It’s my belief that music
is food for the Soul.
It’s always been important
to me. Every since I was a child and particularly as a teenager I used music to
escape from the difficult times life often deals us. I was a bit of a loner and
music was my solace. I used different types of music for different moods and it
helped me to cope in an often confusing world. I've always loved to dance and
wish that I’d pursued this further when I was younger.
So when I had Sophia I
wanted to encourage her to embrace music in all its forms. She was a shy toddler
who lacked confidence and through Sing and Sign and Jo Jingles classes her confidence
grew and she looked forward to our weekly music and dance classes.
For Jess, my youngest we
again attended Sing and Sign classes but this time we tried out Kindermusik
with Magdelena Atkinson whose passion for music and dance was evident from the
moment I met her.
So rather than me share
with you what we thought of Kindermusik and Magdelena’s music classes, I thought
it would be nice for Magdelena to ‘Guest Post’ on Sophia’s Choice and share
with you herself the positive effects music and dance have on our babies and children.
Enjoy x
********
"Music is a
moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the
imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. It is the
essence of order and lends to all that is good and just and beautiful.” – Plato
Since
2005 as a qualified music teacher I've offered music and movement classes for
children in the Dorchester area. Until now I have been supporting myself and my
families with the programme called KINDERMUSIK. It gave me and my families’
wings to enjoy music, create new songs, make friends, move more freely and have
amazing fun! The benefits are endless.
So
when to start and why?
Baby Class
Research
shows that singing and swaying during pregnancy has already had an impact on
the musicality of a baby. She will recognize voices around her, especially the mother’s
voice. So as soon as the baby is born and the mum feels happy to be out and
about, then it is good to consider starting classes. I started to bring each
of my 3 children one by one at the age of 3 months. In a baby class you
strengthen those early parent-child bonds, and heavily focus on child
development and communication with your baby, using sign language and reading
the clues from each other’s faces. You and your baby will enjoy instrument
play, dance, exploration time, and together time - and you’ll get expert advice
and parenting resources based on the most recent research in baby development.
Toddler Class
When
the child gets older, his needs change slightly, the urge to move gets
stronger, so the whole dynamics of the class change from a more mellow baby
class to a more active toddler class. With more movement and action songs, I
pay strong attention to the needs of relaxation at the end, teaching children
to enjoy quieter time and letting go of stimulations. At that age children
start to interact more with each other, they are ready for a more complex approach
to learning. We sing, dance, play instruments, read stories, create sounds,
share and deal with our emotions in the most safe and friendly environment.
Preschoolers
The
next age group enjoys more independence, play with language, deepening of the
imagination in so many lovely and surprising ways. Here we go for music
adventure to search for sounds, clues, and movements reflecting our topics.
The Structure
The
classes take 45 minutes; babies and toddlers are accompanied by their
caregivers. Often siblings are welcome so the experience can be for the whole
family! Monthly or half termly topics give us the tools and ideas to enjoy the
songs and activities around different subjects, from the world outside, to
feelings and daily routines. As a musician and a singer, I also compose the
songs and bring different instruments to the session, my guitar, a ukulele, a
dulcimer or a variety of shakers, bells, drums, sticks, etc. Each session is
different but connected to the previous and the next one.
If
you have a baby or a young child, I hope that you will consider joining our
sessions or invite a friend for a free trial!
“The first time I saw Magdalena talking about
her work with children and music she spoke with such fun and yet so much
passion I was really keen to experience her classes with my son. My goodness
she did not disappoint! Her creative spin coupled with her obvious talent and
great connection with children means my son and I really enjoy our Kindermusik
sessions and cherish them as special time together. I love that he comes home
singing her songs. If you ever get the chance to meet Magdalena make sure you
do. She is a wonderful lady with a great deal to offer”.
Lucy,
mother of Ru
“We have been coming to Kindermusik
sessions with Magdalena for nearly 3 years and our time there has been
fantastic. We have enjoyed the Babies and now the Toddler sessions and have
found them both engaging, friendly and fun!! It has been a great opportunity to
explore the world of music and movement with the children and Magdalena has
been an enthusiastic and supportive guide! My children love Kindermusik!”
Catherine,
James (3 years old) & Elizabeth (2 Years old - nearly!)
********
If
you would like to find out more about Magdelena’s music classes for babies and
toddlers in the Dorchester and Charlton Down area of Dorset, you can connect with
her on her website or on Facebook.
If
you are not in the Dorset area but are interested in finding out more about
Kindermusik and their classes for babies and toddlers then you can find out
more here and on Facebook.
UPDATE: MAGDELENA IS SADLY NO LONGER OFFERING HER MUSIC CLASSES.
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