Musical baby bonding class at museum

In a world where parents are struggling to find a way to relate to their children, the answer may be as simple as a glockenspiel.

The glockenspiel, a percussion instrument, along with other instruments and musical activities will be the central focus of a parental bonding class offered this summer at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St.

"Music is a really important way of expanding the intelligence level of children," said Gale Thomssen, education director at the Children's Museum. "With parents and children working together, the parent can appreciate the child's abilities and mental growth."

Vicky Sweet held an open house Thursday to kick off her Kindermusik class, which will be held every Thursday from June 29 to Aug. 15 at 9:15 to 10 a.m. for infants to 18-month-olds.

Music played in the background as parents and children wandered through the open house, experimenting with instruments and toys.

Fifteen-month-old Tyler White couldn't decide whether to use the mallets to play the drum or whether to stick them in his mouth.

"He's loved music since he was in my belly," said his mother Jennifer Curtis, who signed up for the course. "I think music is a real important part of education."

Sweet said she first heard about the program from her sisters who participate in it in Salt Lake City.

"They'd almost rather have their kids in Kindermusik than in preschool," Sweet said. "I was really impressed with the program."

Music has always been an important part of her life and she said she sees a need for it in the community.

"In this area music has been cut from the schools," she said. "This is a good way to enrich a child with music before they even get into school."

The classes will begin with a gathering time and individual massages to music. Other activities will include group dances, singing and instrument playing.

"It's not just a weekly class," Sweet said. "It's an educational experience that they can take home and share with the whole family."

Sweet said she plans to teach additional classes in the fall for children up to 5 years. Kindermusik is a national program with 4,500 instructors nationwide.

If you go:

What: Kindermusik for children up to 18 months

Where: Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

813 N. Carson St.

When: June 29 to Aug. 15 at 9:15 to 10 a.m.

For more information:

Call Vicky Sweet at 265-9199