by Jo Barnes | photo by Amanda Cribdon Photography
Music fills the air as a toddler twirls to the beat. Meanwhile a parent claps along to the tune, as his little one taps a musical instrument. It’s fun and games here … but it’s also serious business!
Kindermusik, a music-based program for young children, provides not only opportunities to learn about music, socialize and have fun, but is proven to enable children to build a strong foundation towards better learning. The program has now come to the Saanich Peninsula and is offered through Musicoastal which operates under music teacher and director Jessica Burgess.
“Kindermusik is an incredible program,” shares Jessica. “There was a 2013 independent research study done that showed that preschoolers who participated in Kindermusik for 30 minutes a week showed 32% higher literacy gains than those who had not enrolled in the program in the control group.”
For 35 years, Kindermusik has been a leading musical education program and is offered now in over 40 countries around the world. It is based on a wide variety of early childhood music education and draws on many respected educators like Orff, Kodaly, Suzuki and Montessori. In a typical class, parents and children are both involved. Activities include listening to stories, singing, playing an instrument and dancing. Numerous development areas are covered such as vocabulary and vocal play. Caregivers learn how to support the progress of their child.
The program can be tailored to a variety of ages. Jessica currently offers a Level 1, “Baby Foundational” class for babies up to
18 months and a Level 2 class geared for those aged 18 months to 3.5 years old. In January, she hopes to offer a Level 3 class aimed at toddlers between 2.5 and 4.5 years old.
Offering this program is based on Jessica’s longstanding love of teaching children and sharing music with others.
“I wanted to bring the Kindermusik program to the Peninsula,” says Jessica. “I love to see the joy that music brings to a child.”
After moving to the Saanich Peninsula in 2013, she opened up her own music studio. A few years ago, while running the program “Mad Hatters Musical Arts” with Leanne Hopkins, Jessica rediscovered her love of working with children. The arrival of the pandemic brought a time for reflection and the opportunity to try new things. After successfully completing an audition and all the necessary licensing and educational requirements, she embarked on a dedicated Kindermusik program, changed her music studio name to Musicoastal, and hasn’t looked back since.
“I am growing this program organically,” comments Jessica. “I give the best product I can with the tools that I have.”
Jessica is well equipped for the job and knows her way around music and then some. She is an accomplished musician, completed an Associate of Victoria Conservatory of Music designation (AVCM) and has been a professional piano teacher since 1998. She studied under Winifred Wood, a renowned pianist and teacher who, with husband Robin, founded the Victoria Conservatory of Music. For eight years, Jessica was a classical and jazz teacher at the Conservatory.
Attracted by the excellence of the Kindermusik program, Jessica is enthusiastic about the opportunities it affords. Music and learning resources are provided to families, and this means young students can learn both in class and at home. Children build a variety of skills in a safe setting which helps builds self-esteem.
“This transcends to confidence in other settings,” notes Jessica.
Parents have the opportunity to actively participate in classes and give feedback at the conclusion of activities. They not only witness firsthand the abilities and growth in their children, but they can really connect in a powerful way with them.
“I thought the program would be all about development and growth,” notes Jessica. “But a vital part of it was largely about bonding between child and parent or caregiver.”
The powerful connection between music and family is very familiar to Jessica.
“I come from a musical family,” comments Jessica. “I started playing piano at age four. My dad played. We had two pianos, and we played together.”
This image of adult and child spending time, being creative, and learning together epitomizes what Kindermusik is at its core. For Jessica, it is the ideal opportunity to bring together so many factors that make up who she is as a person.
“Music is a part of who I am,” says Jessica. “Kindermusik is about building community and lifelong connections.”
Music is a language of communication. Jessica Burgess’ Kindermusik program is a marvellous example of how music can bring families together, teach, and develop young minds.
All that tapping and twirling might just be the tools a toddler and a family needs.
For registration and details, visit www.musicoastal.kindermusik.com.
