What makes Kling Klong different from other early education programs?
Kling Klong is like children: groovy, funny, versatile and, sometimes, even a bit cheeky. We don’t want to produce perfect little child prodigies. We want to enhance children\'s natural connection and inclination to music and promote natural musicality and humanity. Our extensive program is thought out and tried down to the smallest detail, both in theory and practice, including a unique range of songs, games, and activities. We fearlessly combine rock and classical music and let things get a bit louder one moment and quiet and concentrated the next. All the while, our course instructors, specially trained in child-centered pedagogy and teaching methods, follow the principle “Children before music.” Kling Klong is down to earth, educationally and methodologically valuable, highly effective and, most of all, playful, active, lively, and fun!
Why should my child wait until school age before learning musical notation?
Reading and writing sheet music is a helpful tool in music. The same way a child learns how to speak first and then starts writing in school, musical notation comes later. First, we encourage the child’s natural musicality to unfold (feeling for rhythm, auditory sensitivity, and the singing voice). Then, once he or she reaches school age, he or she can be involved in musical notation.
Why should children not specialize in an instrument before the age of 7?
Few children have the fine motor skills required to specialize in a specific instrument before age 7. Additionally, children often don’t have the maturity required to practice on an independent and continual basis. This is, however, necessary and often leads to children turning away from music sooner or later. Children who benefit from Kling Klong first, however, usually make very good progress when working with an instrument from age 7 onward. They usually even surpass those of similar age who start two years earlier. Some Kling Klong branches offer recorder lessons for this age group, while others are attached to a Modern Music School offering drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, saxophone, and singing lessons.
What instruments are used at Kling Klong?
We mainly work with percussion instruments developmentally appropriate for children from various manufacturers. These include drums of different sizes, claves, rattles, and much more. We provide all of these; you need not buy your own.
How can I see the effects of my child’s studies at Kling Klong?
The most important improvements and benefits are not visible at first sight — such as the development of auditory precision, the refinement of sensomotorik, creative will, concentration skills, etc. We make a point of excluding “learn-and-show” exercises (such as rehearsed dances or pieces on the glockenspiel or recorder). Nevertheless, children who attend Kling Klong courses learn plenty of new songs, engage in a variety of musical activities, and play lots of musical games. Some children like to present these at home or at kindergarten, though those who do not want to do this should not be pressured. You are welcome to come and see individual Kling Klong classes — the final class of a course, for instance — and see your child in action.
How does my child seamlessly join an already existing group?
The important thing in such a situation is fast integration into the group. Our course instructors have the pedagogical and methodological technique to make this happen gently, attentively, and carefully. Since every Kling Klong lesson is self-contained, your child will never feel like he or she has to catch up. He or she will intuitively pick out those games and activities best suited for his or her individual phase of development. This will help your child feel happy, secure, and at ease in the group in no time.
How do I know what happens in a course?
If you have any questions, you can, naturally, always ask the course instructors.
Which courses can my child participate in without being accompanied by an adult?
The Gorilla courses (3 to 6 years) are principally conducted without parent supervision. This is the only way for children to fully immerse themselves in their activities. The courses for Chimps (1½ to 3 years) require one adult per child to come along to the course.
I am uncertain whether my child will want to continue with Kling Klong once I sign it up. What can I do?
Since we know that children sometimes change their minds quite quickly, we offer you comfortable course lengths. Registration for Kling Klong is only binding for any given 12-week course. You can decide to quit Kling Klong up until the 9th class of any course. This way, you have a high degree of flexibility concerning how long your child should stay with Kling Klong. Naturally, rejoining Kling Klong after a period of intermission is easily possible.
When are the appointments for free trial lesson?
You and your child can visit any class of a running course as a trial lesson and make your decision on signing up afterward. To make an appointment, simply contact your local principal (via telephone or e-mail). Apart from that, we offer trial sessions on a regular basis before a new group starts a course. You can make appointments for these trial sessions through your local principal as well.
Do I need to purchase further material for my child?
You need buy neither notebooks nor instruments nor other equipment — nothing at all. Everything is included when you register your child for a course. Every child also receives a Kling Klong stuffed animal as a present upon registration.
I have had or have experience in the field of education and would like to conduct Kling Klong courses. What can I do?
We are glad to hear that you want to work at Kling Klong. Course instructors are often in demand at our local branches. You can also become a franchise partner and start your own branch. Either way, you should contact us if you’re interested so that we can send you further information and make an appointment to get to know you.