Belton, Texas – The Kindermusik Program at the UMHB Conservatory of Music has received international recognition by being given the classification of Mezzanine Level Maestros Program by Kindermusik International®. The 2011-2012 Kindermusik Maestros Program earned this recognition for going above and beyond to reach a large number of children (averaging 185 to 200 a year), many of whom would not otherwise have received the benefits of Kindermusik.
The Kindermusik Program at UMHB offers classes for all children, newborn through age seven. The program is conducted during the fall and spring semesters, and weeklong camps are offered during the summer. Licensed Kindermusik Educators Amy Smith and Danielle Smith teach all the Kindermusik classes that take place on the UMHB campus in Presser Hall. Jonathan Gary, Conservatory Director and licensed Kindermusik Educator, teaches four classes during the fall, spring and summer sessions to children enrolled in the Mother’s Day Out program at Covenant Lutheran Church in Temple. The students enrolled in the Covenant Lutheran program receive Kindermusik instruction free of charge thanks to a grant given to UMHB by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.
All over the world, parents bond with their babies through musical sounds and rhythmic movement. They rock and swing their children, put them to sleep with lullabies and make them laugh with nursery rhymes. These parents know instinctively what scientists have now proven: young children thrive on music. Psychologists, neuroscientists and experts in early childhood development have demonstrated that music does more for children than bring them joy; it helps their brain cells make the connections needed for virtually every kind of intelligence. Kindermusik International's curriculum is built on this research. When young children are consistently engaged by music in an age-appropriate, socially accepting environment, they benefit at many levels:
- They gain the phonological processing, spoken language, and comprehension skills that are the foundation of reading.
- They build the spatial-temporal and reasoning skills required for math, science, and engineering.
- They develop social and emotional skills that are essential for school readiness—like the ability to regulate their responses and relate to others in complex ways.
By moving and dancing to music and playing simple instruments, children improve their gross and fine motor skills. Activities that encourage freedom within a fun and friendly structure spark a child’s creativity and help him develop a lifelong love of music.
For more information on Kindermusik International® visit www.kindermusik.com. For specific information about the Kindermusik Program at the UMHB Conservatory of Music call 254-295-4686 or visit www.umhbconservatory.org.
