Three years as a Kindermusik Parent and Educator: A Reflection
When I reflect over the past three years that my family has been part of Potomac Music's Kindermusik program, I cannot help but feel incredibly grateful for all the joy it has given my family and how much it has fulfilled me as a music educator and a parent. I was a general music, choral, and musical theater educator and performer for almost 14 years but decided to take a break from the classroom to raise my daughter when she was born in 2022. Being a new parent without family or friends nearby left me feeling lost, lonely and completely overwhelmed. When my daughter was 6 months old, I saw a post on Facebook about a Kindermusik class for babies at Potomac Music. Me and my daughter always listened to music, sang and danced at home but I had no idea what to expect for a baby music class. I figured, why not try it. We needed something to get us out of the house.
That first Kindermusik class is something I will never forget. The absolute joy that I saw in my daughter's face during her first class was amazing. She smiled, observed the other babies, giggled, kicked her little legs during our circle dance and snuggled into my arms during the rest and relaxation portion of class. I was completely blown away. We signed up for weekly classes and it became something we looked forward to each week. I became friends with the other moms, nannys, and grandmas and soon got together for playdates and trips to the bakery together. It became the community that my family was looking for. 3 years later, many kids from that first class are still in class together. It's been amazing seeing their growth. Some were not able to sit up or speak words during that first class, now they're hopping and skipping around the room singing and talking up a storm. When my son turned 3 months old, I signed him up for Foundations. It's been amazing seeing his class of babies grow into toddlers waddling around the room and putting their instruments away when asked!
In all my years teaching elementary music, I didn't really know what a music class for babies looked like. I was incredibly impressed with the multi-sensory approach in music making. Not long after signing my daughter up for weekly classes, I inquired about teaching Kindermusik. I love Kindermusik's core values of being child centered and family focused with an emphasis on shared music making. Class is about whole-child development with the aid of music and movement. Kindermusik's goal isn't to create the perfect musician; it's goal is to create a community that fosters sharing and creativity. Yes, my children can now mostly keep a steady beat, but they also learned to use American Sign Language to help express themselves when they heard a bird outside, or when asking for more milk before they could form the words themselves. When they hear soft, calming music they will lay down or sit in my lap and take a moment to reset and rock. They will help clean up their toys when we sing our “instruments away” sol-mi pattern and will sometimes sing along (on pitch too!). They are learning to take turns when playing instruments and watching and listening to others. They connect what they hear or experience in class and use that knowledge at home. It's been fascinating and incredible to see.
In December 2024 I became fully certified in all levels of Kindermusik. It's been so rewarding seeing mothers bond with their babies in Foundations; watching a child take their first steps in level 1; watching our level 2 children feel comfortable enough to hold hands while dancing in circle dances; having my own child teach me what they were learning about in level 3; reconnect with a student in level 4 who I hadn't seen in 2 years; the list goes on. I feel very fortunate to have found this community and am so grateful that I get the chance to share this incredible curriculum with our families here at Potomac Music.
