Frequently Asked Questions – Music Parties

Q: How many children are at a typical party?
A: I have performed at parties with as few as 5 guests and as many as 200.

Q: Do you provide all the instruments?
A: Yes, I bring all the fun with me, including a sound system, guitar, shakers, ribbon wands, drums, cymbals, tambourines, etc, etc, etc!!

Q: What is the best venue for our music party?
A: Music parties can happen successfully at any party venue—your home, swim club, restaurant, community center, gym, bounce place—you name it! As long as we have some clear, empty floor space (no toys!) and an electrical outlet, we can make it work! If in your home, it is best to have the music portion located right in the middle of the party, so that both the children and adults don't feel forced to leave the social center of the party to participate.

Q: Can the party be outdoors?
A: Yes, as long as the music spot is under cover and not anywhere near a swing set.

Q: What age range do you entertain?
A: Everyone! The music I play and the activities I lead use popular, well-known songs chosen to appeal to everyone in your group, from young infants to grandparents.

Q: Is this just for kids' birthday parties?
A: NO! A music program is a great icebreaker for any party at which some of your guests are children. I have done grandparents' birthday parties (combining instruments for children with music that the senior generation loves), family reunions, block parties, holiday parties, preschool parties, Girl Scout meetings, Moms Clubs, community events—you name it!

Frequently Asked Questions – Music Classes

Q: I understand that infants 10 months and under are free with a registered sibling. Do I have to bring my infant to the same class as my registered toddler?
A: Not necessarily! Infants are welcome to and enjoy the mixed age classes, but you are encouraged to also bring your infant, if your schedule permits, to one of the Infant Only classes instead of, or in addition to, the mixed age class your toddler is in. (Sorry—no toddlers are allowed at infant only classes.)

Q: What if my schedule changes, or for some unexpected reason I cannot make it to my regularly scheduled class?
A: You are welcome to come to any age appropriate class your schedule allows—instead of, or in addition to, the class for which you registered. (I will let everyone know during the first two weeks of the semester if any particular class has become too large to accommodate “drop-ins”.) I want everyone to get as much value out of the program as possible! Since I do not give credit or refunds for missed classes, I encourage you to take advantage of the full schedule offered each week to get in as many classes as you can!

Q: My child can be very shy in group situations. What if she doesn't want to participate?
A: It is very important to the effectiveness and enjoyment of KMR that the parent LET THE CHILD CHOOSE HIS OWN LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION! Even children that are totally passive for some or all of the activities are absorbing the music and the activity around them. It is NOT the parent's job to nag the child into doing something with which he is uncomfortable. It IS the parent's job to model the behavior that I am leading, to have as much fun as possible, and to take the music and the activities home to enjoy in the family setting.

Q: I have friends who began KMR when their infants were as young as 3 weeks old! What can a child that young get out of a music class?
A: Have you ever noticed how people talk constantly to infants from the moment they are born, even though we know that infants can't talk back? We know that the infant is learning our language, the sound of our voice, even the emotions our tone conveys. Infants also love to watch our faces, and quickly learn the power that their facial expressions carry when they see how we react to their smiles. Music serves the same function! In an infant music class, we use precious “face time” with our children to communicate our love of music, and our joy in spending musical time with them, as well as the feel and sound of musical beats and tones. We use the powerful connection between music and movement to enhance our bond with our children, and to cultivate the development of their language, memory, small and gross motor skills . (P.S. It's also fun, and a great way for new parents to meet other new parents!)