Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Christa Galipeau, a former teacher, has seen the difference music can make in a child’s life and is using that knowledge to market a variety of music-related learning materials for use prior to a child’s first classroom musical experience – as young as infants – and continuing into the early elementary education years.
Whether it’s music and math, music and language or music and science, studies have shown early music education has a positive impact on a child’s intellectual development and can even improve their performance at school. Studies include those published by the University of California, Irvine; University of Toronto; and a study from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
“While the developmental benefits of music are well known, the availability of age-appropriate, quality musical learning programs and products for young children is scarce,” said Galipeau, a consultant with Do-Re-Me & You!
One of the problems children face, said Galipeau, is the lack of musical exposure prior to entering school.
“Most children have to wait until they reach school age to gain regular exposure to music. Yet we know that when introduced very early on, music can positively impact a child’s ability to think, reason, create, imagine and express (themselves).”
It’s Galipeau’s goal to bring music and related activities into the home and help parents tap into their children’s intellectual and creative potential.
“Children don’t have to wait for school to benefit from music’s power to open windows in their young lives,” said Galipeau.
According to Galipeau, Do-Re-Me & You! offers music and related books, toys and games for babies, toddlers, pre-schools, as well as older children. The material is designed to make music an integral part of children’s lives.
“These musical products were created by Kindermusik International, one of the most respected names in children’s musical learning,” she continued.
Galipeau indicated that the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio recently presented a Godl Seal Award (2004) to Do-Re-Me & You! For the Wiggle Waggle CD, a board book and plush bee.
“Oppenheim, a leading child development authority, is the only independent consumer review of children’s media for infants to elementary ages,” said Galipeau, the mother of twin girls, both very active toddlers.
Being a mother, Galipeau knows first-hand how difficult it can be to find top-quality educational materials for young children. As a parent, she understands the struggle other parents face in trying to provide their children with as many advantages as they can.
“Today’s parents want to give their children every advantage,” said Galipeau. “One of the advantages should be the joy, fun and learning that music can bring to life. With Do-Re-Me & You!, we’re helping make that possible for every family.”
Do-Re-Me & You!, created by Kindermusik International, introduces music to young children in their home setting as the first step in bringing its power into their lives. In-home shows can be arranged to introduce interested individuals to the products available.
“Through a personalized in-home ‘Show & Tell,’ consultants will guide you through an array of musical products for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and bigger kids,” said Galipeau.
To schedule a ‘Show & Tell’ party or to find out more about becoming a Do-Re-Me & You! consultant, visit www.drmy.com or send an e-mail to obi_wan1@verizon.net.
