dramatic play at home. In the following video, Ali takes on the role of "Miss Sunny for real" and helps us peek inside the process of her imaginative play. If you watch and listen carefully, you'll notice that Ali's pretend play is more than just acting out or imitating "Miss Sunny" (although she does a mighty fine job of that as well). No, she constructs and negotiates meaning while exploring many complex skills such as sequencing of events (beginning, middle and end of class), creative and logical thinking-- how to respond to the big table in the middle of "her Kindermusik classroom"-- Ali's response: "It's okay if we sit on my table for Carnival of Music if there's no room!" and notice the way Ali's mom, Kristin skillfully offers encouragement and suggestions to keep the play going especially when Ali seems "stuck" singing the goodbye song to all her friends. Asking Ali if "the children had their turn playing the guitar" helps her soon-to-be three year old to continue her play into the next logical step-- offering the goodbye stamp to everyone.

For more on the the benefits of pretend play check out: "Dramatic play is not, as some parents and teachers fear, a waste of time; in fact it is the best predictor of a child's capacity for creative thinking and future social success."
The Power of Pretend Play By Adele M. Brodkin, Ph.D.

Thanks for sharing Ali with us, Kristin!

Noah's Birthday Party

2007-06-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

I always consider it a great honor when parents call me to lead their children's birthday parties. Earlier this month, being invited to Noah's home to celebrate his 2nd birthday was no exception. Upon entering his lovely home, Noah gave me the biggest smile with that twinkle in his eyes. He then went about being a gracious host, greeting everyone with "Hi! Hi!" Erika, Noah's mom, welcomed, introduced and led me to where I could set up my instruments, props, and sound dock for the party-- she had cleared her family room and provided a wonderful floor space for everyone to gather for the musical party.

As I got ready to set up,I noticed with delight the Animal Serenade song book from Our Time Fiddle Dee Dee prominently displayed on top of their keyboard, along with other "adult" music sheets. Music from Fiddle dee dee Home Cd was playing in the background to welcome Noah's guests. Clearly, this was a home where music is celebrated and their child's interests honored. It made me feel both proud and happy!

The musical party got under way with everyone singing, dancing and celebrating with Noah his very special day. All the children and adults participated with such enthusiasm and joy. Two Kindermusik families from Noah's class also came to the party-- it was great to see familiar friends among party guests.

Half way into the musical party, one of Noah's enthusiastic friends shouted "This is so much fun!" That was by far the best compliment I've gotten! It was a memorable birthday event-- a joyous celebration of Noah's development and uniqueness with his friends and family in his own home.

P.S. Thank you Noah, his family and guests for sharing the following images on my blog!

I Ran Into A Stranger

2007-06-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

I Ran Into A Stranger

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching out for you."
We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way!" I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,
"While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use,
but the family you love, you seem to abuse."

"Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself; pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.
"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree."

"I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."
I said, "Son, I'm sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. "I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

~Anonymous~

We can all learn from this wise poem. Thanks for sharing Lindsay (Kindermusik with Miss Lindsay)-- it certainly makes you think about what's really important in your life.

A Mother's Reflection

2007-06-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this beautiful and reflective post by Brenna Taylor, our very own Kindermusik parent at Musikandmotion. By the way, Brenna started her own blog in hopes of keeping a diary of her and her daughter's home schooling journey this year:

"So last Friday was our little girl's preschool graduation. The "ceremony" was short and sweet. The kids performed a song for us, each child gave his or her mom a flower, the diplomas were handed out, and each child received a candy lei.

When we left the park the four of us went to Julia's FAVORITE place for lunch, Sizzler. We ate lunch and let her open a couple of presents. I think her favorite was a super big box of Crayola crayons with build-in sharpener (96 count!). Yesterday she used her new crayons and I was amazed that so far she has been able to read the color of each one she has pulled out of the box (sea green, spring green, etc).

So now my first born's preschool career is over. Gone are the days of pulling her sobbing, clingy body off of me (until the first couple of weeks of Kindergarten!) to leave her with her teacher. Gone are the days sitting by the phone in case her teacher should call saying that she had an accident, or worse yet, to come get this wild kid and take her home. No more bullying the boys at school or bringing home all her art projects and drawings (from preschool). The last two and a half years have gone by quick and she has grown in many, many ways..."

Brenna, I wish you and Julia all the best and look forward to reading more of your home schooling journey ahead!

Congrats,
Miss Sunny

Hee Ah Lee's Story

2007-06-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

The following video is a must see! It exemplifies the amazing human spirit, one mother's determination, and the musical ability in all of us! I hope it lifts your spirts as it did mine. Please click the highlighted link below:

Hee Ah Lee: The Four-fingered pianist

Courtesy of Dope Jam

More on Hee Ah Lee's story: The Dong-Ah Il Bo

Hat tip to my Canadian friend, Deanna Goh for sharing this video with me! Hope you are enjoying all that dancing in Vegas!

"Fathers Matter"

2007-06-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Father's Day this Sunday, June 17, here's a special tribute to Kindermusik dads who sing, dance and make music with their little loved ones both in class and at home. You are all stars!!!

Maestro Top Program Awarded to Miss Sunny & Musikandmotion!

2007-06-14T00:20:00.000-07:00

Bravo! Kindermusik International recently honored Musikandmotion with a Maestro Top Program for "exceptional service" award. Miss Sunny has been named Kindermusik Maestro Educator, and joins Kindermusik's prestigious circle of select educators who provide high quality Kindermusik experience for children and families in her program!

Kindermusik Family Night

2007-06-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the families who joined me for the last two Kindermusik Family Nights this month! The food was great-- what a spread we had each night! I especially enjoyed watching the children play and becoming the best of friends with one another in a completely social and play oriented environment. I will be uploading pictures and videos as soon as my new hard drive arrives-- I'm so out of memory! Please check back to see all the fun that took place!

What's in a Face?

2007-05-30T17:41:00.001-07:00

"These photographs of macaque faces were used in a study of human infants' face-processing abilities. The study found that infants can easily recognize individuals by their faces, including individuals of different species.

As most humans, grow, though, they lose this ability to discern faces of an unfamiliar type, the study says. This may explain why, for example, a person who grew up surrounded by, say, Asians might think all Caucasians look fairly similar."
Photograph courtesy PNAS

The following excerpt was taken from Hillary Mayell for National Geographic News
May 22, 2005:

"Human babies start out with the ability to recognize a wide range of faces, even among races or species different from their own, according to a new study.

The researchers focused on face processing—the ability to recognize and categorize faces, determine identity and gender, and read emotions. Their findings suggest that, in humans, this skill is a case of "use it or lose it."

In the study six-month-old infants were able to recognize the faces of individuals of a different species—in this case, monkeys. Babies who received visual training retained the ability. But those with no training lost the skill by the time they were nine months old.

Led by Olivier Pascalis, a psychologist at England's University of Sheffield, the team reported their findings this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences." To read more, click: National Geographic News

Shall We Dance?

2007-05-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

This is it Kindermusik Families!!! It is my great pleasure and honor to bring to you Tony Nguyen, an incredibly talented dancer, performer and teacher of ballroom dancing. For families signed up for Kindermusik Family Night on Saturday, June 9 @ 6PM, we'll enjoy some Kindermusik fun along with a special performance by Tony and an introductory salsa lesson, and then we'll all dance!

Sacramento Choral Society Salutes Broadway

2007-05-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Noah Stewart, a rising star in operatic community with an amazing tenor voice-- he nearly received several standing ovations from the audience on May 12, 2007 "Salute to Broadway" production!

Miss Buchanan (fellow Kindermusik educator) and her daughter McKenzie who came to cheer me on :)

A bird's eye view from the 2nd tier balcony of Sacramento Community Theatre

The Emotional Life of a Toddler

2007-05-20T18:10:00.001-07:00

The Emotional Life of the Toddler by Alica F. Lieberman, Ph.D. is an excellent book! I know I've been talking this book up in class but if your child is between the ages of one and three, this is a must read-- it will help you better understand your child and her behavior from her emotional stand point. Not only does this book address the "why's" of your toddler's sometimes bewildering behavior but it's written in such a positive, encouraging and supportive voice.

Lieberman identifies four main temperament types of children in her book:
1. The Easy toddler- who is typically flexible in any type of situations,
2. The Active toddler- who is movement oriented and thrives on language,
3. The Shy toddler- who adjusts fine but needs extra time to warm up to new people and environment, and
4. The Difficult toddler-- who demonstrates intense emotions and typically finds daily routines and/or transitions extremely difficult.

Lieberman offers great insight and delightful vignettes which you will find all too familiar both at home and public setting, including the Kindermusik classroom! As you know, temperament is something each of us are born with. I appreciate Lieberman's insight that children who are "difficult" do not purposely and intentionally go out of their ways to be difficult. All children need loving and nurturing guidance, but the "difficult toddlers" need it even more! Parents of "difficult toddlers" also need more support and understanding from everyone, especially their friends and family. Unfortunately, however, the impulsive human response to "difficult toddlers" and their parents is often harsh and critical judgment...

Read this book!

Pa-Pa-Pa

2007-05-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

Pa-Pa-Pa (Mozart - Die Zauberflote - The Magic Flute)

Though the Imagine That! child is skilled at visualizing what they hear, I wanted to share this video for the adults who may find the visuals a welcome aid in picturing the Pa-Pa-Pa duet in Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute. Have pa-pa-pa fun!

Click Suite 101 to read more about the plot summary of this classic opera.

Baby Birds Update

2007-05-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure if these helpless baby birds would make it but when I returned from my trip to Ojai last week, I was delighted to spot the pair of young birds fleeting from one tree branch to another, and dropping little baby feathers in my backyard. Their high-pitched "peeps" have now taken on a melodic whistle as they chirp about.

Chirping Baby Birds

2007-05-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp! Two chirping and noisy baby birds recently hatched from their nest in my backyard and as 'fledglings' were wandering about on the ground and in the grass-- they're so small and vulnerable. Although I haven't spotted mama bird yet, I'm certain she's nearby keeping an eye of them, feeding them and showing them where to take refuge. For now the two have made the 3 foot Azalea bush by the fence their temporary home. I for one will be keeping an eye and a leash on Lucy and Ricky, my two Malteses, until these little birdies are ready to take flight on their own. Can you spot the two camoulflaged in the center?

Drum Circle

2007-05-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a roaring night of drum gathering @ Musikandmotion on Saturday, June 2 at 6:00PM as Deborah Cardoza (drum instructor and percussion major at CSUS) leads Kinermusik families in a drum circle!

From the Book & DVD "Together in Rhythym" by Kalani DrumCircleMusic.com

Here's what Shannon Ratigan, a drum cirlce facilitator had to share about the benefits of a Drum Circle:

"It uplifts the spirits of all the participants Unity is achieved through diversity. It invigorates the body and mind. Enhances focus and clarity. It builds group cooperation skills and camaraderie. It’s proven to reduce stress, and it’s cheaper than therapy. It reduces employee routine and burnout in the workplace. It improves motor skills, and it’s a positive musical experience. It's an opportunity for self expression, and increased listening skills. It stimulates creativity, experimentation, and self confidence. It breaks down communication barriers, and celebrates the joy of life. It’s empowering, healthy, and most of all it’s Fun!

Scientific research is now validating the health benefits experienced by drumming. Across the nation, organizations are bringing together people of diverse ages, cultures, and even work teams through the community building of the drum circle.

Check out these sites for more info on some of the health benefits of group drumming:
AMC- American Music Conference
Boston.com News
The Macomb Daily

Child Care Resource

2007-04-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Need help finding child care for your child? Big thanks to Marcelle, an Our Time mom for sharing these two great resource on Musikandmotion blog:

Child Action, Inc

Sacramentokids.com

Feel free to share your ideas as well. We can all benefit from pooling our resource together.

Spring Fiddle Dee Dee

2007-04-25T14:16:00.003-07:00

View full size

Can you SEE music?

2007-04-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Check out this creative site that helps you visually experience music to classical tunes: Paul van Coeverden's "Music Animations". Simply click one of the pictured sign posts on the map and see what happens!

Hat tip to East Bay Kindermusik and Lindsay Levin.

Kindermusik According to Wikipedia

2007-04-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

In researching a topic on Wikipedia, I happened to find a definition of Kindermusik in its database of information! Here's Kindermusik according to Wikipedia the free encyclopedia:

"Kindermusik is a method of early childhood education and is one of the most widely recognized music and movement programs for young children. Kindermusik offers classes structured around singing, games, movement to music, and listening activities for all age groups (and their parents) between birth and 7 years. The philosophy of Kindermusik education involves parents as the most important teachers and the home environment as the most important place to learn.

The following classes are typically offered:

* Village - Village is designed for babies up to 18 months, along with a caregiver. Classes are held once a week for 15 weeks for 45 minutes and provide an opportunity for the baby to learn through music and movement.

* Our Time - For children from 18 months to 3 years, Our Time fosters communication, self-confidence, and self-control. For 15 weeks, the child attends the weekly 45 minute class with a caregiver. Children are encouraged to sing, dance, listen and play instruments.

* Imagine That - This course is designed for children aged 3 to 5 and encourages socialization, sharing and participation in group activities. Children are often asked to use their imaginations. Once again, this class meets once a week for 15 weeks for 45 minutes, however the caregiver only participates for the last 15 minutes of class.

* Young Child - Young Child classes are conducted once a week for 15 weeks and last from 60 to 75 minutes. This class is designed as a precursor to starting formal music lessons. Children learn basic musical symbols and play a variety of instruments (e.g., keyboards, stringed and woodwind instruments).

* Music Box - This program is designed for 3 to 5 year olds who attend preschool. Thirty minute classes are offered weekly for 10 weeks. The program is designed to foster self-expression and creativity through age-appropriate music and movement activities.

* Summer Camp - A five session Kindermusik summer camp for all children aged newborn to 7 years. Classes are offered for different age ranges.

* Sign and Sing - Designed for hearing children aged 6 months to 3 years, Sign and Sing is a five week course. Classes are held once a week for 40-50 minutes. Children are introduced to more than 50 signs presented through music and play.

* Family Time - This class is designed for families with multiple children. Classes are held once a week for 10 weeks and last 40-50 minutes. Basic musical concepts are introduced weekly and then structured free time is provided for the whole family to learn together.

Winter, spring, and summer sessions are usually offered. A theme is chosen for each session and home materials are provided. Typically, home materials include a music CD, books, an instrument, and a carrying case." For more, click Wikipedia.

Although a few details need updating (such as the phasing out of Music Box and introduction of ABC Music & Me for 2-6 year olds), I'd say this is a pretty accurate description of the Kindermusik program!

The Perfect Easter Egg Hunt

2007-04-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Pottery Barn Kids : Puffy Chick and Bunny Treat Bags

Here are some great tips on planning the perfect Easter egg hunt by Kaboose Family Network: Click Kaboose for more ideas!

* "Use different colors: Get two- to four-year-olds looking for blue eggs while those four to six search for green, and so on [to level out the playing field].

* Make words: Paint a different letter on each egg... then have the kids create words with the eggs they’ve found. The kid with the most words wins a prize.

* Keep a record: Make a note of how many eggs you’ve used and where they’re hidden.

* Set boundaries: Tell kids to stay between the house and the first maple tree, for instance, or to go no farther than the mailbox.

* Draw a map: Keep things interesting by setting up a treasure hunt for kids.

* Add a piñata: If you’re using plastic eggs, place them in a piñata once they’ve been found. The one who finally bursts it open wins something special."

Here's one more idea from Musikandmotion:

* Add music during your hunt of course!

Happy Easter, Rosh Hashanah and Passover!

Universal Singing Pattern

2007-04-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

From Village to Family Time classes, every Kindermusik family has helped me sing the "_____ Away" song during clean up time. This two pitch (sol-mi or G-E on the piano) melodic pattern is a commom minor third interval that children often sing at play: "Nyeah, nyeah, nyeah, nyeah, nyeah...," or "Rain, Rain, Go Away." And according to music experts, Sol-Mi melodic interval is one of the easiest and universal music patterns for young children to hear and imitate.

Recently a Kindermusik educator in Memphis shared the following story about her 2 year old who likes to sing, '"Self away, self away, time to put myself away" when it's time to go to bed.' Donna Metler in Memphis TN.

Care to share your child's rendition of the "Away" song on the blog?

Kindermusik Summer of Music

2007-04-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Can you hear the "Sound of Summer" approaching? At Musikandmotion we have an array of music & movement classes interwoven with instruments,storytelling, signs, and themed snacks & crafts just waiting for you and your child to experience:

* BUSY DAYS for our Village babies to SIGN&SING to jump start your communication with your child 6 mo to 3 years old.
* CARNIVAL OF MUSIC to share with your Our Timers (just in time for the State Fair) or CREATURES AT THE OCEAN for those ready for an ocean adventure with ocean-themed craft activites!
* Relive your summer trips ON THE ROAD with your Imagine That! preschool aged child as well!
* TELL ME A TALE for the Young Child 5-7 year olds who aspire to being storytellers themselves!

The finalized summer schedule is up on our website: Kindermusik Summer Adventure Camps. For questions, call 916-419-6999 or email musikandmotion@yahoo.com

Reserve a place for you and your child during Early Bird Registration and receive a FREE Kindermusik Beach ball till April 21, 2007 (or while supplies last)!

Canada Day in California

2007-03-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Choral Society on the steps of the Capital Building

I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the governor but I didn't even see his shadow... Guess he had more important things to do...

Playing Music Makes You Smart

2007-03-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

Kindermusik educators' community has been abuzz with this new article, but I'm proud to point out that Brenna Taylor, an Our Time and Imagine That! parent tipped me off way before I heard about it from my colleagues!

Sorry for the delay in posting it-- I've been a bit busy with getting the summer schedule ready...
"Playing Music Makes Your Smart"

Look What We Made for Our City Sculptures!

2007-03-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

"Charlotte"

"The Snowman"

"Cake, Snake & Flower

With a Little Help from Moms...

Object Exploration

2007-03-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

We know babies love to explore but what would happen if we put velcro covered mittens on their little hands?

A team of researchers at Duke University set out to find out. The results are quite interesting! One of their findings indicates that babies who have had opportunties to explore using this niffy tool displayed greater capacity to explore both visually and orally! There are still many unanswered questions, but the experiment supports the notion that early experience and learning are a good thing.

"Experience is the best sculptor." --Charles Dickens, David Copperfield

You can read this full article here: 'Sticky Mittens' Give Babies A Head Start

Baby Sign

2007-03-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Translated from Korean:
A child is born not knowing anything about the world.
A mother is born not knowing anything about a child.

A child who is unable to balance his own head,
Possesses the strength to support his own weight.

He may cry out for milk,
But he has the ability to distinguish between his mother’s milk and that of another.

A newborn sleeps 14 hours a day,
And during that time, his neural development progresses at an astonishing rate.

Though a baby puts everything in his mouth,
He does so because of his limited eye sight so he can see and feel these objects.

A baby imitates his mother and this is the very first learned skill a baby possesses.

And then a baby speaks... using nonverbal gestures.

Children who learn to sign score an average of 12 points higher on IQ tests. -- USA Today
Baby signing facilitates speech development. -- Linda Acredolo

But most importantly, signing with children nurtures a stronger family bond.

Dog, cat, milk..

A child is born.
A mother is born.
Baby signing is born to help us communicate with our babies.