Golden Oldies-FREE Downloads

The Holidays!! My favorite time of the year. The anticipation of snow and warm fires and family. May this year be one rich in health and happiness and love.

Things have been bustling along in our Kindermusik classes. Hard to believe the semester is coming to an end and Winter session is just around the corner. We have added new classes, times and days. Please visit our website to view the latest and enroll online.

Parents are powerful promoters! Bring a friend in on the fun and get a free gift ($30 value) while supplies last. It’s our way of saying” thank you” for sharing your stories and experiences with everyone. Our goal, with your help, is to give the gift of Kindermusik to every child, everywhere!

Speaking of gifts make sure to let family and friends know about holiday gift certificates. Good towards any class, session, instrument, or prop, a contribution from a loved one is a special way to share the gift of music. Call Ms K for gift certificates in varying amounts-good for one year from time of purchase.

This is the latest picture of Charlie’s Striding Adventures. Another quality idea in gift –giving, the Strider builds strength, confidence, control and balance through the use of a pedal free mini bike. Occupational therapists and doctors are purchasing them for their patients as it improves muscle tone.

Bikes take 5-10 business days to order so please visit our website now to have in time for the holidays! Remember, FREE assembly when picking up in NJ.

Schedule a demonstration with your toddler!

In the spirit of giving, Charlie and I would like to donate a bike to our local hospital. Every bike that is purchased between now and January 1, 2010, $10 will go towards our Strider Spirit Fund. Our hope is to grow this charity and eventually have bikes in every childrens hospital.

Atlantic City, 2009

Noteworthy News:

I have been fortunate enough to have been blessed with a job that I love and one that I am passionate about. As you all know, I not only teach Kindermusik, but have made it my mission to pioneer our preschool curricula in our schools.

It is a difficult task but one that I relish as I have seen incredible strides in children of all skills and abilities. Our two sets of curricula are now expanded to include children as young as 17 months. I welcome you to come join a preview class of this amazing program.

As an educator, I am excited at the possibility to bring music to the forefront of our early learning. I have had the honor of presenting two workshops at this the 2009, Region II Head Start Conference, which included participants from NY, NJ the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. My colleague from upstate New York assisted with our booth and we are both excited about the potential schools/programs we have reached. I will also be presenting a workshop to Union City NJ educators in the coming weeks and a workshop for special needs and Autism NY is in the works for the future.

Please feel free to call me with any suggestions/contacts you may have that can further this initiative.

Below is a link to our preschool newsletter

http://kindermusikkids.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/abc-fall-newsletter-final1.pdf

In light of today’s economic hardship, I am always searching for ways to enable my families to continue to experience the benefits of Kindermusik, while not breaking the bank.

Along with some of the options I have already presented (small group instruction, payment plans, In service for your home/facility etc) I am pleased to share a new possibility-

ABC Music and Me. I have expanded the age range to include our toddlers. This 4 week session is a shorter time commitment, more affordable cost and is an introduction to preschool, moving away from “Mommy and Me”

The 2 set curricula will enable toddlers-age 3 to participate either with/without mom. Our older curricula is perfect for the school-age after school activity.

Please visit our site to enroll now!

Article of the Month

Parents are a childs most important educator. Read this article that I presented as a component of my workshop on the importance of family involvement

Parental Involvement Research Summary

Where Children Spend Their Time

School age children spend 70% of their waking hours (including weekends and holidays) outside of school

Clark, R.M. (1990). Why Disadvantaged Children Succeed. Public Welfare (Spring): 17-23

When Parents Should Get Involved

The earlier in a child’s educational process parent involvement begins, the more

powerful the effects.

Cotton,K, Wikelund, K., Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, School Improvement Research Series. In Parent Involvement in Education.

The most effective forms of parent involvement are those, which engage parents in working directly with their children on learning activities at home.

Cotton, K, Wikelund, K., Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, School Improvement Research Series. In Parent Involvement in Education.

Impact

Lack of parental involvement is the biggest problem facing public schools.

Rose, Gallup, & Elam, 1997

Decades of research show that when parents are involved students have:

• Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates • Better school attendance

• Increased motivation, better self-esteem • Lower rates of suspension

• Decreased us of drugs and alcohol • Fewer instances of violent behavior

Source: Parent Teacher Association

Family participation in education was twice as predictive of students’ academic success as family socioeconomic status. Some of the more intensive programs had effects that were 10 times greater than other factors.

Walberg (1984) in his review of 29 studies of school-parent programs

School and District Leadership

The strongest and most consistent predictors of parent involvement at school and at home are the specific school programs and teacher practices that encourage parent involvement at school and guide parents in how to help their children at home.

Dauber and Epstein (11:61)

School initiated activities to help parents change the home environment can have a strong influence on children’s school performance

Lefer, H. (1983) Parent Education and Involvement in Relation to the Schools and to Parents of School-aged Children.

Parents need specific information on how to help and what to do.

Morton-Williams, R. “The Survey of Parental Attitude and Circumstances, 1964.”

Federal and State Requirements

Parent involvement components are required in the federal elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), and various federal and state education programs.

August Newsletter

Aug12

Well, we have certainly hit the dog days of summer. It feels like we are walking through a sea of humidity and air conditioners drone full blast. Just what to expect from the lazy hazy month of August. The days drag out in front of us and yet school is just around the corner. What to do with your children? We are offering Kindermusik playdates which give families an opportunity to ‘check out’ our classes and spend some time making music and meeting friends.

Check out our meetup group Kindermusik Kids to enroll in one of these classes and see what else we have scheduled. We are always interested in your feedback/suggestions, so please feel free to drop us a line and let us know your ideas, days, times that a meetup would work for you!

http://www.meetup.com/kindermusikkids/

Ms. “K” is busy “planting seeds”. Visiting schools, seeting up meetings and demonstrations and sharing information about ABC Music & Me school edition. She is working tirelessly to bring all the children in NY/NJ quality early learning programs that only Kindermusik can provide. Did you know that our latest success stories include Parents As Teachers? This group/organization recognizes the importance of family involvement in education. Small groups, homeschoolers and facilities can contact us for a meeting and a FREE demonstration class. Please feel free to visit our website for more information:

http://www.abcmusicandme.com

Our fall schedule is available at the website. I will be posting the registration forms as well, shortly. We have expanded our classes, times and dates to make the opportunity to enjoy Kindermusik more flexible to your needs.

http://www.teachkids.kindermusik.net

Our educators are open to providing Kindermusik experiences for your schools, groups, events and playgroups. The schedule is filling fast, so reserve a teacher for your students/kids. Call for more information and details.

The Strider family is growing in leaps and bounds. Or shall I say making huge ‘strides’ . Word of mouth is spreading and we can’t keep enough in stock. Visit the website to order your bike today. We will be offering demonstrations in various locations plus you can schedule a private viewing as well. New jersey residents have the option of FREE assembly when picking up from our Teaneck location.

Attention Bike Dealers/Owners: We are looking to expand our distribution in the NY/NJ area. Please contact us for more information as to how you can become a distributor and expand your target market to include the youngest of riders. Visit our website and Contact Us:

http://www.littlestriderrider.com

Don’t forget our ever popular birthday parties need to be scheduled in advance. This year tailor a musical experience to your child’s personality for a birthday worth remembering. Call to find out about our current discounts when booking early.

Article of the Month: Positive information for our Preschool Program

News Briefs

Obama Budget Earmarks Funds for Early Childhood Services

President Obama has provided new details on his 2010 education budget, and the net effect may be a net plus for pre-k and early childhood programs.

While releasing a general framework earlier this year, the administration has provided a line-by-line budget request for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. That blueprint shows that early care and education programs could receive an additional $800 million for next year.

The budget includes $500 million for a new program of Title I early childhood grants. While some school districts fund early childhood activities via Title I, the issue is a local one with no federal requirement.

Under this new program, the federal government would provide matching grants as an incentive for states and localities to devote more Title I dollars for early education. Historically, only 2 percent of Title I funds have gone toward early education, the department says.

States would receive their share of the $500 million based on their proportional share of Title I Part A funds for fiscal year 2009, including funds received under the new federal stimulus bill. Localities then could receive matching grants for new or expanded programs.

In addition, the administration’s budget would provide $300 million for a new Early Learning Challenge Fund. Obama had outlined this program during his presidential campaign, pledging to provide a new source of seed money for pre-k and early education expansion.

The federal government would make competitive grants to states for development of an integrated early learning program for children ages 0 to 5. States could raise their standards, build new systems and promote quality with these funds.

“This request would be the first of several years of investment,” the administration’s budget states.

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan went to Capitol Hill in late May to campaign for the initiatives.

“If we are going to be successful in rebuilding our economy, our early childhood programs need to prepare our youngest children for kindergarten so they’re ready to start reading and learning,” he told the House Education and Labor Committee.

The President’s budget request is under consideration by Congress, which so far has not retained the President’s funding for the two new programs. However, the House introduced separate legislation that includes funding for an early learning challenge fund and the Senate may do the same when Congress returns in September.

More information on Title I and pre-K is available from Pre-K Now at www.preknow.org.

* * *

House Hearings Focus on Pre-K

Despite the nation’s poor economic health, most of the nation’s governors are trying to increase or protect funding for pre-kindergarten programs, new research shows.

For fiscal year 2010, 14 governors are proposing pre-k increases of nearly $150 million, says the report from Pre-K Now. Another 13 governors are proposing level funding, which advocates consider a constructive move given the current economic climate.

“The governors who stand out as leaders on this issue are those who know their states can’t afford to wait for a better fiscal climate to invest in early education,” said Danielle Gonzales, Pre-K Now project manager.

The organization acknowledged that in the past, it would criticize governors for level funding, rather than increases for pre-k. But given low inflation and the declining condition of many state budgets, level funding is a “proactive effort to protect critical programs while addressing serious shortfalls,” says the report, Leadership Matters: Governors’ Pre-K Proposals Fiscal Year 2010.

Some states are facing enormous budget shortfalls, the report notes. The gap between revenues and expenses is 30 percent in Nevada and Arizona and 26 percent in California. Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey and Oregon are among those that face budget gaps above 20 percent.

If governors’ plans would gain approval, total state investment in pre-k would increase to $5.4 billion, from $5.2 billion in 2009.

Among significant gubernatorial action this year, three states without state-funded pre-k – Alaska, North Dakota and Rhode Island – are proposing new pre-k initiatives.

On the downside, however, five governors have proposed cuts in pre-k investments. Chief executives in Connecticut, Massachu-setts, New York, North Carolina and South Carolina would make these reductions, chiefly due to budget constraints.

The complete report is online at www.preknow.org or www.
pewcenteronthestates.org.

July Newsletter

Jul8

The Dog days of summer are finally upon us. Ms “K” has been quite busy with her newest position, bringing our award winning preschool program into the public and private school system. She has had a number of promising meetings with some heavy hitters and hopes to have some pilot programs in place as early as this coming school year.

There is still time to discover Kindermusik! Join our meetup group-Kindermusik Kids at meetup.com. Spend a playdate with us and see if our classes are right for your family. Enroll at the meetup site for this one class event.

Our website has been updated to reflect our Fall offerings. Enrollment online as well as registration forms are ongoing. Early Bird registration applies until Sept 1, 2009. We anticipate a large gathering due to this semesters classes coinciding with the regular school calendar. Enroll early and save money!

Ms. “K” has become quite the celebrity around town. She has honed her entertainer skills after having hosted over 25 parties-within the last month! To book a party, please visit the website and click on the Birthday Parties link. Please note at least 3 weeks notice required for most parties.

A book featuring Ms “K” is being published sometime in the near future. Ms “K” was honered to have been selected as one of the authorities/experts by an author who is writing a book about Baby Sign Language.

Strider News:

Am trying to put in place a Team Strider event. Please visit the website for details and upcoming schedule for your opportunity to try out a bike for your child. Each time I try to schedule an event the bikes are already sold out

Article Of The Month:The Effects of Music Instruction on Emergent
Literacy Capacities among Preschool Children: A Literature Review

http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v10n1/bolduc.html

Best,
Annette Simmons,M.E.d (Ms “K”)
Kindermusik Educator/owner
http://www.teachkids.kindermusik.net
Regional Account Manger NY/NJ
ABC Music & Me
http://www.abcmusicandme.com
Our Blog:
http:www.kindermusikkids.wordpress.com
201-801-0083
“…on the wings of music shall success be born”

Famous Musical Moms

May11

Famous Moms in Music

By Espie Estrella, About.com

Pauline VIardot

Public Domain Image from Wikimedia Commons

In honor of Mother’s Day, let’s get to know some of the most famous women in music who were not only gifted composers but also devoted moms.

Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel – She lived at a time when opportunities for women were strictly limited. Although a brilliant composer and pianist, Fanny’s father discouraged her from pursuing a career in music. Her brother, Felix, on the other hand, was given encouragement and support. Yet despite that, Fanny and Felix remained close throughout their lives. Fanny married Wilhelm Hensel, a painter, on October 3, 1829. They had one son, Sebastian, named after Fanny’s favorite composer Johann Sebastian Bach.

Florence Beatrice Price – She was one of the African-American women who made a lasting mark in music and paved the way for other women composers. When Price separated from her husband, she became a single mom to their 2 children.

Alma Schindler – She was an Austrian composer, author and the wife of composer Gustav Mahler. They had 2 daughters, Anna, who became a sculptress and Maria Anna who died at age 5. They stayed together for 9 years until Mahler’s death in 1911.

Clara Wieck Schumann – Known as the premier female composer of the Romantic period. Her compositions for the piano and her interpretation of works by other great composers are much appreciated to this day. She is the wife of composer Robert Schumann and they had 8 children.

Pauline Viardot – She started out as one of the most celebrated operatic singers in the late 1800s. Later on she focused her talents on composing and teaching. Viardot’s daughter, Marianne, was engaged to composer Gabriel Fauré although their engagement did not end in marriage.

Found some more information on an old blog post from 2006-A Music Studio

Musical Mothers

Many thanks to mothers who nurture the music in their children.

#1. The oldest of musical mothers is Adah. She was Lamech’s first wife and gave birth to Jubal, who “was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.” Jubal is nine generations removed from Adam. Genesis 4:20

#2. Mrs. Anna Magdalena Bach must hold the title for queen of the musical mothers. After J.S. Bach’s first wife died, he married Anna Magdalena who birthed thirteen children, eight who died from an hour to five years. Of the children she reared to adulthood, she and her husband passed on their musical legacy to sons Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Johann Gottfried Bernhard Bach, Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach, Johann Christian Bach, and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.(1) The last child was born in 1742, when Anna Magdalena was 41 (and Sebastian 57).(2)

Anna Magdalena Wilcken was a very gifted soprano, who even earned half the salary of her famous 16 year older Capellmeister and future husband Sebastian. Anna Magdalena was probably only 19 years old when she and her 35 year old boss fell for each other. They had been working together for more than a year when they finally got married on 3 December 1721.(1)

Their marriage was a happy one to which their common interest in music contributed. Johann Sebastian wrote a number of compositions dedicated to her, most notably the two Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach. She also regularly helped him transcribe his music.

During the Bach family’s time in Leipzig Anna Magdalena organized regular musical evenings featuring the whole family playing and singing together with visiting friends. The Bach house became a musical center in Leipzig.
After Bach’s death in 1750, his sons came into conflict and moved on their separate ways. This left Anna Magdalena living alone with her two youngest daughters and her stepdaughter from her husband’s first marriage. While they remained loyal to her, nobody else in the family helped economically. Anna Magdalena became increasingly dependent upon charity and handouts from the city council. She died on 22 February 1760. (3)

#3 Clara Schumann birthed eight children to Robert Schumann. Clara was born in Leipzig on September 13, 1819; died in Frankfurt on May 20, 1896. Robert Schumann was born in Zwickau on June 8, 1810 and after dying in the asylum at Endenich near Bonn on July 29, 1856, Clara continued to support her family through her own compositions and performances, and eventually a teaching position at the Frankfort Conservatory.

Clara’s parents were Friedrich Wieck (1785-1873), a music teacher, and Marianne Tromlitz Wieck (Bargiel) (1797-1872), a soprano and student of Wieck; Clara’s father had resolved before her birth that she would be a great musician and child prodigy. Her first public appearance was in 1828 (age 9); first complete piano recital in 1830 (age 11); first extended tour in 1831. She performed extensively and studied piano, voice, violin, instrumentation, score reading, counterpoint, composition; wrote and published several pieces for solo piano. (4)

Their children were: Marie (1841-1929), Elise (1843-1928), Julie (1845-72), Emil (1846-47), Ludwig (1848-99), Ferdinand (1849-91), Eugenie (1851-1938), Felix (1854-79). (5)

#4 Classical Musicians whose mothers gave them their first lessons (6):
Benjamin Britten
Max Bruch
Manuel de Falla
Charles Gounod
Jules Massenet
Felix Mendelssohn
Sergey Prokofiev
Robert Schumann

And of course YOU….Happy Mother’s Day!

Kindermusik -Something To Sing About

Mar10

So pleased to find such a glowing recommendation for our program!

Kindermusik: Something to Sing About

by Shel Franco

When Tyler Connolly was just six months old, he and his mother began to spend 45 minutes each week listening to different types of music, rocking back and forth and exploring musical objects. While this scenario might not seem fantastic, what makes it unique is that the Connollys, of Belleville, Ill., don’t do this at home — nor do they do it alone. Instead of using their own compact disc collection, pounding on the family piano and dancing in the living room, Tyler and his mother are among a growing number of parent-child couples taking music appreciation one step further.

For the Record

According to promotional literature, “Kindermusik is an early childhood music and movement program based on the beliefs that every child is musical. Every parent is the child’s most important teacher. The home is the most important learning environment. And based on research, music nurtures a child’s cognitive, emotional, social, language and physical development.”

Taught by trained men and women, many of whom possess degrees in music and/or education, the Kindermusik program involves newborn babies through 7-year-olds arranged in age and developmentally appropriate classes. Kindermusik boasts that between those ages, parents will see “a developmental evolution in language skills, emerging literacy, listening, problem solving, social skills, self-esteem and musicality.”

Babies between the ages of birth and 18 months enjoy and participate in the program titled Kindermusik Village, which, according to the company, “… introduces multiple levels of activities appropriate for the different stages of development in this age range. Environments with diverse developmental stages in the first 18 months create an optimal learning setting for both children and parents. [Parents will] see how multiple levels of age appropriate activities stimulate babies to observe, imitate and learn.”

To supplement what each parent-child couple does in class and to extend the Kindermusik experience into the home, CDs and other learning materials are often included in the class fee or are available for an additional purchase.

For the Baby

Can babies really gain that much from regular participation in a Kindermusik program? According to Debbie Young, a Kindermusik instructor, in Madison, Wis., they certainly can. “There are many studies out about the effects of music and other stimuli on baby’s developing brain,” Young says. “[Babies] benefit by exposure to various kinds of music, rocking ([which stimulates] the vestibular system), feeling tempos, exploring objects [and] listening to the CD at home.”

Erin Connolly can agree with that. She literally gushes when asked to point out the positives of Tyler’s participation in Kindermusik. “He gets to play with all kinds of different toys, musical instruments, bubbles and lots of other things,” she says. “He loves when all the moms and babies dance around in circles. He loves to be face to face with the friends that he has made there. I truly believe that not only is Tyler building musical knowledge, but he is building friendships — even at [this young age].”

For the Mother

“[Kindermusik classes are] as much for the moms as [they are for] the babies,” Young says. “Moms learn lots of things they can do with their babies at home on a regular basis to increase their fun and bonding, as well as, exposing baby to music auditorally [and] kinesthetically. [This is done through] infant massage and exercise to music, rocking and quiet times with music, movements and dances to the CD, as well as, fun movements and chants to do.”

“It was fun to participate and watch him have fun,” says Shelly of Erie, Pa. And while she agrees that Kindermusik classes are definitely a great bonding tool, she also feels grateful for the companionship of the other mothers.

Truth be told, Kindermusik can be much more than a way of introducing baby to the wonderful world of music. “At times, being a stay-at-home mom can be quite isolating. It’s hard to find different things to do and to meet other moms that you could do those things with,” Connolly says. “I was so excited when I signed us up for Kindermusik, I just knew that not only would Tyler make new friends, but so would I.”

For a Lifetime

Aside from the fact that Kindermusik costs money, there are no real drawbacks. “Kindermusik encourages children to move, think, play, feel, sing and speak creatively and differently than ever before,” says Monika Jordan, a Kindermusik instructor, in Richmond, Texas.

As for Erin Connolly, the Kindermusik experience has gone beyond the classroom. “We plan on starting a fall play group and also getting together with a few other moms from the class,” she says. “Good things have really come from taking our Kindermusik class.”

While all of this is true, in the end, Kindermusik is a weekly reason to get out of the house and into an environment where crawling, walking, squirming, whining and even crying babies are welcomed with open arms. For an exhausted and often overwhelmed mother, that in itself is worth the fee.

Kindermusik Kids-March 2009

Mar6

Musical Notes From Kindermusik with Ms. “K”

In This Issue:

Musical Moments

Article Of The Month

Payment Options

Quick Links

Our Website

Birthday Bashes

Kindermusik Kids- March 2009

Dear Families,

“March” into spring with a song in your heart! The winter is finally behind us and we are eager to welcome warmer weather. Our “kids” are busy exploring, growing and developing through music movement and creative exploration.
Join us this semester and watch your little ‘flower’ bloom!

Musical Happenings

We are committed to your families and providing the best in early exposure to musical activities.
Let us work with you via payment plans,flexible scheduling, small group instruction, to find a program that fits your families needs.
Moms have contacted us about conducting classes out of their homes. We are passionate about our programs and are now extending this possibility to you.
Gather a group of Moms/Families with 5 children or more and we will create a class just for you. (Additional fees may apply).
We have added new classes, days and times, so feel free to visit our site for continuous updates!
Please contact us at anytime with questions/concerns.
201-801-0083

Current Plans/Schedules

Classes are pro-rated ,enroll anytime

Classes in Hackensack, NJ

Sunday classes have a yearly family registration fee of $30

Sunday classes are 10 weeks in length

Family Time: birth-7yrs

Sun 10am begins 3/1

Sun 11am begins 3/1

Classes in Teaneck NJ

Our Time: 15 mos-3yrs :

Wed: 9:45am begins 2/18

Wed:3:30pm begins3/4

Thurs: 11am begins 2/19

Village:birth-14mos:

Wed:11am begins 2/18

Wed: 4:30pm begins 3/4

Thurs:9:45am begins 2/19

Thurs:3:30pm begins 2/26

Mon:4:00pm begins 2/16

Sign&Sing: 6mos-3yrs

Tues:4:00pm begins 2/24

ABC Music and Me

Wed: 3:30 pm (2-4yrs)begins 3/4

4:30pm (4-6yrs)begins 3/4

Pre-school programs are charged on a monthly basis and cost $75 inc reg fee (register for 2 or more months receive a $10 discount)

Payment Plans

1.Pay per class-You may take a class on a weekly basis as long as you commit to 5 classes.
You need not take them in order but may take them randomly.
Cost per class is $20 excluding the $75 reg/materials fee (which is mandatory)

2. Full one time payment including registration and materials fee for a full semester of 10 weeks-$225.00

3.Installment plans (includes registration and material fees)

1 payment-$225.00

2 payments-$115.00 x 2 1st payment by the first class, second payment 5th class

4 payments-$60 x4 1st payment by the first class, second payment, 3rd class, third payment 6th class, final payment 9^th class

Twins:

Pay in full for both children which includes the reg fee and the materials fee:
$390.00-includes 2 reg fees and 2 sets of materials
Pay in installments-2 payments of $200.00-first class and again at the 5th class
Pay per class-Must commit to 6 classes.
For twins-$30 per class and the materials fee (upfront)-$85

Classes/Schedules subject to change at any time. Call ahead for correct information:
.

Article Of The Month

“Do I really have to practice?” came the disgruntled voice of a teenager.
How many times have we heard this? I remember when my mother encouraged me to practice my instrument and how I tried to find one excuse after another to get out of it. Soon, she was sitting at the piano, willing to help me practice. I reluctantly began playing, not putting my heart into it, feeling a bit rebellious. But it did not take long until I began to feel the soothing notes of the music and my soul began to relinquish the unruly attitude within me. Why did this music soothe my rebellious soul?
Music has changed throughout the years, but its purpose is the same. The type of music we listen to affects the brain. Some music has been proven to help memorization, to help us retain information we have learned. It has to do with order, symmetry, rhythmic patterns, repetition, ideal mathematical form, and
harmony.
A study was done to test whether or not music can help in retaining information. White mice were taught to go through a maze to find food. One group listened to no music, the second group listened to Strauss waltzes, and the third group listened to
hard rock music. After eight weeks, the mice were tested to see if they had improved. The mice with no music had improved but the mice that listened to Strauss waltzes made it through much faster. When the scientists checked the rock mice, they were not prepared for what they found. The mice did not get better in
finding the food, but had gotten worse, becoming disoriented. The scientists waited a few weeks to see if the results were the same. The Strauss mice had retained their memory while the rock mice had lost their memory of the whole thing.

The American Psychological Association wrote, “Those dreaded piano lessons pay off in unexpected ways: According to a new study, children with music training had significantly better verbal memory than their counterparts without such training, plus, the longer the training, the better the verbal memory. Psychologists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong studied 90 boys between age six and fifteen. Half had musical training as members of their school’s string orchestra program. The other 45 participants were schoolmates with no musical training. The researchers, led by Agnes S. Chan, Ph.D., gave the children verbal memory tests, to see how many words they recalled from a list, and a comparable visual memory test for images. Students with musical training recalled significantly more words than the untrained students. There were no such differences for visual memory.” (“Music
Training Improves Verbal but Not Visual Memory,” American Psychological Association, Neuropsychology, Vol. 17, No. 3.)
C. A. Harding did brain studies in 1982 at the University of North Texas. They brought in 300 people. They wanted approximately the same kind of learning abilities, so everyone they chose had Phd’s. These people were separated into two groups and taught 300 vocabulary words. The first group listened to Handel’s Water
Music as they learned the words and definitions. The second group learned their words without music. To the surprise of the scientists, there was a big difference in the test scores. The group with the music scored much higher. Two weeks later, the
groups were brought back in and checked to see if they had retained the words, and there was a much bigger difference in the scores. The group without music had forgotten half the words. In the first group, the brain must have felt the orderly manner of the music and was able to retain the vocabulary words.

I read an article in the TIME MAGAZINE from July 5, 1999 titled “Fingers, Brains, and Mozart.” It said, “Mozart’s music has intrigued researchers since 1993, when scientists at the University of California at Irvine found that college students who
heard 10 minutes of the composer’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D major raised their IQ scores on tests of spatial-temporal reasoning-a skill related to math. Mozart appears to strengthen the neural connections that underlie mathematical thought.
Other researchers have used the two-piano sonata to improve the spatial-temporal reasoning of an Alzheimer’s patient and to reduce the number of seizures in epileptics.”
It has been found that music can change behavior. The right kind can turn depression into joy, anger to calmness, hate to love, and fear to courage. Beautiful music has an effect on people and it can soothe and take away feelings of frustration and anger. Music definitely makes a difference in alleviating tension.
Professor Vladamir Conechne tested this theory. He paid actors to antagonize a group of people, making them angry and hateful. After the actors left, he turned on gentle soothing music and watched the people carefully as he took notes. He noticed that their behavior and attitude began to change and their hatred left.
In another part of the country, this theory was proved once again.

At the Soviet Union, the Soviets used music to rescue 3,000 Beluga Whales trapped in the Narrow Strait off the Bering Sea. Icebreakers had cleared an escape path for the whales, but
they were confused and frightened by the noise of engines and propellers that had chopped the ice away. It finally dawned on the captain to pipe music through the loud speakers. When the whales heard Beethoven’s music, they began to calm down
and after a while followed the sound, swimming through the narrow channel to freedom. The music seemed to calm them down.
One time our little family traveled many hours to see our folks up north for Christmas. It was an eight-hour drive. The children were tired, crowded, and miserable from the long drive. We were traveling through a beautiful canyon and only had a half an hour left to arrive at our destination. I started singing some Christmas songs, and then my husband joined in. Soon the rest of the family joined in singing and the contention gradually left and we were laughing and having fun as we joyfully sang Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and many Christmas Carols. Music does make a difference.
David O. McKay said, “Music is truly the universal language, and when it is excellently expressed how deeply it moves our souls!”

In 1865, during the Civil War in Atlanta, Georgia, General Sherman had his army ready and prepared for a battle. It was recorded that while they waited, a young man began to sing American Songs, beloved songs that were familiar to both sides. The music was soothing and nostalgic, and it floated across the field for everyone to hear. The soldiers on both sides heard the songs that were sung. The hearts of everyone were touched, and the battle that was supposed to be, did not occur that day. No one felt like fighting. It had deeply moved their souls.
It is vitally important to listen to music that uplifts us. When words and music are combined, I believe it expresses our deepest thoughts and feelings. What we can’t understand in words, we can understand with music. Words alone, many times,
can’t express the true feelings that are meant, but music and words put together can touch the hearts and souls of people. When music is added to sacred words, it helps us to understand the simple love of God and feel the spirit of reverence.

Isaac Watts described it best.
With all the power of heart and tongue,

I’ll praise my Maker in my song.

Angels shall hear the notes I’ll raise,

Approve the song, and join the praise.

—Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Weaver_Clarke

Birthday Bashes

Birthday season is in full

swing!

Don’t delay! Enjoy a

musical party with

Ms “K”

Make This a Kindermusik Day!
Best,

Ms. “K”

Presidential Tastes In Music

Feb16

If Abraham Lincoln Had An iPod

This is an interesting article and FYI a number of selections are used in our classes. See how many you recognize!

By Miles Hoffman

Listen Now

[7 min 19 sec] add to playlist

Photo illustration (Library of Congress)

Abraham Lincoln’s iPod would have needed a lot of memory to accommodate his eclectic tastes.

Abe’s faves

Hear examples of what may have been Lincoln’s favorite music:

Friedrich von Flotow: “Ach so fromm” from Martha (Fritz Wunderlich, tenor)

[2 min 47 sec] add

Gottschalk: The Union, a Fantasy on Patriotic Airs (Alan Marks, piano)

[8 min 41 sec] add

Traditional Scottish: “Annie Laurie” (Doug Green)

[2 min 28 sec] add

“I Wish I Was in Dixie’s Land” (Bob ‘n’ John Minstrels)

[4 min 50 sec] add

ON WASHINGTON’S iPOD?

On Presidents’ Day, we didn’t want to neglect looking into our first president’s musical preferences, so music commentator Miles Hoffman did some additional sleuthing.

Hear Renee Montagne and Miles Hoffman discuss music in Washington’s household.

[2 min 43 sec] add

Alexander Reinagle: Minuet and Gavotte

Ignaz Pleyel: Quartet for Flute and Strings

Morning Edition, February 16, 2009 – To celebrate Presidents’ Day, we have conjured up Abraham Lincoln, but in a less-than-presidential pose: with earbuds dangling from his ears. Classical music commentator Miles Hoffman agreed to explore the 16th president’s musical tastes, as well as what music Lincoln might have chosen for his iPod, had he owned one.

The Lincoln iPod would have needed a lot of memory, as the president apparently enjoyed all sorts of music and loved opera. His love of opera apparently got him into trouble during the Civil War, when he was taken to task for attending a performance while the war was ongoing. To this, the president responded, “The truth is I must have a change of some sort, or die.”

“We know that Lincoln liked the opera Martha, by Friedrich von Flotow, and had it performed during the festivities for his second inaugural,” Hoffman says. “Martha is not performed very often now, and it’s mainly known for one very beautiful aria, ‘Ach so fromm,’ where the male romantic lead, Lionel, sings a love song to the title character, Martha.

“We also know that one month before he died — on March 15, 1865 — Lincoln attended a performance of Mozart‘s Magic Flute at the National Theatre in Washington,” Hoffman says.

Another big favorite of Lincoln’s was a kind of “crossover” artist, Louis Moreau Gottschalk. A Southerner by birth, born in New Orleans, Gottschalk was a one-of-a-kind composer, a virtuoso pianist and, perhaps surprisingly, a supporter of the Union cause. One of his most famous pieces is The Union (Fantasy on Patriotic Airs). When you listen to the beginning of the piece, it sounds like any flashy, 19th-century European virtuoso piano piece. But then Gottschalk launches into the tunes we all know, treating them in his own inimitable way.

Lincoln was also partial to popular music and sentimental ballads, such as the songs of Stephen Foster. One of his favorites was an old Scottish love ballad called “Annie Laurie.”

Remarkably, No. 1 on Lincoln’s iPod might have been his all-time favorite, “Dixie.”

“It had already been a popular song before the Civil War and came from a minstrel show,” Hoffman says. “Lincoln had been quoted as saying, ‘I have always thought “Dixie” one of the best tunes I have ever heard.’ “

“After the war,” Hoffman adds, “he is reported to have said, ‘That tune is now federal property, and it is good to show the rebels that, with us in power, they will be free to hear it again.’ “

February Newsletter

Feb4

Dear Families:
It’s been a very rough winter; what with the horrible cold, the endless
childhood illness and of course, the cabin fever!
No wonder I’m going stir crazy! A way to make the hours pass for you and your
family in a fun and educationally structured environment is to take a class with us.
What a great idea-spend time with new friends and quality time bonding with your kids.
Our new class schedule is up and running on our website and of course you can download/print
a copy of a mail in registration form.
There are a number of revisions in terms of class schedule days and times so be on the look out for
a class that works for you!

Our birthday parties have become big bashes! Thanks to your wonderful ‘word of mouth’ we are busy partying!
FYI- The Spring/Summer is our busiest time of year so make sure to schedule well in advance.
(At least a month) We have new ideas/themes that is just right for your child. Our parties are tailored to your
child’s personality and desires. Make this year a musical memory!

Babies/Infants- Our classes are filling fast with the littlest one’s yet! Don’t be shy! Bring your baby by for a try!
Our youngest musician has been 3 weeks old! We have classes just for you and baby including ASL – alternative
communication for pre-speakers.
Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter specially for New Moms: “Tiny Tunes”-Chock full of information strategies tips and of course music
for our newest musical members!

As noted at our blog: Summer 2009 Signing to Read- The opportunity to experience reading skills in an innovative way!
Following on the successful baby program, Signing to Read uses multi-instructional strategies to enhance reading skills
and its fun!
For more information on joining this small group instruction or having one hosted at your home/facility, please call
201-801-0083

Article of the Month:
Benefits of Music for Infants
How Music Helps Newborn Babies Brain and Emotional Development

Feb 15, 2008
Even Young Babies Enjoy Simple Music Sound Makers, Chris Greene
Newborns respond to music and aural stimulation from the womb and through infant months of growing. See the benefits of musical selections for babies.

In fetal development the auditory system forms extremely early and the ear is actually the first sensory organ to develop brain connections. And from those first weeks in the womb an infant’s ability to process sound and music only grows stronger.

When a baby is born he is already able to recognize familiar tunes and songs and distinguish between the voice of his parents and any other voice. Babies show a marked preference for a song sung by their own mother or father than a song sung on tape or CD. Even premies show a preference for soothing classical music over harsher rock beats and studies done in Neonatal Intensive Care Units with premature infants show that soothing music from the Baroque period can lower the blood pressure and stress hormones of these young infants.
How Babies Respond to Music

* Birth to Six Months: At this young age most babies respond to music playing that they enjoy with full body movements and wiggles. They will turn their heads towards sounds that catch their attentions and cry in response to unpleasant noises. Babies show a preference for songs sung by familiar voices so it is better for parents to rock and sing to their babies rather than putting in a CD with a stranger singing the lullabies instead.

* Six Months to One Year: As an infant’s eye-hand coordination develops and they become more mobile, babies will grasp and manipulate objects. This means that a baby can shake a rattle and understands that the shaking causes the noise to occur. Babies begin to clap their hands in response to music and this should be encouraged and demonstrated by the adults around them. By the time she turns a year a baby will understand the purpose of an instrument such as a drum or keyboard and understand how to produce the music and sound.

Songs to Sing with Babies

The wonderful thing about singing with an infant is that the baby doesn’t care whether your voice is good or you can carry a tune. Sing lullabies like “Go to Sleep” or “Hush, Little Baby” for a few minutes before tucking your baby in for a nap or evening. Make up silly-songs that include the infant’s name or describe a daily activity you are doing.
Music Selections Infants Love

While many instrumental pieces can be beneficial for babies some, even “classical” pieces are not pleasing to young infants. Music for babies should be well-ordered, complex (meaning lots of instruments or a definite melody and harmony part) and be rhythmic without being overwhelming or overly dissonant.
Here are a few specific pieces of music that infant’s enjoy:

* Vivaldi Flute Concerto – The Four Seasons
* Massenet – Meditation from Thais
* Bach – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
* Beethoven – Piano Concerto 5 (The Emperor Concerto), 2nd Movement
* Brahms – Symphony No. 3, 2nd Movement
* Haydn – Cello Concerto, 2nd Movement
* Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 6, 2nd Movement

Infants respond well to many pieces of classical music and research shows exposure to a variety of musical experiences help baby’s brains develop an increased level of neural synapses. Harsh rock music actually weakens brain connections in young infants. So enjoy music, sing, play, dance and move with your babies in a wide variety of ways throughout the day.

Sources:

1. The Mozart Effect by Don Campbell [Harper Paperbacks, 2001]
2. How to Grow a Young Music Lover by Cheri Fuller [Shaw Books, 2002]
3. Creative Activities for Young Children by Mary Mayesky [Thomson Delmar Learning, 8th edition, 2005]
4. Mind, Music and Imagery by Stephanie Merritt [Aslan Publishing,1996]

Kindermusik Kids

Ms “K”‘s Kids- Music, Musings, Memories and More- Kindermusik Classes For Bergen County NJ

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