Teach Music While They are Young

Musical Kids = Brighter Adults

Parents are taking advantage of every opportunity to boost their children’s skills and intelligence levels from the earliest age in hopes to enrich their lives and workplace skills in our brave new world. Research studies support the idea that music gives children a competitive edge. Music aids in the development of a child’s brain, and may be an important factor in increasing mathematical abilities.

However, just listening to music won’t give junior the edge –– he actually needs to learn songs and play instruments. However, getting children to practice an instrument can be constant trial. Some companies have recognized the importance of a musical education for young children: Jamtown, Woodstock Chimes, Hohner Kids, and Schylling Toys know that music needs to be fun, so they draw on a wealth of differing experiences to bring children the great instruments they love to play.

Kids Have a Jammin’ Time with Jamtown

John Hayden’s Jamtown is the coda on fantastic musical instruments sure to please caregivers and delight their charges. Getting down with “hand-crafted indigenous musical instruments” has never been easier — or more enlightening. Jamtown orchestrates social concern with musical education by dealing with locals from around the world who create the very best djembe drums, marimbas, shakers, and flutes. These items won’t be found in any ordinary music store: Jamtown partners with flute artisans in Indonesia, drum makers in Vietnam, and rhythm-stick architects in Peru, to name just a few.

The toughest part of dealing with Jamtown’s musical instruments is the selection: there are so many unique items. From the Suling Flute from Bali that comes with a soft pouch, to the Junior Wingo Shakers (like maracas, only more earthy), Jamtown has the answer for all musical needs. Plus, Jamtown has its own way of providing harmony in the home with its Rhythm Paks, an engaging variety of gig-ready instruments. The Jamtown Junior, targeted especially at the budding percussionist, comes complete with wooden rhythm sticks, a shaker made from a gourd, and a drum; rounding out the package is a CD, rhythm cards, an activity guide and a pouch.

Jam the shelves with instruments that benefit the mind and the planet at www.jamtown.com

Rockin’ Times with Woodstock Chimes

Founder Garry Kvi is a living testimony to the fact that early musical education yields tremendous benefits throughout life: after being introduced to music in the 4th grade, he went on to a successful career in music, resulting in his appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Israel Philharmonic –– eventually winning a Grammy for his talent. He’s now giving a hand up to the next generation by providing instruments that stimulate the senses.

Woodstock Chimes, already famous for its ethereal wind chimes, has created musical instruments just for children. The Chimalong, a small xylophone-like instrument, is an Oppenheim Award winner and offers three ways to play: via note, color, or number. Two mallets and a songbook are included with this best-selling product. For those looking for something a little more dramatic, the small pan steel drum fills the bill.

Musicians of all ages will sing for the Blues Band Harmonica, a perennial best-seller. For the upcoming holiday season, the sound of jingling bells can ring in the new. Woodstock Chimes’ JingleBands, available in six kid-friendly colors, are easy-to-wear musical instruments. Even those with little musical inclination can benefit from the classic kazoo! This handcrafted instrument will bring instant results and create fun, musical times for all ages.

Bring the sounds of music into your shop with www.chimes.com

Hohner Kids: Harmony and Hits

Hohner Kids is out of this world –– literally! The Hohner harmonica was the first instrument played in space, and there’s little wonder why: Hohner only has the highest quality instruments. Already famous for its superior craftsmanship, great names in the music industry, including Bruce Springsteen, the Beatles and Muddy Waters all had Hohner harmonicas.

Hohner’s dedication to quality has been turned to guiding the next generation. Its commitment to fine children’s instruments is only surpassed by its careful attention to safety standards; all children’s items meet or exceed the standards set out in the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act.

There are instruments for every child at every stage of development, from baby and up. Small children will delight in the Mini Orchestra, a collection of bells, rattles, and shakers. Older children will crave “My First Drum,” a best-seller that comes with two kid-friendly mallets. School-aged children require an instrument with a little more depth, which can be found in the Soprano Recorder. It comes with songs, a how-to guide, and a fingering chart. For the child who loves to rock on, there is the Acoustic Guitar. The winner of many awards, this child-sized guitar is the perfect fit for a future songster.

Harmonize your shop at www.hohnerkids.com

Schylling Toys: Orchestrating a Better Future

Founded in 1975 by the enterprising Jack Schylling, Schylling Toys has never strayed from its roots: to provide an extensive line of high-quality, enduring products with a broad customer base in mind. With the motto, “Creating the future, reviving the past,” Schylling proves its commitment to developing the talents of a new generation while supplying the sturdy quality of yesteryear.

Mini-Mozarts will go Lady Gaga over the pint-sized Mini Red Piano. Perfect for little fingers, the mini keyboard has 18 keys set into a fire-engine red, wood lacquered instrument. For the more serious student, Schylling has a Baby Grand Piano. Available in two colors (pink and black), the Baby Grand spans 2 ½ octaves and has 30 keys. The Piano Horn is a must-have for making music: this unique horn has 13 large piano keys, making it easy for small hands to play big hits.

Children and their parents can enjoy playing the Wooden Slide whistle: made completely out of wood and ideal for creating one-of-a-kind sounds budding musicians of all ages can enjoy. Really small children will adore Schylling’s Castanets; made from wood, these pint-sized instruments are shaped like cute ladybugs, frogs, and insects.

Help create a more musical future with Schylling at www.schylling.com