Suggestions for getting the most out of your investment in Kindermusik:
Plan to arrive about 5 minutes early for class. Arriving a little before class provides time for your child to adjust to the musical environment as he or she prepares to enjoy exploring instruments, reading books, or listening to music.
Please keep toys, juice cups, and snacks out of sight as much as possible. As you know, if one child has something to eat or drink, they ALL want something to eat or drink!
Be sure to dress comfortably. You'll be moving up, down, and all around!
It is not uncommon for a child to need to attend several classes before feeling comfortable in the class environment. Don't be discouraged - what a child is absorbing in class is often evidenced in the comfort of the home environment rather than in a certain level of participation in class. The understanding and consistency of the parent or caregiver in class and at home are key to facilitating musical learning and growth.
Be ready to be an active, focused and enthusiastic participant in the class activities. Your child will model your actions and focus more fully, too!
If your child becomes too agitated to benefit from an activity and/or is harming others, we do ask that you take him/her outside for a few minutes to "regroup" before rejoining the class.
You and your child will enormously benefit from the Kindermusik experience, especially if you make active use of your At Home materials. Frequent reinforcement at home throughout the week makes all the difference in a child's comfort and participation in the classroom!
Suggestions for getting the most out of your investment in piano or guitar lessons
Arrive to all lessons on time with all materials.
Always read assignments and notices sent home. Look for them in a brightly colored folder or three ring binder.
Always have all assignments completed.
Parents need to help most children find a regular practice time; kids generally cannot be held responsible to pick a time by themselves and stick to it. However, a little assistance and encouragement from parents can go a long way to acheiving success!
Have a quality instrument in a practice-friendly environment in your home. (Good lighting, bench at correct height, no distractions such as TV, radio, siblings, pets, phone conversations)
Communicate often with your teacher about any concerns you might have.
Feel free to pass on words of praise and encouragment to your teacher too!
Helpful Links:
Information on additional Kindermusik educators, locations and programs in the San Antonio area (including outlying towns of New Braunfels, Schertz, etc.)
More information on Kindermusik curricula and programs
Official web site of the American Music Therapy Association
web site of the Certification Board for Music Therapists. CBMT is the only organization to certify music therapists to practice music therapy nationally. Since 1986 it has been fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
The Music and Science Information Archive. This site contains many research articles concerning the effect of music on other areas of development (physical, cognitive, emotional, etc.)
The Texas Music Teachers Association includes over two thousand members in sixty-five local organizations. TMTA is a nonprofit educational organization. Founded in 1886, it is dedicated to the promotion of high quality individual and group music instruction.
Large international database of music teachers. For all instruments, locations, ages, styles and skill levels.
There are many fine music teachers in San Antonio. Finding them is a challenge. The teachers at MACSA have been handpicked for their dedication to producing long term results in their students.
"A foundation for lifelong music" means that a student will develop the proper music reading and technical skills that are necessary to make music a part of their lives forever.
