FAQ

Why should I pursue early childhood music education for my child?
Music awakens and stimulates pathways in the brain that are associated with higher forms of intelligence, such as abstract thinking, empathy, mathematics and science. Music's melodic and rhythmic patterns provide exercise for the brain and help develop memory. Remember singing the ABC song to learn your ABC's? Studying music helps children establish good listening habits, which are essential for achievement in school. Overall, music activities are perfect for child development. Music immerses the child in language, evokes movement, stimulates the brain and fosters physical coordination - all in a group setting that builds community - a holistic experience.

How long do the classes last each week?
Classes for babies are 30 minutes per week; young preschoolers meet 45 minutes per week. Classes for older children are 45 minutes to 1 hour per week. Children's keyboard classes are 1 hour per week with occasional private lesson times. Adult keyboard usually meets for 1 hour weekly or bi-weekly.

What does it mean that "Musikgarten has a 9 year developmental plan" for my child?
Only Musikgarten has a program that addresses the unique developmental needs of children at each age. The classes are interrelated, as they were written for children to grow-up with Musikgarten. This sequential planning also makes it easier for the students to grow in their musical competence and graduate to instrument playing.

Should parents attend and participate in the classes?
Parents (or other adult caregivers) are an integral part of class in the younger years. As students get older they generally participate by themselves, but parents take part in the classes toward the end of the lesson on scheduled days. (Parents are welcome to attend with their children if they so desire.) For all classes, parents are asked to include active music making in their child’s life. Sing along with the CD. Play echo games, making up patterns, as we do in class. Put the picture cards or notation games on your refrigerator and play identification games with them as you get ready for dinner. More structured practice is required when the children get to Music Makers: At the Keyboard.  

Does Musikgarten better prepare students for piano lessons?
Yes, in most cases. Musikgarten classes develop students' aural (listening) senses and total music literacy more than other pre-piano methods. The Music Makers: At the Keyboard classes are taught in a group session, so that children learn from each other and grow in their comfort of playing with and in front of one another.

Why do the students get Home Materials? Are we supposed to practice at home?
Children and parents can have so much fun at home and in the car with Musikgarten songs and dances. In class you learn the songs, but at home is where you really have fun with the songs and dances. It's a great family bonding time. Listening to your CD also helps your child learn the songs more quickly and will improve your class experience. Try it!

What if I can't make it one week due to a vacation or other conflict?
Please let your teacher know as soon as you can. That way we can work on a plan to accommodate your needs while keeping your child's progress with music on track. Arrangements can sometimes be made for you to attend a different session of your class (if another is offered at a time convenient for you.) A make-up class at the end of the term is also sometimes available. For Keyboard students, a private lesson may need to be scheduled to keep your child up-to-date with the other students in the class. For Piano students, if I know well before class that your student won't be attending, I can record portions of the class for your use and occasionally, a ZOOM session might be able to be set up with the class. 

Do I need to pay if we miss a class? All participants are to pay for the FULL number of classes offered in the Fall or Winter session (upfront, or you may pay monthly or weekly) with all Semester payments paid in full by the NEXT TO LAST class. You are welcome to make up a class at a different time and/or attend a make-up class that is added at the end of the semester. Baby classes are sometimes handled differently. Summer specials offer the chance to attend 8 classes while only paying for 6 -- so if you need to miss 2, you haven't lost any money and if you don't miss, you get 2 classes free! 

We do try to be fair -- If you are starting the session late or have extenuating circumstances, exceptions may be made to this policy. Class fees may, at times, be pro-rated. Contact Lynelle Vogel to discuss this.

How may I pay for my class?

Registration ($50 of the total class fees-- $60.00 Piano; Summer Registration costs vary) should be paid at least one week in advance of your class by PayPal off the website, with VENMO or by check mailed to Music for Life, 1209 Wooster Road, Winona Lake, IN  46590 or dropped off BETWEEN the house front doors. The registration fee holds your place in the class and provides your Materials. Registration fees are non-refundable unless a class is cancelled due to low enrollment. (Each class has a minimum and maximum number of participants.) After registration, you will receive an email invoice for the correct (including any discounts) total class fees. These fees may be paid by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) in person at the studio, check, cash, VENMO or PayPal to musicforlifelv@gmail.com. Weekly and monthly class fee payments (cash or checks) may be arranged by speaking to Lynelle Vogel at the first class. Invoices are emailed each month that you still have outstanding fees. All fees for Fall/Winter Semesters are to be paid in full by the NEXT TO LAST class. All fees for Summer Semester are due at the first class. Class fees are non-refundable (unless a class is cancelled due to lack of enrollment), although at times a credit may be available for an upcoming semester. (Exceptions may be made in cases of very serious illness or unexpected move - please contact Lynelle Vogel.) 

Do you have a class that would allow me to bring several of my children of different ages at the same time?  Music for Life often offers mixed age classes for newborns through Age 4-5. All participating children are "paying" class members. At 6 months, a child will automatically be considered a "paying" class participant.

May I bring a younger (or older) sibling to class with me?
Younger (and older) siblings may be able to observe class with parent and participating child at the discretion of the class teacher. As a general rule, (non-mobile) babies in carseats, on blankets or in carriers are welcome at an older sibling's class. If you want your younger or older child to participate in class, a sibling fee will be due. Please check with your teacher before bringing a sibling to class. 

Do you have discounts for siblings?
Sibling class fees are discounted. Class fees may also be discounted if you already have the materials (from a sibling who previously participated) for that class. Contact Lynelle Vogel for further details.

The classes are listed as being 10-15 weeks; however, more weeks than that are included in the dates listed. What does that mean?
Classes usually meet for 10-15 weeks in the Fall & Winter terms. Time off is taken around major holidays and generally correlates with the Warsaw Schools calendar (i.e. Fall Break & Spring Break.) Fall semester usually begins mid-September and goes to mid-December. Winter semester begins mid-January and usually runs through April. A short Spring session and Summer classes are sometimes available. Session lengths and schedules may vary at the Nappanee location. Please contact Lynelle Vogel if you need more detailed information.

I've missed the first several classes. May I register and join late?
Depending upon class size and make-up, late registrations are welcome. Contact Lynelle Vogel to find out if the class you want is still available. Depending upon when you register, class fees may be pro-rated. Keyboard/Piano classes are sequential (each class builds on the previous one) so late registration in most cases is discouraged.

How will I know if my child will like music class? May I visit a class before signing up? Free preview classes are often available prior to the beginning of a term or on the first day of class. It may be possible for you to visit a class at other times - contact Lynelle Vogel for information.  

As my child gets older there seem to be more and more activities for him/her to do? Why should I continue with music and movement training?
After being in the program for a while, you can see the benefits your child is getting from class. It is our view that singing, dancing and playing with music (in class and at home) is best for your child's holistic development. Plus music literacy lasts a lifetime! Not many older persons still play a sport or participate in dance ... but adults can sing and play instruments, in most cases, throughout their entire lives and it's proven beneficial for their health and well-being, too. With our studio, you and your child KNOW your teacher -- no surprises! And you know the quality of each class will remain consistent from year to year. While other activities can be fun, helpful and rewarding, the primary building block of your child's developmental time will be well-spent with Musikgarten.