Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which class is right for my child?
Age recommendations for each Kindermusik class are made to ensure that children are grouped in a developmentally appropriate way. Your child needs to be at least the minimum age for the chosen class by the start of a semester. If you are concerned at all, this can be discussed with the teacher to see if your child would be better suited to a different age group.
When can I register for a class?
Dates and times are released aprox. 4-6 weeks prior to the start of a term or semester. Early registration ensures your place in a class as class sizes are limited.
Can I join a class mid-term?
Yes, you can, subject to space being available in a class. Fees are calculated on a pro-rata basis in addition to the Home Materials.
Do I need the At Home Materials?
Yes, the At Home Materials are an important element of the Kindermusik experience. These 'materials' become part of your child's life and they learn the songs we sing and dance to in class, enjoy reading their story books and doing the activities in their activity book as well as playing with their percussion instrument! Children who frequently reinforce and enjoy activities in their home environment will feel more secure in class and will participate more.
I have twins/two children who will be in the same class. Do I get a discount?
Yes, the price for the 1st child is the regular fee and there is a discount for the 2nd child. Part of this discount is because they will receive a "Sibling Kit"of At Home Materials which excludes products from the kit that can be shared (eg. CD's). There is also a discount if you have 2 or more children enrolled in different programs eg. baby in a Village class + preschooler in Imagine That! class. Please enquire at time of enrolment.
What happens if I miss a class?
Families can do a make-up class on another day if classes are missed due to illness/holidays. Simply give us a call in advance to schedule make-ups. There is a limit of 1 makeup class per term. Refunds are not given for missed classes. In some circumstances if something prevents you coming to class for a large portion of the term or semester a credit can be arranged for the following term. If the class is cancelled due to teacher illness or other circumstances it is rescheduled for another time.
What do we do in Jim Jam classes?
We have loads of fun! And all while being a fantastic educational, brain stimulating experience for your child. We teach children the fundamentals of music including rhythm, tempo, steady beat skills and pitch. We explore fast and slow, high and low, loud and quiet. smooth and bumpy (or legato and staccato in musical terms) as we dance, sing, play percussion instruments, do finger plays, play with puppets, hoops, balls. parachute, ribbon sticks - there is never a dull moment! The exception is during rocking time at the end of class where parents or caregivers get to share some relaxing. snuggle time with their child - a favourite time of all our classes.
My child is very shy and introverted, I'm not sure if they will join in with the class activities...
That's the great thing about Kindermusik. It's not performance based, so there is no pressure and all children are encouraged to participate in their own way. Children are all different little beings and our classes cater for all energy levels, moods and personalities. Some children like to sit back and observe what's going on around them and that's how they learn, others 'dig in' and want to experience everything! Children who are shy often find it's a great environment to build their social skills by doing circle dances, interacting during instrument exploration time with other children and on the flipside a very busy child can benefit from rocking time, learning to relax and just 'be'.
I have a younger child, can they come too?
We do have some multi-age MINI JAM classes where younger siblings can join in (check our timetable). The class content will be the same as in our other MINI JAM classes however there will be age appropriate instruments and the teacher will give guidance as to how to adapt different activities to the younger child. If your child is attending BIG JAM, younger siblings can join in the last 10 minutes with parents/caregivers. Babies 9 months and under are free to attend classes with a older siblings.
Can I attend an introductory class?
We encourage all parents to come and try an introductory class with Jim Jam Music. By coming to a Jim Jam class anytime during the term, you and your child will get to see what goes on in class. We give you a 'Best of Kindermusik' CD to continue your child's listening and music playing at home! All for just a one-off cost of $15.
Trying a class is great for parents to see whether Jim Jam Music suits your family's needs. The 'Best of Kindermusik' take home CD is a very important part of that. The variety of musical styles and activities on all Kindermusik CD's is a crucial part of the Kindermusik philosophy, that the parent is the most important teacher and the home is where the most important learning happens.
