[AdoptAmiga]

Has anyone tried this program? Thoughts? Opinion?

I've been considering signing up for years now. I'm especially interested in the program for ages 5-7. I like the idea of them trying out/being exposed to keyboard, string and wind instruments. It might be beneficial to enroll just for the exposure - to see which instrument they may prefer or have a talent for, instead of just assuming piano lessons are in our future.

It's a bit pricey and time consuming, so I'd appreciate any feedback. The program caps at age 7 and my kids will "age out" in about a year or so.

TIA

[Mindybeth6]

I LOVED the program for me 2 year old when we did it. It was WONDERFUL and he adored it. But he was so much younger. I haven't heard any reviews of the program for older children, although I am sure it would be nice. Most of them let you come to one session free to see if you like it before you pay. So think about seeing if you can try it out free:-)

[frankiegirl]

I haven’t taken my daughter (small town and closest one is too far away), but my sister had both her kids in it from the very start until they could no longer go. We loved it and so did the kids. I would have to take them sometimes and we had so much fun. They stayed with that teacher for piano lessons when they were too old to continue with the program. They have a wonderful relationship to this day with Mrs. Alley.

[mommysoon]

I haven't taken my children b/c the closest one is 40 miles away (gas too expensive) but.... my sister has had her children (now 4 and 6) in Kindermusik classes since they were just a few months old and they all love it! She would highly recommend it. If you have questions and want to talk to her, pm me and I'll get you my sis' phone number.

[nwparents]

I really love this program. Our son has taken this class since he was 18 months old, and has really blossomed in this class. He sings, dances, and I even think it helped him with counting (call me crazy). He's 2.5 now and still loves it. I'm enrolling our daughter in starting this fall as well. They'll be in the same class, let's see how that goes. I recommend it at any age. I feel it is worth the cost.

[cjrogers]

I'll be the odd woman out. DS and I went and I did not like it at all for the 6 - 18/24 month olds. I'm sure it had a lot to do with the instructor, who seemed generally uninterested in the program among other things. I got my money back. But it might be better for an older child and everyone raves about it. It just didn't work for me and little man. Good luck!

[allerseelen4]

I don't have experience with this, but as a music teacher, I'd say give it a shot.

However, I wouldn't concentrate too much on seeing which instrument they have a feel for until about 5th grade or so.

Piano lessons would be a great thing at this age...I've never met a student that was not able to easily transition to a string, wind, or brass instrument after having some piano skills under thier belt.

Another point to consider is what sort of ensembles are available to you in your school system. For example, if your child wants to start playing the cello, that is great, but if there is no orchestra, you child won't be able to participate in an emsemble, which is a KEY (and often overlooked) factor in music education.

Good luck!

[AdoptAmiga]

Originally Posted by allerseelen4

However, I wouldn't concentrate too much on seeing which instrument they have a feel for until about 5th grade or so.... Piano lessons would be a great thing at this age...I've never met a student that was not able to easily transition to a string, wind, or brass instrument after having some piano skills under thier belt.

Thanks for the comment about music education. Interesting.
Also thanks everyone for the positive reviews (minus one! ). I'll give this program some serious consideration.