CAROLYN Hornell is taking the commitment out of kids' classes.
The owner of Kindermusik has revamped the registration process to try to make it more friendly for busy parents, who may want to join a class after it's started, take time off for vacations or simply not have to worry about losing their spot when the next class starts. All of those things are now a whole lot easier at the musical learning program, designed for kids seven years old and younger.
"I'm a mother and I hate it when I have to get up at six o'clock to have to register for a program," she said. "We're just trying to make it easier all around for people."
Instead of having to sign up for the entire 16-month Kindermusik course, parents can now sign up and pay on a monthly basis, but their spot will be reserved until they choose to finish. Parents can also start at any time during the 16-week semester beginning in January, providing a much greater flexibility.
It's something parents had been requesting, she said, but likely not something that matters much to the kids. What they will notice is the fun they have playing, singing, moving and grooving to a variety of games and exercises designed to teach long-term skills.
It's basically early childhood education using music as the means," said Hornell. "What we offer are age-specific classes, we look at the developmental targets, linguistic development, cognitive development, emotional physical development, and depending on the age category a certain amount of musical skill."
Children take home an instrument with them, a CD and other materials to allow them to continue the class at home. Hornell said some participants even bought the classes as a Christmas present. One popular gift for both parent and child, was from grandparents who can offer to take the children as well, giving mom and dad a breather.
Kindermusik is an international early learning program, and has been operated by Hornell in North Vancouver for seven years, previously out of a number of different locations like church basements. They recently opened a new studio space at 3063 Lonsdale Ave. near Queens Road.
The early learning time is crucial for brain development, adds Hornell, and each of the musical games children play are designed to build neural pathways in the brain and develop skills for later in life, in diverse areas from sports to cognitive abilities.
Classes begin with newborns and range in programs up to seven years old, including classes for specific age groups and Family Time for all age groups.
Class registration can be done online at notablekids.ca.
