Why should I pursue early childhood music education for my child?
Music awakens and stimulates neural pathways in the brain that are associated with higher forms of intelligence, such as abstract thinking, empathy, mathematics and science. Music's melodic and rhythmic patterns provide exercise for the brain and help develop memory. Remember singing the ABC song to learn your ABC's? Studying music helps children establish good listening habits, which are essential for achievement in school. Overall, music activities are perfect for child development. Music immerses the child in language, evokes movement, stimulates the brain and fosters physical coordination -- all in a group setting that builds community -- a holistic experience.

How long do the classes last each week?
Classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are 45 minutes per week. Classes for 4½-6-year-olds are 60 minutes per week.  Keyboard classes are 75 minutes per week.

What does is mean when you say Musikgarten has a 9-year developmental plan for my child?
Only Musikgarten has a program that addresses the unique developmental needs of children at each age. All of the classes are interrelated, as they were written for children to grow up with Musikgarten. This sequential planning also makes it easier for the students to grow in their musical competence and graduate to instrument playing.

Should Parents attend and participate in the classes?
Parents are an integral part of class in the younger years. As students get older, they participate by themselves; but parents take part in the classes towards the end of each lesson. For all classes, parents are asked to include active music making in their child’s life. Sing along with the CD. Play echo games, making up patterns, as we do in class. Put the picture cards or notation games on your refrigerator and play identification games with them as you get ready for dinner. More structured practice is required when the children get to Music Makers: At the Keyboard.

How does Musikgarten prepare students for piano lessons?
Musikgarten classes develop students' aural senses more than other pre-piano methods. The Music Makers: At the Keyboard classes are taught in a group session, so that children learn from each other and grow in their comfort of playing with and in front of one another.

Why do the students get Home Materials? Are we supposed to practice at home?
Children and parents can have so much fun at home and in the car with Musikgarten songs and dances. In class you learn the songs, but at home is where you really have fun with the songs and dances. It's a great family bonding time. Try it and you won't have to ask this question ever again!

What if we have to miss a class?
Please let me know in advance, if possible. You are welcome to make up a class, if one is available and your schedule allows for it.  It's best to schedule make-ups ahead of time to ensure a class is not overcrowded.

As my child gets older there seem to be more and more activities for him/her to do.  Why should I continue with music and movement training?
After being in the program for a while, you can see the benefits your child is getting from class. It is our view that the singing, dancing and playing (in class and at home) is the best for your child's holistic development: language, movement, math skills, and physical coordination -- all in a group setting that builds community. While other activities can be fun too, a primary block of your child's developmental time spent with Musikgarten can give you the most long-lasting benefits.

Why should I enroll my baby in Musikgarten? What can a baby possibly learn? 
You might be surprised! Research is showing us that music and movement activities stimulate all parts of the brain. Activities in Musikgarten classes promote cognitive, emotional, language, physical, and social as well as musical development. Moreover, the child's greatest opportunity for enhancing musical aptitude is from birth to age three. Providing developmentally appropriate musical stimulation will help your child realize his greatest musical potential. Family Music for Babies classes equip you to continue the musical learning at home.

My child is already four and has never taken a music class. Is it too late?
Not at all! Though we can most influence musical aptitude in the first three years, the years from three to six are next in importance, followed by the years from six to nine. By age nine musical aptitude is set. Of course, older children can still learn to sing and play an instrument; however, the ease of learning is less for older students who have not been exposed to developmentally appropriate musical activities.

How can I give my child the greatest musical advantage possible? 
Enroll your child in Family Music for Babies as an infant, attend class regularly, and do the activities you experience in class at home. Follow with the other Musikgarten curricula as your child grows and matures. Make full use of all the materials at home; music can be a natural and fun part of every day! Although it's certainly possible to skip a semester or year, students who maintain consistent enrollment realize the greatest benefits. You might be amazed at how young your child can match pitches and rhythms, tunefully sing a large repertoire of songs, and play instruments like the resonator bars or glockenspiel and piano. Also, today's Musikgarten students are usually tomorrow's honor students. The language, listening, cognitive, and creative skills we foster is class invariably lead to academic success for the older student. Music classes are an investment in your child's future success and self-esteem.

My child gets music in preschool/kindergarten. Isn't this adequate? 
Usually not. The preschool/kindergarten teacher often has minimal training in teaching music to young children.  Musikgarten curricula have incorporated results from the most current research and testing in the field of early childhood music. The licensed educator has specialized training and a vast array of resources available to her that the typical preschool/kindergarten teacher does not.  Musikgarten classes are small, allowing for more effective observation and teaching. Classes are process- rather than performance-oriented; we spend our time building and reinforcing skills rather than repeating the same material at length for a performance. Parents participate in at least a portion of each class, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to continue and reinforce the learning at home. Classes for 4½-9-year-olds are carefully sequenced to teach music literacy skills that children don't otherwise normally learn until at least sixth grade.

I'm interested in Musikgarter, but it's so expensive. Wouldn't it be okay to just wait and start piano lessons when my child is older?
Private music lessons are quite a bit more expensive than music classes. Private music students with no music class experience typically progress much more slowly and are more likely to drop out of music lessons early.  Musikgarten classes are an investment in your child's future musical success. If finances are a problem, please inquire about scholarships; tuition assistance is available for some classes.

Can we preview a class before signing up?
Certainly! Please schedule to ensure that a class is not overcrowded.

What should we wear/bring to class?
Children (and parents) should wear comfortable clothes and shoes; we will be dancing and moving energetically. Please leave food and drinks in the car (except for nursing or bottle-fed babies in baby classes). Your child should not come to class with gum or toys; gum interferes with proper singing, and toys distract him and the other children. You can leave Home Materials at home, but please be sure that your older child remembers the materials we use in class.  Children are sad when they cannot fully participate, and they miss out on the learning.

Can I bring a child's sibling to class?
A sibling is welcome to attend classes if s/he is enrolled in another Musikgarten class and as long as s/he is not disruptive to the class. Otherwise mature older siblings can quietly entertain themselves in the waiting area. All siblings (old and young, enrolled or not) are welcome to attend the Sharing Time at the end of Cycle of Seasons and Music Makers classes.

Can I bring visitors to class?
We welcome your relatives (especially grandparents) anytime! We will also from time to time have special classes when you can invite friends.