Apparently, birds love Bluegrass, too

Click here to watch the video.
What a gentle soul. Halfway through the song at this Bluegrass show, a bird flies on stage, lands on the lead singer's guitar, and flies away at the end of the tune.

What will your music do today?

(Love Bluegrass and Folk music? Check out this list of songs we'll being singing together in Kindermusik at play.kindermusik.com)

Go outside and play: Backyard Tin Can Band

Start your own Tin Can Backyard Band from Growing A Jeweled Rose.

“Rosie painted the cans using washable tempera paint. That is what we had on hand, but outdoor acrylic paint would really be ideal. Once the paint was dry, I used outdoor Mod Podge over the paint to prevent it from coming off. So far, this has worked great!

Then, I strung the cans together using floral wire and pony beads. To do this, I nailed holes in the cans, strung the floral wire through the holes, and used a pony bead on the underside of the can to secure the floral wire.

I also added medal key chain loops I had left over from another project, to the inside pieces of floral wire so that when Rosie banged on the cans, the medal loops would hit the inner sides of the cans and make noise. I then hung the strings of tin cans to our deck using utility rope I purchased at The Dollar Tree. 

Rosie loves her Tin Can Backyard Band! Every time we are outside, she grabs one of the sticks from her mud pie kitchen, and delights in making music.”

Yes, we're tooting our own horn a bit this month. 


Carol Penney, Director of Education for Kindermusik International, is featured in a special USA Today magazine. USA Today “Guide to Kids’ Health” Summer 2012 issue features a special article, “Music & Learning in Perfect Harmony” by Mara Gorman.


“Music makes a great teaching tool. “Everyone knows their ABC’s because of the melody,” says Carol Penney, director of education for Kindermusik, a music education program. ”Traditional children’s songs are perfect learning devices for turning sounds into words and words into creative thoughts.”’


Here are some additional fun “Did you know?” moments from the article:

• Children who engage in musical activities from infancy end up with stronger literacy, language, and math skills. They also typically have higher SAT scores and are more likely to graduate from college.
• Studies show that early and consistent exposure to music improves children’s academic performance. The explanation lies in music’s ability to affect brain
  development.
• “Music education actually rewires the brain in the same area where you develop math, language, and spatial reasoning skills.” ~ Jill Todd, president, Music Intelligence Project
• The top instruments for young children are: 1) Voice. 2) Percussion and 3) Keyboard. Many kids start lessons at 7 or 8, so look into a music education program if you think your child is ready for daily practice.

Download the full article here.

Music will take her home

This is where music begins: at home. Around kitchen tables. And the effects - and the love - lasts for a lifetime.

Music will always take her home.

"I call it my Joy Job:" Miss Lynette

Kindermusik with Miss Lynnette
Jenison, MI
Website

Music background

I earned my Vocal Music Ed. degree from Hope College.  I taught first in the Hudsonviile Public Schools, and since receiving my license in 1999, have enjoyed teaching Kindermusik.  

"I often call it my Joy Job!" 

The children and families are so much fun. I also direct the adult choir at Georgetown UMC where my classes are held. My husband and I have two boys of our own, both now in college. We know the busy-ness that accompanies parenthood and are grateful for each opportunity to take part in their growing up years.  

My hope 

My hope is that [making] music together will create a spark in you that will in turn, ignite a spark in someone else. We are all connected, and music is a great way to share our gifts, humor, caring and support with each other.  

I have gained so much in teaching by watching the growth and blossoming of students through music. I have learned about patience, cooperation, compassion and creativity by being involved with small children and their families.  

And so many days I finish up class with my face hurting from smiling so much!  

Lights, camera, MUSIC!

A photographer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania shows a few "behind the scenes" shot of this Kindermusik class. Enjoy!

"We did a home session and live, class session – SO much fun & lots of energy from the three-year-olds!!" Studio S Photography

Priscilla Swee swapped a writer's pen for a pair of Kindermusik rhythm sticks in Jakarta, Indonesia

No more writer's block. Priscilla Swee, a former writer and advertising director, makes the Kindermusik class a mix of fun, patience and cute child talk. After the birth of her daughter she decided to swap her pen for rhythm sticks and bells, and in the process reconnected with her own love of music. 

“Music is like the vehicle in Kindermusik because it unlocks so many things in a child. Music just seems to reach out to them and help them express themselves,” Priscilla said. “When kids sing out loud, you see their happiness and growing confidence. And when you combine music and movement, I think that’s when you see the magic of Kindermusik.”  

Read Priscilla's full story in the Jakarta Globe.