Giving Thanks for the Benefits of Kindermusik

In today's troubled economy I find it difficult at times to be thankful when there are so many people struggling in our country. I am often reminded of the things I don't have. There never seems to be enough money to make it to the end of the month, my children all wear hand-me-downs, my husband is struggling to find a permanent job that pays what his skills are actually worth, and as a music teacher my profession has been one of the "cut-backs" most families cannot afford right now. In the midst of set-backs and struggles, one thing has remained constant...my belief in the value and power of music.
Yesterday was a particularly troubling day for me as I woke up because lately a string of unlucky events has put my family in a financial and emotional bind. As I pulled myself together and made my way to my Kindermusik classroom I was greeted by five precious two-year olds who have no idea what an economy is, and that's when a phenomenal change occurred for me for which I am most grateful today. Sometimes in all walks of life we have to experience a low before we can truly appreciate the many gifts we have, those gifts that exceed monetary value. One of those gifts is a very dear student of mine who has touched my life tremendously. I'd like to introduce you to this very dear student, who I'll call Jacob, for the sake of privacy. Jacob is a precious 20-month old little boy with rosy cheeks and curly hair who most people would label "special". I hesitate to use that word, because in my mind ALL children are special. Every child has strengths and weaknesses, challenges and triumphs. Jacob is one of my scholarship students who receives Kindermusik as part of his therapy program. He was born nearly three months premature with improper lung development and has experienced an array of challenges since birth. If there are any parents out there who have children who have had setbacks or developmental delays...please keep reading.
Several months ago I became familiar with an outstanding scholarship program Kindermusik provides called the Ruth D. Anderson Children's Fund. This is a special fund which gives free home materials to children who are experiencing special needs, whose families might not be able to afford music classes, and children who have lost a parent. In return, Kindermusik educators all over the world donate their time and talents by taking these students into their classrooms free of tuition charges. When I learned about this program there was no question in my mind that I should pursue this. Immediately, I began thinking who to approach, when and what was "appropriate." Thankfully, both my parents are alive and well, but I tragically lost my big sister eight years ago this week. I have seen the devastation losing a child can cause in a family, and I cannot begin to imagine what a very young child who has lost a parent must feel. Abandoned? Confused? Alone? The list goes on....and so I felt a strong call to urgency to do something to help those helpless children who have lost their guiding hands. Well, that was only one aspect of the program. There were others...children who had developmental delays. My youngest daughter, who is now four years old, suffered from a speech delay. At the age of two she could not even utter the sounds "ma-ma" and so, at the end of my rope, feeling saddened, frustrated and bewildered, I turned to my pediatrician for help. He immediately set me up with the Florida Early Steps Program. Within just a few months after receiving therapies in our home, her vocabulary blossomed and the tears started to fade away. And so, I contacted the Early Steps Program and asked them if they could provide me with information on how to help children through this scholarship fund. Jacob's mother was one of four who stepped forward and is now receiving Kindermusik through this program.
Jacob began classes as a Village (newborns - 18 months) student. Although he was old enough when he started to attend the older Our Time class, both his mother and I felt it would be better to put him in with younger children, as we has not yet talking too much, not crawling, and she didn't want him to feel different than the other children. He did well in the class, and although some days he was the only one in the class, she continued to bring him and we sang, danced and played our way through each hour. After a few weeks, she noticed that as soon as they would turn into the parking lot, Jacob recognized where he was going and would smile and clap. He started gaining confidence during class and would always clap for himself when completing an activity. About halfway through the session, Jacob got sick. He was experiencing complications from the steroid medication he received as a premature baby and was having trouble holding food down. He missed class, and when he returned we had to carefully rock him and dance "gently" so he wouldn't throw-up during class. Well, he started feeling better but he still wasn't crawling or talking. Mom said he would babble at home, but not around others. He would only "scoot" for mobility. Two weeks ago I decided perhaps it would be best to let him graduate into the Our Time class (18 months - 3 years). The results have been amazing.
Last week, during his first Our Time class, Jacob took his very first step! Yesterday, he was walking around the classroom and kept up with the others in our circle dance! He also had LOTS to say!!! Jacob is now a confident young toddler whose vocabulary is flourishing, has learned to walk, and has a very happy and proud mother. Today, I still have problems. I still have bills I can't pay. I still miss my family members who have left this earth, but today I have something that's been missing for quite some time...a new attitude. As my preacher says... "an attitude of gratitude." My life IS different because I have made a difference in the life of a child. Thank you, Kindermusik, for the many benefits given to children and their parents around the world each day. Without these wonderful and unique opportunities in our world, children might not receive the good beginning they so richly deserve and at least for me....that will never end.

Give the Gift of Music

Music and the holidays go hand in hand, and with the holiday season officially upon us, it is refreshing to know there are many resources available at our finger tips. Wether you are a serious musician, a novice, or just someone who has a music teacher or musician on their shopping list this year, giving the gift of music is now easier than ever before. If you're a parent or grandparent of a young child who LOVES music and dancing, consider shopping the online Kindermusik store this holiday season. At http://www.kindermusik.com just click on the last tab on your right and you will find a wealth of quality instruments and items for creative development to fill a stocking with musical delights. Kindermusik remains the world's leading program of developmentally appropriate music and movement classes for children. The Kindermusik philosophy embraces parental involvement at home. What better gift to give to your child then the gift of sharing music together? If you've got someone a little older on your list, a favorite music teacher from school, a budding young musician, music director at church, or simply a music-lover you know, the number one resource for music and musical gifts online can be found at http://www.primamusic.com. Prima Music delivers oustanding features for online customers, such as sheet music with viewing capabilites, novelty music gift items, studio management tools, and great deals for studio teachers. Clearly organized and beautifully designed, Prima Music saves customers time and money by delivering quality customer service at the touch of a button. Visit http://www.primamusic.com today for all your holiday music needs and gift items. Enjoy shopping this season from the comfort of your home. Happy Holidays!