Review: Kinderbach (Part Deux)

The Opper Clan had the pleasure of reviewing Kinderbach around this time last year. Rather than re-hash everything, I'm going to link to my original review here (which I advise you to read first if you aren't familiar with Kinderbach), and fill you in on all the latest changes to the website in this post. :)

Kinderbach is an online piano program for young children ages 3-7 years. Fun new features include:

• Dodi the Donkey Coloring Book: A 16 page e-book that helps children learn the D note on the keyboard. Very cute story with adorable pictures! (Anyone else remember that old holiday movie, Nester: The Long Eared Christmas Donkey? That's what Dodi reminds me of. :) So sweet!) Dodi the Donkey Coloring Book is available for $3.95.

• Crafts and Games Level 1: This 20 page e-book offers a fun selection of hands-on activities that are perfect for tactile learners (or for those rainy, ants-in-the-pants days!). I tried to get my kids to play with the floor keyboard but they weren't into it. (Sigh) However, the ideas are very fun and super simple to use. (Even for those who are scissor-and-glue challenged like yours truly!) Craft & Games is available for $9.95.

• Levels 5-6 have been activated since my previous post. Therefore, your little one can continue to progress and engage in more musical adventures with Dodi and Felicity the Frog. (Who is still my favorite. I mean...ballerina froggy! Hello?!)
• You can now become a fan of Kinderbach on Facebook or view their video clips on YouTube. How cool is that? ;) They even included a link to the TOS Homeschool Crew off their main page! Woohoo!

The Nitty Gritty (Or How Much Does It Cost?)

A subscription to Kinderbach varies based on the program you choose.
Online Membership costs $19.99/month for 12 months or $7.99/month payable in one lump sum of $95.88 (which saves you 60%). Click here for details.

DVD Packages range in price from $55.95-$222.88, depending upon how many DVD's you wish to purchase at once. Click here for more information.


Conclusion:

I still find Kinderbach adorable and engaging, and recommend the program to those with little ones. Again, if you haven't done so, take a moment to read my formal review here. To read what my fellow TOS Crew Mates had to say about this product, please click here.


*As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I was provided with a free trial membership to the online Kinderbach program for review. No additional compensation was provided.*

Review: Jean Welles Worship Guitar Class (DVD)

For Sierra's 8th birthday (at least, I think it was her 8th birthday?) she desperately wanted a guitar. We bought an acoustic child's size one with booklet and CD for a semi-decent price. However, it went relatively "untouched" after the initial "unwrapping" ceremony.

Fast forward to Abby. On a warm summer's day, she decided to "teach herself". (Because by then we'd lost the booklet/CD. Ahem.) She spent several hours strumming away in the sun while a gentle breeze blew through her long hair. (All that was missing from that picture was a crown of flowers and dancing squirrels.) Then about two weeks later, the fascination was over.

Shortly thereafter, Ethan was bitten by the "I'm gonna be a rockstar" bug. A "bug" that passed through him with the same unfruitful results. :o/

Now they play Guitar Hero and think they're uber-cool. (Oooo! Talent!)

All of this unnecessary preamble to say, when we received a copy of Jean Welles Worship Guitar Class Volume 1 on DVD for review, I had some seriously high hopes. I was sure that this program would provide the necessary "spark" for someone in this family! And I was right....(sly grin)

Jean Welles Worship Guitar Class provides step-by-step instruction in beginning acoustic guitar. The lessons are taught by Jean herself, in a very sweet and gentle manner. The first lesson--which covers parts of the guitar, proper tuning, reading notes and understanding chords--culminates with students playing "He's Got the Whole World" with just two notes! (Pretty impressive!)

Granted, it does take awhile to get the finger switching down, so you may find yourself starting/stopping the DVD player a lot as you go along. (We certainly did!) Not only that but if you're doing it right, playing the guitar kinda hurts your fingers. From what I've been told by professional guitarists/musicians, you have to build callouses up on your fingertips in order to play without pain. But until then? Yeah. It's gonna be rough. :(

Volume One contains 7 lessons and songs that you can progress through at your own pace. Song titles include:

• He's Got the Whole World
• My All In All
• More Precious Than Silver
• Take My Life
• Lord, I Lift Your Name On High
• This Is The Day
• I Love You, Lord

The entire course consists of four DVD's (28 songs, 50 chords) that provide instruction in both English and Spanish (that's Spanish subtitles--not spoken Spanish). A companion book is also available for each volume.

You can purchase each DVD for $24.95, each companion book for $5.95, or a DVD/Book set for $29.95. Bundle packages are also available and range in price. (Click here for details)

The website comes equipped with free video clips (including the first lesson), helpful articles and more.

Personal Thoughts:

The children tried several lessons but have no desire to continue. Playing the guitar simply isn't their thing. But remember how I said I was right about this sparking someone's interest? Well, that someone happens to be my husband! Dean absolutely LOVED it! In fact, he's considering ordering the rest of the course for himself. (Who would've thought?!)

Overall, I found the course to be a good product for beginners. The lessons are short 'n simple to understand (read: not overwhelming), yet progress fast enough to foster a sense of accomplishment. If you don't have access to private (or group) music lessons, this is a decent alternative.

If guitar isn't your thing, you may want to check out their nifty looking Christian Drum and Percussion course! (You know...for Grandma's house. Wink-wink)

I give Worship Guitar Class 1.5 thumbs up; Dean gives it a high five and a resounding "Woohoo!!" The kids give it one thumb up :)

* As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received this product for free in exchage for an honest review. No additional compensation was provided and my opinions are strictly my own.*

Review: Maestro Classics

I love classical music and enjoy listening to it throughout the day. When I was younger, one of my favorite stories was Peter and the Wolf which provided me with my first taste of this fascinating form of music. This next review product brought back some of those fond childhood memories.

Maestro Classics' "Stories in Music" cd's combines the beauty of the symphony with engaging storytelling. We received a copy of The Tortoise and the Hare for review, which is one of their newest products in a series of 8.

Created by the husband and wife duo Stephen and Bonnie Ward-Simon, Maestro Classics touts itself as "the ambassador of great music for both children and adults, helping them experience the art form in new and exciting ways. Through wondrous new recordings, innovative educational and performance materials, and uplifting live performances, Maestro Classics™ guides audiences as they expand their listening horizons and discover the magic that can only be called music."

The CD was designed for children ages 5+ and features the talented London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Stephen Simon, and professional narration by Yadu.

Other titles include:

• Peter and the Wolf
• The Story of Swan Lake
• The Sorcerer's Apprentice
• Casey at the Bat
• Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
• Juanita the Spanish Lobster
• Juanita la longosta espanola
  

A coordinating 24 page full-color booklet is included in each CD. The "Tortoise & the Hare" review booklet provided the following:

• Pictures and information about the various orchestral instruments
• Simple explanation of basic musical terminology such as notes, measures and "beats"
• The differences between rabbits and hares (which came in handy right away as I had no clue and Ethan of course, asked!), and turtles and tortoises
• Accompanying music and lyrics to follow along
• and finally, a few games such as puzzles, word finds and dot-to-dots. (Answers can be found on their website under "Maestro Club")
• Because the booklets coordinate to each story, the information and activities will vary.

Each CD is available for $16.98 but you can receive a $6 discount when you order 3 for $45. (Enter coupon code MAESTRO45) Their website offers sound clips as well as lesson plans for 2 of their Cd's (Casey at the Bat and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel). The lesson plans are appropriate for grades K-3 and 4-6.

Final Opinion:

I was really impressed by the quality of this CD and the storytelling in general. Yes, it's more than a bit young for my three, but I know if they'd had this when they were younger, they would have absolutely loved it. Also, I know if we'd received the Swan Lake, my budding ballerina daughter Abby would've been all over it! :)

These lively Cd's would make a charming music appreciation supplement for your preschool through 2nd grade student.

To learn more about Maestro Classics, please visit their website by clicking here.

Now, I'm going to award this product with 2 thumbs up even though none of my children actually "enjoyed" it. (But again they're 9 1/2, 11 and 14 years old.) :)


*As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I received a free copy of the above CD for review. No additional compensation was received and my opinions are strictly my own.*