Comments on: In Tune (Do Babies Need Music Class?)

By: The Mama

The Mama — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:24:28 +0000

Justin Roberts is a new fave of mine:

http://littleonebigworld.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-favorite-song-cardboard-box.html

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:32:41 +0000

we went to two Music and Me classes when eva was about 6 months old. She had the same experience as the baby you mentioned. the teacher would hand her a shaker or a stick. She’d try to grasp it w/ her little hands. finally she’d be about to understand and whoosh , the instrument was taken away. she did not smile in this class at all. I had asked the owners of the place if the class was age-appropriate and they said yes, but there were kids up to five in her class. that is such a broad range of abilities.

We later on took her to a much more relaxed music class taught by a woman named Heidi Swedberg at a local toy store. if the kids wanted to participate fine… if they wanted to play with the toys that are out for playing as it was at a toy store, fine.. if they got really attached to a shaker or a stick, that was fine too…

by then our daughter was a toddler who not only has thoughts about what she wants and doesn’t want, but can make sure her thoughts are understood. she had a much better time.

Heidi does traditional music, world music and some kids songs..and is great fun for all ages. she’s playing a concert for families at mccabes in september.

By: kimberly

kimberly — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:35:54 +0000

i really enjoy watching the reaction of the toddlers i work with to Fantasia they pick up the scarves and dance~

By: Beth

Beth — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:21:42 +0000

I’m reading your articles after just spending all afternoon at a baby shower for a relative. The mother must have received 10 toys for the baby which created some kind of artificial noise: electric drumsticks, push button bell ringing game boards, a rubber cellphone with 5 different tones (just like mom’s!), socks with bells attached, colorful shapes that turn around and make sounds when put on a moving stroller…All I could think of is what this poor mother will have to endure and what an assault on tender baby’s ears. (not to mention, what a waste of money on these gadgets) When did people start “buying” into the belief that a baby needs a constant circus rather than the beautiful sounds of home and nature, or the “music” created by their own touching of simple objects as you pointed out? Hearing soothing natural sounds and pleasant music (especially a mother’s sweet song)are not only comforting but also create better listening. My kids and I still like to go on “listening” walks, where we take in each unique sound and try to describe it. Hearing something delightful makes you want to tune in, not tune out. Unfortunately now, when I tell them it’s time to clean their rooms, they definitely tune out. Thank you, Janet, for sharing your heartfelt insights in this blog.