Merrill's Musikgarten
Music and movement education begin at birth when a newborn infant is rocked and sung to by family members. This early introduction to music can be a happy part of childhood while the baby learns language, expression, memory skills and social interaction. At Merrill's Musikgarten (8665 South Highland Drive), these concepts are enhanced by immersing the child in a musical community designed to stimulate brain growth and family connections.
Merrill Marshall believes every child is musical. With her degree in elementary education and 16 years of piano teaching experience, Merrill says the Musikgarten program benefits children by creating an appreciation for music while building a foundation for future music literacy.
"Its curriculum is based on nature, encouraging wonder and imagination that children have naturally," Merrill says. "Children all have music in them. It's just awakening the musician in each child."
At Merrill's Musikgarten, children are introduced to music as newborns by singing, bouncing, rocking, dancing and echoing along with their mother or father. When a child is 16 months old, they move into classes that encourage focused listening and simple instruments. At ages 3 to 4, the curriculum includes listening and movement games along with singing, chanting and rhymes.
By age 5, music skills like music notation, pitch and ensemble development are introduced. Because each class is held in a group setting, the children hear the music repeatedly, leaving the notes and rhythm imprinted in their minds. And at ages 6 through 9, students are introduced to music on the piano keyboard. Once the Musikgarten program is completed at age 9, most children can play the piano at an early-intermediate level.
"I fell in love with the program when I saw how it works in line with child development," Merrill says. "Repetition is one of the best retention methods of learning theory. They are actually learning music as a mother tongue since they're starting at the very beginning."
The Musikgarten approach to music instruction is intended to create a shared experience for children, parents and teachers. Children develop listening and social skills that foster good learning habits and school achievement. For most classes, material packets are provided for home instruction that include CDs, games and posters.
Instructors in the Musikgarten program are highly-trained and experienced professionals who must have at least 15 years of teaching early childhood music education. Comprehensive support from the creators of the Musikgarten program is available for music teachers including ongoing training and frequent interaction.
For complete class schedules, course descriptions and further information about Merrill's Musikgarten, contact Merrill at 801-230-1039 or visit www.musikgarten.org/merrillsmusikgarten. Merrill also teaches private and group piano lessons for older children and adults.
"[Musikgarten] nourishes their whole development," Merrill says. "Physically, they learn to move gracefully and with rhythm. Spiritually, they are nourished by the music."
