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Music, dance, rhythm, stories, movement, patterns and fun characterize the Musikgarten classes that Jean Dettweiler Minger, a North Branch resident, is introducing to the community this fall. Having trained the last three summers in St. Paul and Chicago, she is eager to share her joy of music with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary school-age children and their parents.

Musikgarten was designed using the latest research on child development, specifically how music and movement benefit the intellectual, physical and emotional growth of a child, from the earliest age on through adulthood. “I was introduced to Musikgarten in St. Paul where my children attended the Kinderstudio of Musik’s Musikgarten classes. They loved time there and I loved how much musical knowledge they were gaining!” explained Dettweiler-Minger. She decided to become licensed to teach Musikgarten classes herself. “Children everywhere should have the opportunity to attend quality music and movement classes. Not everyone has the time or energy to drive to the cities once a week for their children’s musical growth. I wanted to reach out to those children in our community and neighboring communities as well.”

Minger is a former public school teacher, and her husband Mark is a professor at St. Cloud State University in Science Education. They live at Willow Pond Farm with their children. Willow Pond Farm is five acres of rural land, home to sheep, chickens, dogs, cats and a handful of smaller animal friends. Children attending the Musikgarten classes sing and dance amidst the gardens when the weather is pleasant, or in the cozy education center nestled in the pines - as they enjoy music and nature together. “One of the best aspects of the Musikgarten curriculum, for me,” says Jean, “is that the content focuses on nature and the world around us. Students learn so much more than one would expect in a music class. The kids seem to have an innate connection with both music and nature. They love to learn about the world around them - and Musikgarten is an incredible way to foster that desire.” Musikgarten at Willow Pond Farm opens its doors in September. Families interested in learning more about the classes should call 651-674-5891 and leave a phone number and mailing address.

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