kindermusic *opinions wanted*

[Visitor8]

yeah the lessons are 45 minutes. I think it's overpriced too but if parents have that sort of money to throw around, good on them I know I dont!

[mum3girls]

The cost is approximately $10 -$12 per lesson and runs for a 16 week semester (8 weeks each term). There is a maximum of 6 children in a class. The extra cost includes 2 CD's with approximately 25-30 songs on each CD that they learn in class. Plus 2 really good quality kids books, an instrument and a carry case. Then there is also a parent At Home Book that has all the music and lots of extra activities in it. A total cost of $225 a semester.

So far the only people who have said the price is less than $300 is people who actually take their children to Kindermusik. I don't know if the other teachers charge more

As for attention span, yes, 45 mins can be a long time, but the lessons are full of change and transition, plus also quiet time. The total time spent on one activity is less than 4-5 mins usually less than that - so definitely within the attention-span of a toddler. If you're child is not into the lesson that day (yep, it happens sometimes, everyone has off days occassionally - no matter what your age), that's ok, 'cause you as the parent has learnt the activities and can go home and do things with them when your child is up to it.

I would absolutely not even consider private one-on-one music tuition at this age, the social interaction in the small-group is very appropriate and beneficial for this age-group.

Personally Rach, I'd just give it a try. Talk to the lady when she's back from holidays and find out for nyourself whether you think it's worth it. And try a trial lesson to see whether Jack likes it. There's a limit to how much you can find out from a website without actually experiencing it in person.

[Visitor8]

I just want to add, do you have 3 semesters/terms or 4? This could be why yours is only 225 and mine was 300.

[Hollybolly]

Mum3girls - I'm so glad you posted, because the price PER SEMESTER is a good price - if it works out $10-$12 per lesson, thats quite average for these types of classes

A semester is 2 terms, so that would seem reasonable to me

I would absolutely not even consider private one-on-one music tuition at this age, the social interaction in the small-group is very appropriate and beneficial for this age-group.

Just wanted to say to everyone in case there was any confusion... I'm not suggesting private tuition for children toddler ages - was just explaining that for the same cost, people pay for private tuition... sorry if anyone misunderstood

I agree with mum3girls... private tuition at this age is lost on little ones, and is why programs like these are perfect for the introduction to music... and for a beginning

I DID notice, on their website, though that age groups go up to children well into school age.... IMO private tuition would be a better option for those kids.... but thats when they're old enough to show a specific interest in a specific instrument IYKWIM?
(And I'm not sure there's anyone in this thread that this applies to at this point in time?)

If the price is per semester & includes the various additions (cds/books/etc) - I think its well priced & definately worth giving a go, Rach

If you have any questions feel free to drop me a PM

[Rach75]

thanks again girls we shall just have to see what she comes back with not sure if we will go ahead with it now as found out today am up for $1200 + operation for my dog on thursday *eek*