The Musikgarten Program in Early Childhood

Early Childhood students have the opportunity to experience a music and movement program with Kari Buishas called Musikgarten. Kari has been teaching all levels of Musikgarten for over seven years.  Her classes are structured with movement in conjunction with music, giving the children the ability to feel and understand many musical concepts.  Through Musikgarten lessons the children learn many concepts, including the difference between a duple meter and a triple meter, stationary movement used with "the stick passing game" where they develop ensemble activity and a sense of connection with music, plus ear training with tonal and rhythm patterns.  At this beginning level, the children are using primarily percussion instruments to make music, with some use of tonal bars.

There are many things being taught in these classes that are an integral part of developing true musicianship.  In working with a music ensemble it is important to learn to manage impulse control. Music and movement performed together crosses both the horizontal and vertical mid-lines for brain development, and through the use of hoops and scarves they add the component of greater spatial awareness.  

Kari is providing a wonderful foundation for children to build upon as they develop their love for and connection to music.