Why Gentle Bouncing is Beneficial in Music Classes for Children

With bouncing activities the adult can give the child a full-body experience of steady beat. This is especially important in our time, when adults and children alike spend a lot of time in a seated position (car, couch, etc). The rhythmic up-and-down movement on the parents' legs is very stimulating to the whole body of the child. The movement also enhances the vestibular function of the ear, which is to register body position, movement, balance, and speed.

The toddler feels confident holding the parents' hands and is free to enjoy a kinesthetic response to movement. Located in the muscles, joints, and tendons of the body, the kinesthetic system gives information on how the movement feels while it is happening. While in air momentarily, the child experiences a feeling of weightlessness that stimulates the brain's energy. The sound of the voice itself is pleasurable and energizing and heightens the delight of the rhythmic bouncing.

Movie about music and science - a must-see

Music teachers and music lovers, see this movie: Science and Song, The Music Instinct. We rented it from netflix. See reviews on amazon - http://www.amazon.ca/Music-Instinct-Science-Song/dp/product-description/B0028X6KYW

Why we use Name Songs in Musikgarten

A child's name is his/her identity. To greet a child by calling him/her by name is not only an especially pleasing personal greeting, but it is also an affirmation of the child's personhood. Singing a name identifies and calls attention to a particular child, acknowledging his/her presence in the beauty of the musical setting.

Not only do the children wait with rapt attention to hear their own name, they also want to hear the welcome extended to each other, many of whom are known as "my friend."
These "name" songs give the children an opportunity to respond individually. After the child is secure in his/her musical environment, the opportunity to respond individually is critical for vocal development.

All babies can sing

All babies are born with the ability to match pitch - scientists and neurologists say this is a proven fact. If this is not developed by age 5 or 6, this ability usually fades away, resulting in adults with poor self-musical-image. After all, music is a 2nd language, learned first through the ear.