Take Note Studio Blog

  Brain Development Sometimes in the fun of our weekly classes, it's easy to forget just how life-changing the benefits of music classes are for young children! One of the most significant benefits is in  how music and musical experiences impact brain development  - how the brain is wiring itself to ultimately forming the architecture of the adult brain. A staggering 90% of a child's brain develops by age 5.  Scientific research has underscored that it is the quality of a child's experiences in these early years that shapes how their brains develop and influences their ability to learn and succeed in school... and in life. "Between the ages of one and five, the brain goes through cycles of growth and streamlining, with experience playing a key role in engraving the circuits that will endure." ( TheirWorld Children's Charity article ) But it's not just future academic success that is affected.  The connections needed for many higher-level abilities like

                                                   Creating Community through Kindermusik As they grow, young children need to experience the nurturing, sense of belonging, and emotional and  social bonding that come with being part of a community. When children feel safe, they are more likely to observe, explore, and try new things—and are also better able to learn! The more people a child trusts and feels comfortable with, the more hours of the child’s day become "learning time." Community, connection, and a positive learning environment are exactly what your child is experiencing in Kindermusik, and it happens in all of our classes - from babies to big kids. It's a precious thing! Have a musical day!

  How Repetition Strengthens the Brai n Parents always cheer - silently and sometimes even out loud! - when we announce the start of new units, mainly because they're ready for something new. We get it!! But why is it that we don't have "new" every week in Kindermusik? Why do we incorporate so much repetition in our lessons? In early childhood, repetition forms the basis for learning, skill development, and accomplishment. Each of our brain cells can have 15,000 connections (or synapses) to other brain cells. So, how do we strengthen those neural pathways? By using them! Young children repeat the same thing over and over and over because they are strengthening the connections in their brain that are developing from that repeated experience. They also repeat what they love and what gives them joy. So when they ask to hear the same Kindermusik song for the 100th time, know that the repetition is helping to grow their brains! The Importance of Repetition* Repetition help

  5 Ways Kindermusik Makes Parenting a Little Easier... and A LOT More Musical! We want to let you in on a little secret. Although most parents choose to enroll in Kindermusik for their child’s benefit, after a few classes, they begin to realize Kindermusik is for  them,  too. Kindermusik really can help make great parenting easier... and a whole lot more musical and play-filled! Here are a few reasons why: ‌ You get a break.  We know that being a parent means more than just, well, being a parent. It means being a nurse, short-order cook, maid, chauffeur, activities director, photographer, diaper changer (and other related pleasantries!), personal shopper, hair stylist, and all around person-in-charge… 24 hours a day; 7 days a week. But for one moment each week in class, you can relax and let us inspire and support YOU for a while. ‌ Child development insight.  Each week in class your child will laugh, sing, dance, and play instruments while we equip you with the research behin

  Many are born with the ability to hear, but all are born WITHOUT the ability to listen. It is a skill we must practice, practice, practice.   Try this at home: Helping your child become a better listener Focusing on one sense at a time helps children strengthen their perception. Focusing on sound, for example, sharpens listening skills.Experts say that about two-thirds of everything learned is learned through listening.  When children are given an opportunity to practice their listening skills, they also enhance their abilities to focus and pay attention, allowing them to understand and interpret more of what they hear.   We give the children practice listening skills in every Kindermusik class through active listening(the ability to hear and repeat back what you heard with accuracy) to sounds, listening to our Quiet Time music, and following directions, for example.   Try this at home:   As you take a walk outdoors with your child, encourage your child to listen, identify, imitate,

  In Class and At Home: Pre-Ensemble Development One of the wonderful benefits of doing Kindermusik in the early years is that it gives your child the unique opportunity to develop and practice the skills that are required to be part of a musical group in the future. This pre-ensemble development happens very naturally and joyfully as we develop skills like distinguishing between sounds, listening for the appropriate entrance, timing the participation, accomplishing the steady-beat play with an outside source, and playing instruments with others. Try THIS at Home!  Even the youngest children can experience ensemble, whether it’s in Kindermusik class or it’s just the two of you at home tapping on the pots and pans. You might even enjoy putting together a Family Jam, a time when the whole family grabs something to tap, shake, or jingle as you all play-along to a recording or a song you’re singing. For another fun-to-do-together activity, check out this list of 27 homemade instruments you