As one might infer from the name,
KinderBach is a music program for children. Quite specifically, it is an introductory piano program targeting children ages 3-7. Utilizing a group of animated characters, Karri Gregor, the creator and founder of
KinderBach, engages and teaches young students the fundamentals of note reading, rhythm, singing, composition, and ear training.
Currently, there are 6 levels of
KinderBach available. Together, they total 240+ video lessons - an
impressive 22 hours of video. Videos may be viewed in a variety of options including: computer, iPad, Android Tablet, Kindle Fire, or Nook. Furthermore, DVD's are available as well. In our home, we were able to take the laptop to the piano to complete each lesson.
To accompany each of the KinderBach levels, there is a corresponding workbook. Being PDF, it is easy to print off individual pages as needed or an entire level at once. The worksheets aren't time consuming at all and are age-appropriate with mainly coloring activities.
In order to fully appreciate this program, access to a piano or keyboard is important. However, it is stressed that making an investment in a piano or a keyboard with lots of "bells & whistles" is unnecessary. A keyboard with 3 octaves would be more than adequate if you are in need of an instrument purchase. As a music educator, I do appreciate the fact that full-size keys are recommended opposed to the smaller ones often used on toys.
In our home, music matters. Having a degree in Music Education, enjoying singing and playing piano, I do wish to instill a deep love for music in my children. Of course, I'd love for my kiddos to be musicians, but I never want to force that upon them. I do have high hopes though... Rachel is definitely my singer, Jeremiah got an electric drum set for his 7th birthday, and I believe, Caleb may become my guitar player with his long fingers.
However, when using
KinderBach, I found that my 6 and 7 year old boys found some of the videos beneath them. (Actually, Caleb asked if this was something off of Blues Clues. Since I never was a fan of that show, I'm unsure what correlation or reference he was making.) Through our homeschool co-op class, I've already been teaching them to read notes, so possibly it was that they were familiar with some of the content already. On the other hand, my 5 year old daughter was completely enthralled and felt like quite the ROCK STAR. From these initial observations, I decided not to force this upon my boys and went with the willing participant. Rachel sooo enjoyed
KinderBach. I'd hear her humming songs throughout the day and find her meandering around the piano for a quick tickle of the keys every now and then.
From our experience, I would recommend this program to parents wishing to give their 2-5 year old children a fun, no-pressure, introduction to piano. This program would be especially helpful to parents who have no formal training or background in music. I'd caution parents of 6 and 7 year olds to be sure and utilize the
free trial before committing to purchasing something that may not be a good fit for your family. See what other TOS Crew Reviewers are saying about their
experiences with KinderBach.
Kinderbach at Home is an affordable $7.99 a month if purchased at the annual price of $95.88. It may also be purchased monthly for $19.99. DVD and CD packages start at $40.45.
KinderBach is generously offering 30% off - using the code TOSCrew2012 - that can be used for ANY order placed from now until February 2, 2013!!!!
Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary subscription to KinderBach in exchange for my honest review.
