The Musikgarten Philosophy

When music and movement are a natural, joyous part of childhood, children benefit greatly in many areas of life. Language development, self expression, memory skills, concentration, social interaction, fine motor skills, listening, problem solving, teamwork, goal setting, and coordination are all impacted by early music and movement education. What’s more, as a child learns to play music, other areas of development are positively influenced, such as, creativity, family bonding, self-esteem, self-confidence, and emotional development .

Musikgarten’s philosophy is steeped in this understanding. Movement and music activities are perfect for child development. Music immerses the child in language, evokes movement, stimulates the brain, and fosters physical coordination — all in a group setting that builds community.

Music Education with Musikgarten

Studies from around the globe have shown that, from a very early age, music lessons can have profound long-term effects that include improved language development, higher standardized test scores in math, improved graduation rates, and even decreased likelihood of drug and alcohol use.

What Musikgarten offers is more than just an easy way to introduce your child to music. Our classes can play a critical role in your child’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development, as well as laying a pathway to musical proficiency. Moreover, Musikgarten provides dedicated time each week when you can bond with your child free from distractions and watch them grow into a confident, independent, and expressive young person.

Musikgarten’s expertly trained and well-supported teachers combine a love of music and an understanding of children and the way they learn into lessons that children and their families love using folk music and fun activities.

Musikgarten Family Materials, including our recordings, special shakers, and scarves, help families replicate the classroom experience at home and even on-the-go.

Musikgarten Schedule & Registration 2023

Age: Newborn/Infant; Toddler to Aged 5
Instructor: Rita Whitaker Haun, Music Educator

Incline Village
Time: Tuesdays at 10am.
Location: The Chateau at Incline Village
Schedule: Orientation on 6/20 and 6 classes: 6/27,  7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8.
To register for Tuesday classes through IVGID, go online to ivgid.org. (Scholarships through Classical Tahoe are available for the $55.00 materials fee.)

Kings Beach
Time: Wednesdays at 10 am
Location: Domus Room in Kings Beach
Schedule: Orientation on 6/21 and 6 Classes: 6/28, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9
To register for Wednesday classes in Kings Beach, email ritahaun@juno.com.

Truckee
Time: Fridays at 10 am
Location: Fireplace Room
Schedule: Orientation on 6/23 and 6 Classes: 6/30, 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4
To register for Friday classes in Truckee, email ritahaun@juno.com.

Tahoe Donner
Time: Saturdays at 10 am
Location: Trout Creek Recreation Center, Kids Club Room
Schedule: Orientation on 6/24 and 6 Classes: 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12
To register for Saturday classes in Tahoe Donner, email Josh Geiszler at jgeiszler@tahoedonner.com and include Child’s Name and age, Parent Physical Address and Mailing Address, Parent Cell Phone Number. Participants in this Saturday class must be Tahoe Donner Residents.

For more information about Musikgarten contact Rita at ritahaun@juno.com.

Classical Tahoe presents Musikgarten in partnership with Sierra Community House, Tahoe Donner, Incline Village Parks Recreation & Wellness. Musikgarten is made possible by The Spirit Burns Fund at the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation.

Rita Whitaker Hahn

Rita Whitaker Haun is a professional cellist with over 40 years of experience teaching public and private school music for ages birth to 70.

To register, please email Rita Haun at ritahaun@juno.com.