My question is simple...which do you prefer?
Have you tried both and what do you feel are the differences in the class?
I'm open to any comments from dfw moms, BUT I'm seriously looking for anyone that can compare classes in the Southlake/Grapevine/Midcities area.
P.S. my son is 16months as a reference in age group.
I have done both. I am doing Kindermusik now with my second child, she is 2. I did Music Together with first in NJ, we loved it. And when we moved here Kindermusik was closest. Pretty much the same to me. I enjoy Kinder now since both my girls have had the same teacher who is great.
So either would be a great choice!
I've only tried Kindermusik and was sorely disappointed. I learned about the trial class after I paid for all of my sessions and had purchased the materials. Despite the money I spent, we still stopped going after a couple of sessions. Wish I'd done a little more research.
I prefer Music Together...
I had done MT for about 3 years (with 2 kids), did 1 semester of Suzuki's Kodomo Music, 1 semester (8 weeks) of Kindermusik.
Kindermusik Pros: It's nice that Kindermusik gives you take home instruments. Cons: I think the female singer in Kindermusik sings in a pitch that is too high and I can't sing along. We had an 8 week semester and were given two different CD and book sets. I don't think 4 weeks is enough to learn songs before getting a new CD. The book doesn't have lyrics or printed music.
MT Pros: They have a music books with all the lyrics and music notes. If you can read music or play an instrument, it's neat to have. Sometimes I'll sit at the piano and start playing one of the MT songs and my 2 yr old will light up. They do a lot of parent education - by email, during class, on Facebook, etc. The 45 min time is completely about music, dancing, singing, clapping, playing instruments, etc., no storytime like Kindermusik. The opening and closing songs are always the same. I understand in Kindermusik, the opening and closing songs change with each different age group? Speaking of age group, MT is for all ages up to age 5. When I looked in the (city rec center) catalog, Kindermusik was divided into 4? different age groups. So, what if you have two kids? You have to take them to separate classes?
Cons to both: They're expensive! I would ask the teacher/ owner/ director if there are any discounts.
I'm not from your area and haven't tried Kindermusik at all, but I just want to say that we LOVE Music Together. My son did all nine sessions and my daughter is starting her 4th session next week. My son is now 5 and still likes to listen to the CDs in the car. Both kids get so happy and excited to hear the songs. They sing along, do the hand motions, and just generally love the classes. My son started at 7 months and my daughter started at 11 months. I highly recommend it.
