|
A Kindermusik Parent shares her Story
30 September 07
I never thought that Kindermusik would have the impact on my family that it’s had. Attending the Kindermusik classes has developed so many skills in my children. Through their classes they have learnt to identify types of instruments, tone, rhythm, volume and timing. They also learn to listen, take turns, share instruments, play safely and experience successful interactions with their peers from a young age. I can clearly remember my families’ first Kindermusik class. My daughter, Vianne was three months old and as a first time mother I was rather anxious about what we would do. Would my daughter stay awake for the entire time, would she cry like she often did at home, would I embarrass myself with my poor dancing technique?
We sat down and met our teacher, Joanne Davies, who introduced us all to the wonderful world of Kindermusik. Joanne quickly assured us that our children will love to hear us sing and watch us dance no matter what level of talent we could muster (this made the adults smile at each other). We danced and sang, played with instruments, listened to stories and had a wonderful time. I will always remember going home thinking that it was the best decision I had made regarding my new family. Today, Vianne is now four and a half and is enrolled in the Imagine That course.
She is immensely proud of herself for being able playing instruments, in time and to music. My two year old daughter, Arielle, also attends and loves to sing along to all the songs and always wants to play circle dances with our family. The classes are such a relaxing way to socialise young children and for parents to enjoy time with peers as well. Over the years we have met so many families and now starting a new class is a fun reunion with familiar faces. We have watched our children grow up and form their first friendships through music lessons. In reflection, Kindermusik has played a significant role in forming our families’ identity.
We have become a family who enjoys time together playing around with instruments, singing as we pack away our toys and laughing as we try to dance as we dry dishes and dust the house. The important thing is that it brings the family together, after a long day we can still find time to enjoy music. We sing Kindermusik lullabies to the girl’s at night and listen to them sing to each other when they are falling asleep.
I would like to acknowledge the dedication and talents of Joanne Davies, who has enriched our lives through her passion for music and teaching young children. Joanne has an amazing ability to understand the variations of personalities and how to make each child and mother feel confident and relaxed throughout the class. I watch in amazement as my very ‘shy’ child happily talks with Miss Joanne, who always affirms her temperament and builds her confidence when she participates in activities.
I watch in amazement as Joanne instils skills, confidence and an appreciation for music in families, showing that really is there is so much to be gained from attending a Kindermusik class.