Kindermusik: A place to sing, learn and connect

By Lisa Davidson | Photography by Jeromiah Lizama

Once the shoes are stored neatly in cubbies, all diaper bags are hung up in the hallway and relaxing music sounds from the classroom, it is time for Kindermusik.

Ten adults gather with their children in the middle of the cozy classroom that is decorated with colorful letters spelling out Kindermusik with Danielle. Danielle Smith, studio director and passionate teacher, has been waiting inside with a variety of instruments and toys to keep the kids busy before class begins.

“Kindermusik is an early childhood program that uses music and movement activities to encourage healthy development,” Danielle says. “Each lesson focuses on learning in the six main areas of development for a child: cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language, and of course, music.”

Founded in 1978, Kindermusik is the world’s leading provider of music-based education for children from birth through age 7. Danielle’s Kindermusik center in Killeen is one the busiest and most successful in the country.

“Psychologists, scientists and experts in early childhood development have demonstrated that music does more than bring children joy,” she says. “It helps their brain cells make the connections needed for every kind of intelligence. Not only does music affect our cognitive thinking, but it can also relieve stress and help with emotional growth.”

Everyone who meets Danielle will feel her close connection to music — one that she had before she found her way to Kindermusik after the birth her daughter in 2006.

“I had been a high school band director in Copperas Cove before this, but I wanted to be able to have a flexible schedule to stay home and raise my daughter,” she says. “I started with just teaching just a few classes of Kindermusik each week and my baby daughter often came with me to the classes as well, so we got lots of quality time together.”

Danielle initially held classes in Killeen area churches or dance studios. She continued her Kindermusik journey after her son was born.

“When my children were both old enough and in elementary school, I expanded the business to a full-time schedule, including hiring several teachers to work with me,” she says.

She opened her first store front location in 2016, which gave her the freedom to include classes in the evenings and on weekends — a schedule that allows working parents to take their children to class. “We firmly believe that parents are the best teacher for their child, therefore, educating and encouraging parents is a priority for us,” Smith said.

In every class, Smith encourages parents to engage with their children but also to give them the freedom of explore new things on their own. “Through the philosophy of ‘process not performance’ parents are guided through activities such as instrument exploration, pretend play, dance, infant massage, sign language, story-time and lap bounces to show them ways to be their child’s best teacher.”

All instructions are sung in a calm and friendly voice. The constant music in the background — whether it is a nursery rhyme, classical music or international tunes — creates a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Although some babies are just able to lay on their tummies while others can sit or walk, every child is equally involved.

“We want every child and parent to feel accepted and included into our Kindermusik family,” Danielle says.

“Parenthood is hard and should not be a journey that moms and dads make alone. We want parents to know that we are supporting them through our education with them, but also helping them to connect with other parents who are just like them and need someone who understands them.

“We tell every parent that we are ready to have you when you are ready to get out of the house with your little one,” she says. “It is never too early to introduce your child to music.”

Killeen resident Jenna Gunshinan started attending Kindermusik classes when her daughter Juliana was just 3 weeks old. “As we first started, she slept through the entire class but it was great for me as a new mom,” Jenna says. “I just love the community that they build.”

Juliana is 11 months old now and hit many of her developmental milestones in class. “She has been taking her first steps here,” Jenna says. “She has blossomed so much just from having this music in her life.”

Clarissa Shepherd, who attends the classes with her 10-month-old daughter Sage, loves how the music and exercises challenge her child. “This curriculum really helps with her motor skills and she is able to recognize rhythm and sounds and music,” she says. “This is enhancing her and allowing her to become more advanced.”

But Kindermusik doesn’t stop in the classroom. Families are provided with monthly CDs as well as weekly videos with songs, games and ideas to incorporate little exercises and games into everyday life. “I incorporate a lot of what we do here at Kindermusik at my house because she remembers it and she likes it,” Clarissa says.

“A lot of times we don’t really know what we are doing … we may think we know but it’s nothing like having a community that is here to help you stay on track with what your child should be doing developmentally,” she adds.

Interested parents can schedule a free introductory class. Parents can choose between 32 classes in the Kindermusik studio at 4200 E Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen, and three local preschool partners. Even adults or older children can join the community. Danielle also offers a variety of private and group instrument lessons for piano, ukulele, trumpet, saxophone and bassoon. “You can learn an instrument at any point in your life, it is never too late,” she says.