Kinderbach

Kinderbach is a fun, computer-based, introductory music program geared toward kids ages 2-7.  Oh, how I wish this had been around when my kids were small!  The folks at Kinderbach have designed over 20 hours of engaging piano / music lessons.  Students learn through video lessons and optional activity pages.  I especially appreciate the forward thinking of Kinderbach.  The first lesson is available to use on some mobile devices and other lessons will be available soon in the ‘app’ format.  Kinderbach is simple to use and, for these introductory lessons, even a toy keyboard will work for practice. After completing this program, students are well prepared to move on to more advanced piano studies.  Students are exposed to rhythm, note reading, fingering patterns, and melody, just to name a few of the topics covered in this program.  Each lesson is ‘taught’ by an animated character who is very ‘kid-friendly.’ The lessons are short enough for a young preschooler to stay on task yet challenging enough for the older preschooler / young elementary student to remain interested.  Most of all, the kids stay interested because they are playing music.  What child doesn’t love music? Kinderbach is available for home study (the version I tried and reviewed) and classroom use.  I have already recommended the home study version to my oldest daughter (who works as a nanny to 4).  She is excited to try it with the preschoolers. All in all, Kinderbach is a thorough program that is spot on for beginning music studies.  It will spark music interest in even the most reluctant child.  There are many free supplemental resources available on the Kinderbach website.  These are optional, of course.  Kinderbach is very affordable when compared to the cost of private piano lessons.  The online version begins at $7.99/month and the DVD/CD version (great for slow internet connections) begins at $40.45/month.  Right now, for readers of the TOS Homeschool Crew blogs, Kinderbach is offering a 30% discount by using the coupon code TOScrew2012.  This is good through February 2, 2013! Wow!  You can even sample the program online for free!  To read other reviews of the Kinderbach program, check out the main TOS Homeschool Crew review blog.

**I have received no compensation from TOS or Kinderbach in exchange for this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.”