Expanding our mission: Reaching out with Kindermusik

As part of our Music Connections mission, we want to broaden our Kindermusik reach to include two groups of people whose lives can be so deeply touched through it: children with disabilities and senior citizens.

Children with disabilities
Because of our emphasis on "process" rather than performance, AND because parent participation is such an integral part of our classroom experience, children with disabilities can feel successful in the Kindermusik environment. The developmental benefits of Kindermusik promote many therapeutic goals as well. A recent college textbook from the National Association for Music Therapy cites the following facts under a heading of "Therapeutic Implications of Kindermusik Programs":

The curriculum promotes language skills, symbolic thinking, coordination and social interaction. Because of the developmental approach, Kindermusik can be adapted for all children, including those who are developing at different rates. The structure of the curricula allows children to participate and develop at their own pace, making it appropriate for children with a variety of disabilities.

They further cite specific ways that Kindermusik can be successfully implemented with children with sensory problems, cognitive or developmentally delayed children such as the Downs Syndrome child, and children with motor disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other birth defects.

Village class with seniors
You're never too young—or too old—to enjoy Kindermusik! Music and children are a powerful stimulus for the minds of seniors, who are always in need of this crucial interaction. Village with Seniors brings the Village classroom into local senior centers and retirement communities. Parents and babies enjoy a unique, multi-generational class where they can foster valuable musical learning experiences while building personal relationships with loving and caring seniors.

Music Therapist Robin Gentile says, "I have found music to be an incredible tool when working with seniors. Music can motivate, provoke feelings and memories, increase motor movement, and encourage social interaction."

What happens when you add infants to the equation? Something even more incredible and beneficial for both.

This summer we took our Village Peek-a-Boo class to Westminster Village and were delighted with the reactions of the Westminster residents and the mommies/babies alike. Our veteran educator, Andrea Ringer, remarked, "I was concerned that the babies would not be interested in the seniors, but to my delight, they eagerly explored canes, faces and gave smiles and hugs. The seniors talked about their grandchildren, childhood musical memories, sang and danced. The connection was magical!"

Plans are underway whereby Village moms can volunteer to bring babies, free of charge, to an additional Village class once a month at Westminster. Look for a sign-up sheet in your classroom soon!

If you have connections with senior centers and/or organizations for children with disabilities, or personally know people in these areas who could benefit from the gift of Kindermusik, please call Katie at (309) 828-6806 or by email.