You may have already heard this from another parent, but I found the best use of the cards that come with the Kindermusik kit. I keep some of them on Lilly's diaper changing station and while I am changing her, I give her a card to hold onto and I ask her what it is and we do the noises. This was a LIFESAVER! She had been going through a spurt where she didn't want to get changed and would try to squirm off the table. Now she looks forward to seeing her cards and doing the animal noises. I even use this while getting her dressed and doing her hair.

I just had to share that!

—Paula, Musical Pathways Kindermusik mom of 1 year old

I was going to email you Tuesday evening, but I haven't gotten the chance until tonight. I thought you might like to know Colton broke out in song at the dinner table that night after Jordan's class, singing the Kapulupulu Kane song. I don't think he can wait to be like big brother. However, he still loves his Our Time class, even though he misses his Miss Betsy!!! We were very excited to finally get back into class on Wednesday, and even though we miss you very much, Miss Ann is wonderful as well. It just may take Colton a few classes to learn/want to sing goodbye to Miss Ann instead of you!!! Thanks for everything you and all the educators do to make our classes great!!!

—Joanne, Musical Pathways Kindermusik mother of 2 and 7 year-olds

I wanted to make a note of the incredible impact that Kindermusik has had on Kaitlyn. We were at the UW Volleyball game this fall. After a great volley, Wisconsin won the point and the crowd roared "Point- Wis- Con- Sin." In the midst of all the excitement and noise, Kaitlyn leaned over to me and said "Mom that's TA- TI- TI- TA." What an amazing impact you and Kindermusik have made. Thanks!

—Marlene Sharkey, Musical Pathways mom

All right I am beginning to see the effects of Kindermusik on Tierney.

The other night we were singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and she wanted me to massage her.

It was interesting ... I see all of the Village songs coming back. She sings the Chick-A-Dee song with the Bright Red Cardinal.

Now she is really into Jing Jang. We listen to the repeatedly in the car. "Daddy Jing Jang" "Mommy Jing Jang" "Tierney Jing Jang" "Betsy Jing Jang" ... continues on ... it is so amazing to me.

Last night, I was saying Bye Bye Tierney and she sang back "Bye Bye Betsy."

Just thought I would let you know that Kindermusik is coming full circle for Tierney. I am enjoying listening to her sing all of her songs and I wanted to share the experience with you because it sure is amazing as soon as it all clicks.

—Jennifer, Musical Pathway's mom of 23 month old

I first started Kindermusik with Jude when he was five months old. We attended the Kindermusik summer camp. I envisioned an experience filled with cooing and laughing while we happily enjoyed singing and playing together with other moms and babies. To my dismay, the first class was quite a different story. The moment we walked into the classroom, he saw the Kindermusik shakers and cried. He heard the other babies making noises with various noise makers — more crying! I chalked this up to a bad day. I went to the next week's class with renewed optimism. I thought this time would be different. It wasn't. I spent almost the entire class trying to soothe my stressed out baby. Again, I hoped it was just another bad day. I figured that the third time would be the charm. It wasn't. He cried off and on the entire class. It was hard to calm my crying baby when I was feeling stressed out myself — Jude never cried much at home. I decided that I needed to contact Betsy to see if we could drop the fall semester. Betsy informed me that Jude's reaction was normal and that some babies take time to adjust to the various stimuli presented in the classes. I was skeptical. I thought that Kindermusik was just not his thing. But music had always played such an important and wonderful role in my life that I didn't want to call it quits quite yet. Betsy told me that most kids start to adjust after about a month of the classes. She added that the Kindermusik camp was different than the regular classes. Betsy believed that after four regular classes, he would be enjoying himself. My husband and I talked about it and concluded that we would follow Betsy's advice and stick with it for four classes. Sure enough, Betsy was right! Each class was better than the last. Jude was happy there. He was enjoying the music and loved observing the other babies. I was shocked! I never expected him to make the progress that he did! By the fourth class, there was almost no crying and lots of smiles! I am really glad that we stuck with it. Jude is now more confident in group settings. Best of all, I get to see him kicking his legs in excitement and smiling ear-to-ear every time I play the Kindermusik CD at home. It's priceless and I will forever treasure these memories!

—Rachel Kovak, a Musical Pathways Kindermusik parent

I was talking to my day care provider today and she also mentioned to me how impressed she was with Kindermusik because she has never heard a kid Elizabeth's age (16 months) that can sing and actually carry a tune like she does. She will sing the entire first line or so of a song and then Lynda (daycare provider) knows what it is and will sing the whole song for her. It is the best reward we could ask for Elizabeth.

—Leah Narans, mother of a Musical Pathway’s Kindermusik baby

It's amazing to see Kindermusik working even months after class ends. Nathan continues to amaze me by using new signs, and subsequently words, that we learned in the summer session of the "Sign & Sign" class. I thought he just wasn't picking up on everything we were doing, but he'd just filed the info away for when he was ready for it! Thanks Miss Betsy and Kindermusik!

—Lynne Kallstrand, mother of Musical Pathways student

Hi! Please sign me up! I did go to check out the ____ gym program, because I mainly want something fun to do with our young son. After being in Kindermusik, the music session is ... let's just say it left A LOT to be desired. The teacher grabbed my son up out of my arms to demonstrate how to do a somersault (using him as the model—no warning, no warming up to him). Of course, he freaked out. I think a lot of kids would freak out if a big man that they didn't know grabbed them and contorting their body into weird positions! Anyway, nice person (the teacher), nice group of moms and our son loved the equipment, but I feel we get SO much more out of your class. I don't want to pay $13/week for 15-30 min of gym exploration. I could go to an open gym instead. So, the point of my story is: if you ever have a client who talks about doing another class INSTEAD of Kindermusik, encourage them to check out the class first. I am SO GLAD that I did!!! I was able to see that your program is truly top notch! I was very impressed by what you do! Even though Kindermusik does not offer a gym, the quality of the curriculum is outstanding. I will send the check! Thanks!

—A Musical Pathways' Kindermusik mom

I should tell you that I'm glad for the "I can do it by myself, all by myself" song because as Paige wants to exert her independence about everything, she stops me when she wants to do something on her own and doesn't yell or scream about it, but instead breaks out into song! It makes me laugh and gives me the extra patience needed at times.

—Sherri Rogalla, Musical Pathways' Kindermusik Mom

I never did get a chance to fill out the evaluation at the end of last semester's session, but you do a FABULOUS job of engaging the children and parents. I would highly recommend your classes to anyone/everyone. I particularly loved the violin visit at the end of the year and the chance for the kids to hold the bow and play. That was pretty neat. And your "over the top" gift bags at the last class were definitely a crowd pleaser ... what a great way to teach the kids "please, thank you, selling, paying, lining up, etc." You did a fabulous job with our class.

—Nola, mother of a Musical Pathways' Kindermusik student

Sydney is just adoring your class. She loves to sing and she walks around clapping and tapping her legs all the time (Cackle, Cackle Mother Goose is her favorite). She loves it when mom and dad follow her lead. (Boy, are we in trouble when she's a teenager!) Thank you for all you do. We're really enjoying watching her develop—and are thrilled she is loving music!

—Christine Erickson, mother of "Musical Pathways" Kindermusik® student

"Can't say enough good about this program. We love to sing with the CD and doing the class activity with the song at home. You are very approachable by adults and children (that makes it very comfortable and trusting) and can easily be reached either by phone or Web. I like that."

—Kim Cooke, mother of "Musical Pathways" Kindermusik® student

"We do the summer camps every year. It's great to be able to keep the kids in Kindermusik in the summer so they don't lose it between spring and fall. Christopher just started piano lessons and his teacher asked, 'Has he had Kindermusik?' She could tell immediately."

—Rich Bresette, father of a Kindermusik student

"Austin enjoys everything. He likes the teacher the best. At home my child shows me that she/he is learning to enjoy music by singing songs from class and having an interest in all types of musical styles and instruments."

—Gena Duren, mother of "Musical Pathways" Kindermusik® student

"Our daughter, Kayla, loves her Kindermusik Our Time™ class! I just can't say enough about this class and the whole idea behind Kindermusik. The At Home materials are wonderful — Kayla especially loves the Fiddle Sticks book, This Little Piggy Played the Fiddle, and all of the animal songs! After doing the 'roll over' activity in class and then playing the music at home, Kayla knew exactly what to do! I tell everyone I know about Kindermusik. Keep up the good work!"

—Lorena Finnerty, mother of a Kindermusik student

"Your sensitivity to their (children) state of mind — and your ability to draw them in — and your enthusiasm are what my child and I have enjoyed most about Kindermusik. ... Great job — speak highly of this program and you as a teacher."

—Marlene Sharkey, mother of two "Musical Pathways" Kindermusik students

"This class has definitely helped Benjamin's language skill development as well as his ability to work cooperatively and share. ... He constantly wants to listen and sing and dance to music."

—Ann Zieser, mother of a "Musical Pathways" Kindermusik student

"Just awesome — so much that I'm reluctant to try another instructor even if its better for my schedule!"

—Manda Debnath, mother of a "Musical Pathways" Kindermusik student

"Ryan has learned so much these past two years! We are amazed at her wealth of knowledge. Her confidence and self-esteem have also grown. I wish all learning experiences could be so joyous."

—R. Miller, mother of a Kindermusik® student

"I love hearing about the brain research ..."

—Ann Desens, mother of a "Musical Pathways" Kindermusik student

"You are awesome! I wouldn't change a thing!"

—Karla Faust, mother of a "Musical Pathways" Kindermusik student

"Zac really missed class today. He sang and danced around the house half the day. He has really enjoyed the class, and I can't believe how much more musical he is than our older boys. He is always singing. It is also surprising given he does not seem that engaged when we are in class."

—Brian Mayhew, father of a "Musical Pathways" Kindermusik student

NOTE: Zac is a classic observer learner who sits in dad's lap during class and usually watches vs. engaging in the activity. Zac is the perfect example of why Kindermusik is perfect for young children. Experts know that Zac is learning just by being present and experiencing the process — not by performing. Home is the place where Zac will perform — and the Kindermusik Home Materials provide for wonderful home play all week long.

Read what the experts are saying!