Kindermusik Tuition Adjustment!!

Hello, all!  To make a very long story short, I have not had complete access to the "SHOP" page of the Kindermusik teacher's store until today.  Therefore, to set prices for the Home Materials for each class, I was going from an old price list that I had.  The good news is that I got access to the "shop" today and saw that there were discounted prices on the Home Materials for all three classes.  What this means is that the total cost for each class will be slightly less than what was originally posted on this blog.  If you click on the Kindermusik tab above you'll be able to see the new and accurate prices.  Please contact me with any questions. 

Studio Photos!

Just wanted to let you all know that I've added photos to the Studio page.  Click on the "Studio" link above for a virtual tour!!

Kindermusik Video/Blog Link on sidebar!

If you are considering Kindermusik but don't know much about it yet, I encourage you to click on some of the short video clips on the link in the upper right sidebar of this blog.  For example, if you are considering Imagine That! for your child, scroll through until you see a video labeled "Imagine That" or "IT" and click to watch.  You will be able to see actual video of that class being taught with real live kiddos!  If you think your child would love to be one of those kiddos, talk to me about enrolling in Kindermusik!  As the Kindermusik motto goes:  "A great beginning never ends.........."  Check it out today!!

What is included in the Kindermusik home materials?

For those of you unfamiliar with Kindermusik, I wanted to write a quick post to explain the Home Materials component of the class.   Just like you have to purchase "gear" to go with various sports activities or costumes for dance recitals, there is some "gear" to go along with your child's Kindermusik experience.  The awesome thing about the Kindermusik gear is that it is designed by experts in the fields of music education and child development AND it is designed so that you as the parent can have access to materials that will reinforce and enhance what your child is learning in their Kindermusik class.  In my family, our Kindermusik CDs and instruments are by far some of the best investments I've made in my children's learning and development during their early childhood years.  They continue to be favorites to this day, even several years after my children were last enrolled in a Kindermusik class.

As part of your total cost for enrolling in Kindermusik you will pay a deposit which covers the cost (including tax and shipping) for the Home Materials for that class.  In case you are wondering...........here is what you get in the Home Materials for each of the three classes I currently offer:

Our Time (18 months-3 year olds class, Tuesdays at 9:15 a.m.)

• Two Home CDs with all the songs and chants from class plus more music
• Two Literature Books which are copies of the books used in class and are designed to correlate   with  Our Time activities and stimulate the continuation of class activities at home.
• Home Activity Book which includes songs, creative activities for play, and lots of information about how these activities will benefit your child's growth and development.
• Instrument (each semester's curriculum has a different instrument)
• Carry Bag

Imagine That!  (3-5 year olds class, Wednesdays from 5:30-6:15 p.m.)

• Two Home CDs
• Literature component
• Family Activity book
• Pretend play manipulative component
• Instrument
• Imagine That! backpack

Kindermusik for the Young Child  (5-7 year olds class, Wednesdays from 6:45-7:45 p.m.)

• Kindermusik for the Young Child Carry Bag with the Young Child logo (NOTE:  This is to be used for all 4 semesters of YC and is included with the first semester's enrollment; it is a one-time purchase.)
• Home CD with songs and activities from the curriculum
• Children's Folder for organizing and storing activity pages and for placement of attendance stickers
• Games Bag, a clear vinyl bag for holding manipulatives
• 15 Music at Home Cards with information for parents about home activities
• Attendance stickers, name stickers and a variety of manipulatives
• Family Songbook containing songs and chants experienced in class
• Instrument:  for Semester 1 students the instrument is a glockenspiel with two mallets which will be used for all four semesters of YC.  In Semester 3 children will get a dulcimer with bag.  In Semester 4 they will get a recorder with bag.

Wow!  Just typing that list makes me wish I could have taken these classes when I was little!  I guess I'll get to live vicariously now through my little students.  How fun!!

What is the best age to start piano lessons?

You may be wondering what age is a good time to begin formal piano lessons.  I'll share my opinon here, although chances are you could ask other piano teachers and their suggestions would vary somewhat.  I began piano lessons at the beginning of second grade.  Miss Sandy (many of you know her!!) was my piano teacher.  At that time she told my mom that second grade was an ideal age to start piano lessons.  By this age children have developed longer attention spans and concentration, the mathematical concepts needed for comprehending music are stronger, and they have better manual dexterity. 

I taught piano lessons as a teenager, then again as an adult both in Iowa City and here in Glenwood.  While I have started children as young as beginning kindergarteners, my experience has led me to agree with Miss Sandy.  Second grade and above is an ideal age for this type of formal instruction.  Of course there is tremendous variability between children.  If you are still wondering about what's best for your own child, I would love to visit with you about it.  Depending on the child, some children might be ready as beginning first graders.

If you have a young one who is interested in music but may not be ready yet for piano lessons, one option to consider is Kindermusik for the Young Child.  This class will meet on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 and will include singing, dancing, and movement activities as well as beginning instruction in music notation, recognizing and reading rhythms and other foundational music concepts.

Enroll now! link is installed

I have installed an enroll now link in the top right sidebar of the blog.  This will take you directly to a place where you can enroll for Kindermusik classes online and using your credit card.  I know many of you will appreciate the convenience of this option. 

Fall 2011 Schedule is ready!!

I have just confirmed the classes and dates/times for Kindermusik for this fall.  If you click on the "Kindermusik" tab above, you will be linked to the page that describes the three classes I'm planning to offer along with when classes meet and the tuition for each class.  I am excited to be able to offer classes for children ages 18 months through 7 years.   If you have any questions about any of the classes, please contact me at lambertlaurak@aol.com.  I am truly excited to offer this great musical experience to children and families in Glenwood, so don't hesitate to call me with your questions. 

Also, I have made it very easy to enroll for those of you who know already that you would like to register your child.  If you go to http://www.kindermusik.com/ and click on the "Find a class" link you will be directed to type in your zip code and check the age of your child/children.  A list of options should pop up and my name and Walnut Hill Studio should be near the top.  Click on the class you are interested in and you will be able to pay online using a credit card.  So simple! 

I hope to hear from many of you very soon!! 

I'm licensed!! (to drive AND teach Kindermusik!)

I have officially applied for and received confirmation that I am now a licensed Kindermusik instructor.  Very soon I will be posting a schedule of the classes I plan to offer this fall.  I am very happy and excited to be able to offer Kindermusik to the families in and around Glenwood, Iowa.