Who wrote "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"? Some believe Mozart did but the tune, well known to the French as "Ah vous dirai-je, maman", is a folk tune. Mozart wrote the famous variations based on this folk tune. Like folk stories they were passed down orally and the original composer is not known. Often there are many versions of the stories....or tunes! When I listen to Mozart's version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star I hear scampering stars, skipping stars, sad stars, upsidedown stars....This link takes you to listen to a little bit of it. It's really a great one to own for your own family collection.
Enjoy.

Big Birthdays!

Important Birthdays! One is for my son, Ben who celebrated birthday 19 (Jan. 25th) away at college! this is his last "Teen" year. Wow, I tell you moms, don't blink it passes so fast. It's also Mozart's birthday, Jan. 27. Mozart was a very special performer and composer. Here you can listen to a very famous performer, Jascha Heifetz, play a "Rondo" by Mozart. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVSgx7gKc_k We'll learn about rondos in the Big Kid class of Young Child 4. It's where the main theme keeps coming around and around. We map it out like this: ABACADA. I wonder if your little little ones will dance to this lively fun music.

Mozart, the stories tell us, had and amazing relationship with sound. He would hear one performance of a big piece of music and remember it so precisely that he could go home and write it all out. He also could not stand to be in the same building as a tuning orchestra!

I've met children who've seemed to have a high aptitude for music and yet cringe and hide when I turn the CD player on or cry and cover their ears when I bring in a trumpet or guitar to show the Young Child class. Maybe you know of someone who won't be in the same room as a vacuume cleaner or who refuses to use the automatic restrooms at the library. Maybe it's just a big crowd that sets off a tantrum in your toddler or the tags in their clothes!

These children struggle with sensory integration. It's hard for parents to understand what's going on and we're tempted to pack up and go home thinking that music classes just aren't something their child likes. Imagine if Mozart's parent's dropped his music lessons!

Sensory Integration issues can be for any of the senses and can be a challenge for adults as well as children. Here's a good book, readable and helpful: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0060195207/ref=sib_dp_pt/102-5163147-4610521#reader-link

Your Kindermusik of Holland teachers are knowledgeable about Sensory Integration and want to work with you to make Kindermusik a wonderful experience for your child....

If you are interested in Sensory Integration let me know. I love this topic and I'd like to write more about it on this blog. Stay tuned.

For now I've got to go turn down the CD player because while Mozart is great, I just can't take the music too loud!

Peace,

Yvette

More about Mozart: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozart

Use Your Singing Voice!

Over the years at the Kindermusik of Holland studio there have been children with the most beautiful angelic voices. Some of them stand out in my memory and I remember thinking that the Vienna Boy's Choir from Austria would surely catch wind of them and snatch up these boys! One day one of these little guys made a remark that I've pondered ever since. He seeemed hesitant to sing and I was trying to encourage him. Then he said, "Miss Yvette, I have a girl's voice." I wonder if he saw my shock! How very sad! I said "Oh, J. you can't have a girl's voice! It's YOUR voice and you are a boy. And YOUR voice is very beautiful." I don't believe he was convinced.

Can you imagine at such a young age not loving a part of yourself that is truly a beautiful gift? How did he get the message that his boy soprano voice, so clear and strong, was something to be ashamed of? How many other children out there are struggling with subtle messages about their voices, ......or perhaps their gracefulness in dancing?.... or desire to play the flute?......Where's it written that only girls should have high voices and enjoy them, only girls should play the flute or take ballet? Come on Boys! Check out this macho guy singing with gusto from his toes!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdlM8Q7hC_4 The music he sings is from the Mozart Opera "The Magic Flute" which we talked about in the Young Child 1 class this semester. When this boy grows up his voice will be a man's voice, just like your's, J!

More (all boys):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nrvaKJx5AA&mode=related&search=

Peace and creativity,
Yvette