Gymberee Music Vs. Kindermusik

My kindermusik experience was quite a long time ago with my son, however it was fantastic. You are correct they give you a cd, a book and some kind of instrument. It was a great experience for him and he totally enjoyed it.

I'm not sure where you live, but we have been going to Music Together classes. I have 3 boys (6, 3, 1) and they love it. Miss Christy has many insturments, fun props like parachutes and dancing ribbons. You get 2 CD's one for home and one for the car and you also get sheet music. It has been so much fun!! She also does demo classes so you can come and visit for free. here is a link to her website: www.amazingkidsmusictogether.com

We've done both; we did Gymboree for my oldest son (who's now 6) for about a year, until the closest Gymboree went out of business (with no warning, and without any way of refunding us the remaining part of our tuition - but that's another story).

After that we switched to Kindermusik, and we've done that ever since, so my 6 year old has been in Kindermusik for about 4 1/2 years, and my almost-4-year-old has been in it for 3 years. We LOVE Kindermusik - I think it's taught both of my kids so much about following directions, taking turns, responding to an adult other than his parents, etc. It's also given them greater coordination and confidence ...not to mention the musical benefits: understanding rhythm and beat, knowledge of different types of music and instruments, etc. I can't say enough good things about it! I will say, though, that the teacher makes ALL the difference. Take advantage of the "one free class" thing that most teachers offer to find one whose style you like. We're on our fourth teacher; the first two retired, and the third one just wasn't a good fit for us (she was a little too unstructured for my tastes and tended to pace the class around the kids who weren't good at following directions. It was a bit like letting the inmates run the asylum, in my opinion). Our current teacher is AWESOME.

Having done both, I would wholeheartedly recommend Kindermusik. Gymboree is fun, but I don't think my son did anything there that he couldn't do at a park or rec center class - or at Kindermusik, for that matter.

I personally didn't like Kindermusik. My daughter got bored of sitting in a circle. With Gymboree, they have a learning plan they go off each week (their gym classes). It is structured to teach them different things in each developmental stage. We started going when she was around 16 months. The play they do taught her to be aware of her surroundings (over, under, through...) so she didn't hurt herself as much to know proximately of objects. Through the year and a half we were in Gymboree, she learned active play, imaginary play, singing, cooperation with others, socializing, etc... We've been out of Gymboree for about 6 months. It was a GREAT experience and she has friends she still plays with and I keep in contact with moms. To me, the curriculum and staff was well worth the money!

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I am a huge Kindermusik fan!! I started with my son when he was a baby and have continued now with my daughter who is 5. It is a wonderful program that really teaches your child about music. I would do a trial class to see for yourself.

The thing I REALLY didn't like about Kindermusik, is how it was so darn structured. It was very free thinking, or active. There is all kinds of sitting in a circle, doing this, instructions...you get the idea. My son, is very active and loves to play. He didn't respond well to Kindermusik. It is great for some kids, but maybe not the best for very active and curious kids. Regarding the cost of Gymboree, you also get open gyms in the cost of the class. We were going to three open gyms and his class ever week, so it was like spending $4 every time we went. You only get the one class a week at Kindermusik. My son loves going and playing on all the equipment at Gymboree, for open gym. At 20 months, they will all be pretty comparable in what the children learn. I agree, that the teacher is really important.

I love Kindermusik! I did do a trial at Gymberee and it felt like I was paying for my daughter to just play, I can do that at the park or home. You can do a trial class with Kindermusik for free and see how your son does. We love our teacher. My daughter started with her at about the same age as your son and we did it until she started preschool. I did one class with my newborn too.

Gymboreee classes are super duper expensive.. crazy expensive.. like $16 per class. ouch.. I try to find kid classes for $10 or less per class.

Kindermusik prices vary. Each teacher can set her own price.. we have a lady here that teaches kindermusik for $60 for 8 weeks.. $7.50 per class good deal.

My kids did 4 - 8 weeks sessions of kindermusik.. I loved kindermusik. I enjoyed hte songs.. It was fun for me too. I really wouldnt think the child would learn more at either class. it is fun,, they hear differnt instruments, dance and play, they might even learn to interact with othe kids..

I recommend kindermusik..