The award-winning KinderFlute® method has arrived in Valparaiso! An exciting new opportunity for children ages 4-9, KinderFlute® inspires young children to love music while learning to play the flute – but that is only the beginning! Three sets of Free Introductory Classes will be offered at the Valparaiso Public Library beginning July 22. Registration for the year-round program, as well as the free intro classes, is open now.
With the goal of helping each child reach their full potential in all areas of their lives, KinderFlute® group classes use fun but carefully planned movement activities and games to enhance and maximize learning. The program is designed to solidify the skills of cooperation, listening, musicianship, tuning, leadership, and the ability to follow, qualities that are vital for later success in both music and life. Recognizing that each student has a unique learning profile and pace, individualized training in weekly private lessons provides the correct foundation for proper flute playing and is tailored to each child’s personal style. KinderFlute® is a year-round program with periodic breaks as announced. Regular attendance and commitment to both the group classes and private lessons is essential.
Through listening, finger work, production of a beautiful sound, reading printed music, and even composing, KinderFlute® students are simultaneously firing multiple areas of the brain to create more positive and effective learning processes in all areas, not just music.
Kathy Blocki, the founder of KinderFlute® and author of several acclaimed flute method books, studied neurogenesis and brain development. This led to her innovative pairing of playful aerobic activity with the complex flute playing skills that comprise the unique KinderFlute® method.
Neurogenesis, literally meaning the “birth of neurons,” is a physiologic process now known to occur throughout life. Key factors proven to stimulate significant neurogenesis are exercise, a loving, supportive environment, and new, enriching experiences. Dr. John Ratey of Harvard University points out that “Physical exercise improves the fitness of the neocortex, which in turn improves mental agility and mood as well as [the] cognitive processes that require attention, alertness, and motivation…. aerobic exercise in combination with complex activity has been found to maximize brain power.”
Having always had an interest in teaching very young flutists, Valparaiso resident Debra Silvert was inspired by her three young granddaughters to become a certified KinderFlute® Instructor. With an extensive traditional studio teaching background, Silvert’s pedagogy has been heralded in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland for decades, producing local, regional, national, and international prize-winners. Formerly the Adjunct Instructor of Flute at Valparaiso University, the critically acclaimed concert flutist and Navona Records recording artist has toured throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia with the internationally renowned Duo Sequenza, flute and classical guitar. Lauded as “a gem of a flutist” with a "full and sunny, golden tone," Silvert has performed numerous times as a soloist with regional concert bands, including the world premiere of a Dalit Paz-Warshaw solo flute concerto with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.
While the KinderFlute® program is designed for students ages 4-9, Debra Silvert also offers traditional private studio instruction for ages 10 through professional. For more information, visit the KinderFlute Valpo Facebook/Meta page or call Debra Silvert at 219-628-0914.
Musically Yours,
Debra Silvert
- Concert Flutist & Recording Artist
- KinderFlute® Instructor, ages 4-9
- Private Studio, age 10 through professional
- Flutist, Duo Sequenza
- Artists' Roster, Navona Records
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Executive Director, Sequenza Chamber Music, Inc., a 501(c)3 arts, culture, and humanities nonprofit.
"a beautifully performed and recorded recital....important, as rarely has the sound of the flute been captured as well as here..." [Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine]
“Silvert has a pure, silken sound, and technical command of her instrument that can’t be faulted.” [Frederick Ott, Arts Indiana Magazine]
“…a touching piece, beautifully played by Silvert…” [Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine]
“Silvert played with a long, cohesive line that sounded as though it had been spun…truly a gem of a flutist.” [The LaPorte Herald Argus]