Kinderbach

Kinderbach
Ages 3-7
Price: Varies

We were so blessed to receive an online subscription to Kinderbach to review. I have ALWAYS wanted to have my children in music lessons, but that just has never happened. Kinderbach gave my younger children an introduction to music and piano in a fun and easy way.

So, what is Kinderbach?
Kinderbach is a method of introducing music theory to young children. From the Kinderbach website:
The KinderBach curriculum is a proven teaching method which gives children a solid music foundation, aligned with the MENC National Standards for Pre-K, that can translate to any instrument. Basics are basics and KinderBach covers them using language children understand. Youngsters will learn music vocabulary, note reading, rhythm, physical technique, ‘do, re mi’ singing, listening skills and music composition plus the joy in making music.

We watched the lessons on our desktop computer and then would run to the piano to practice what was learned. The program is set up to view 4 lessons a week, but the lessons are so short and enjoyable, we often did four lessons in a day. My children were begging to do just one more. You have the ability to pace these lessons as fast or as slow as you like.

One thing that I find particularly enjoyable about Kinderbach is that the keys are Characters, Like Dodi, Carla and Felicity (Many of the characters have webpages by the way!). It seems to have more meaning and is more memorable to my 5 year old rather than this is a "C".

As you log in and pull up a lesson, right there on that screen is a link you can click to download the activity sheet if you like. I personally printed the whole book off at one time, but I appreciated having a place to go to see which sheet was needed for that lesson.

There are a few ways to get Kinderbach in your home. You can get a year's online membership by either paying $19.99 a month (a great value considering that one lesson could cost that much or more) or by paying $95.88 in one chunk (this works out to be $7.99 a month and is a substantial savings off of an already great value). DVD packages are also available for $40.45 for each level (there are discounts for buying more than one level at a time). I think one benefit of the DVD option for some would be if your television and piano/keyboard were in the same room. If you are not sure if this is a good fit for you, try it for free...the first two weeks of lessons are free. There is also a 30 day, money back guarantee with all products.

My 5 year old was the main focus for this review, but I let me 9 year old sit in on it as well. While she learned and enjoyed the lessons too, I really do think that the age suggestions are very appropriate. I got the feeling that things were moving a little slow for her. DD was able to do everything that was required and I did not get the impression that he was ever frustrated or tired or bored. We really are enjoying Kinderbach and I am so thankful for an affordable option for music lessons for my children.

See what my fellow crew mates have to say about Kinderbach here

Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.