Kindermusik vs. Gymboree

We have recently moved out of state, and I am looking to join some type of program with DD. We have done Gymboree in the past, and I was not thrilled with it. Madison did have a great time though and I did meet a wonderful friend (Joanne ;))! I just wasn't thrilled with the teacher I guess, so I shouldn't knock the whole program.
Anyway, I just wanted to know what others thought of both Gymboree and Kindermusik? Or if you know of any other programs I should look into. Its really for both of us, I want to meet some new friends as well as DD needing some new buddies! I appreciate any advice!

[Rachels]

We do Music Together and it's really, really wonderful. I vastly prefer it to Gymboree-- haven't tried Kindermusik. Check it out at www.musictogether.com.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

I could have written Rachel's post. Music Together is fun, fun, fun!! It does a great job of exposing you to a variety of music. We've been with 2 different instructors and I definitely prefer one over the other; you may want to see if you could do a free preview class. Warning: The songs will stick in your head and you will find yourself constantly playing the tape or CD (you get both) in your car.

Mary & Lane 4/6/03
[link:www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b370a2992536|Birthday Pics!!]

[kaitlinsmommy]

I think it definitely depends on the teacher. We have done Gymboree since 6 months & dd loves it. We tried Kindermusik & I wanted to love it but didn't care for the teacher and it was too structured for dd. She just wants to run & play and the teacher wanted me to hold her on my lap for a lot of it. It just didn't work for her at this age.

That's one of the things I've really liked about Music Together. The instructor emphasized on the first day that we should let our kids do what they want to do. If they want to walk to the window and pound on it during class, that's fine. If they want to crawl around 'visiting' the others in the class, that's fine too. They are benefitting immensely being in that environment, surrounded by music and adults & kids having a good time.

Mary & Lane 4/6/03
[link:www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b370a2992536|Birthday Pics!!]

[kaitlinsmommy]

Ooh! That does sound much better. I just couldn't believe this teacher wanted me to restrain my daughter for so much of the KM class.

[stillplayswithbarbies]

I really think it depends on the teacher more than anything else. We go to Kindermusik and Gymboree. The KM teacher would not expect us to restrain our child, Logan sometimes spends the whole time walking around, or holding onto one of the egg rattles.

Same thing with Gymbo. We enjoy it a lot, but we went to a make-up class on a different day and the teacher had a shrill voice and Logan was a little scared of her.

Go to a trial class and see if you like the teacher. All the programs are similar. Kindermusik is more about object manipulation and Gymboree is more about mobility. They both have music and singing, Kindermusik has more participation in the music and a focus on moving to the music.

...Karen
Jacob Nathaniel Feb 91
Logan Elizabeth Mar 03

[redhookmom]

I agree that thise classes are very instructor dependent. I have been to KM classes that I have both loved and hated.

Go to trial class. See what instructors you like and where you seem to click with the other parents.

I agree!!! Music Together is GREAT! (I'd like to become an instructor in it someday :D )

[cuca_]

Another vote for Music Together!!

Carmen