Our Approach

At MindfulArtsNJ, we believe that the integration of music education and mindfulness practice creates a powerful foundation for children's development. Our approach combines time-tested educational methods with contemporary research to nurture the whole child — fostering not only musical and mindfulness skills, but also emotional awareness, cognitive development, and meaningful connections.

Music Foundation

Our music curriculum is based on the internationally recognized Musikgarten approach, developed by Dr. Lorna Heyge in collaboration with Audrey Sillick, a pioneering Montessori educator. This approach combines the best elements of established music education traditions with Montessori principles:

  • Child-Centered Learning: Respecting each child's natural developmental path and encouraging exploration

  • Movement and Music: Connecting physical movement with musical concepts for deeper understanding

  • Sequential Learning: Building skills progressively from simple to complex

  • Folk Music and Simple Instruments: Using familiar songs and accessible instruments for hands-on music making

  • Prepared Environment: Creating thoughtful spaces that invite musical discovery

Mindfulness Foundation

Our mindfulness practices are rooted in evidence-based approaches adapted specifically for children and families. Drawing from my Mindful Schools certification and current research, our mindfulness curriculum incorporates:

  • Age-Appropriate Attention Training: Simple, engaging practices that help children develop focused awareness

  • Emotional Literacy: Activities that help children identify, understand, and work with different emotions

  • Body Awareness: Practices that develop children's awareness of bodily sensations and the mind-body connection

  • Compassion Cultivation: Exercises that nurture kindness toward self and others

  • Integrated Practice: Mindfulness woven naturally into daily activities rather than treated as separate

Play. Discover. Grow.

Play

Play is the natural language of childhood. Through playful exploration of sound, movement, and rhythm, children develop not only musical skills but also emotional awareness and social connections. Our classes create joyful, hands-on experiences that actively engage children.

Discover

Discover happens when children are given the space to explore at their own pace. Our curriculum provides guided opportunities to discover rhythm, melody, silence, and awareness. These discoveries become building blocks for creative expression and deeper understanding.

Grow

Grow occurs naturally when children feel safe, engaged, and supported. The skills developed through our integrated approach extend far beyond music and mindfulness - they nurture focus, emotional regulation, and the ability to connect with others and the world around them.

What Makes Our Approach Unique

Our approach to both music and mindfulness education is built on a shared educational philosophy, while each program maintains its distinct curriculum and practices. Whether in a music class or mindfulness session, families will experience these consistent principles that make our programs distinctive:

  • Age-Appropriate Progression: Activities carefully designed for each developmental stage

  • Parent-Child Connection: Caregivers actively participate, strengthening bonds and supporting learning

  • Experiential Learning: Concepts introduced through direct experience rather than abstract instruction

  • Balanced Structure: Predictable routines that also allow for spontaneity and responsiveness in each class

  • Transferable Skills: Learning that extends beyond the classroom or weekly class and into daily life

  • Whole-Child Development: Supporting cognitive, emotional, physical, and social growth simultaneously

Bringing It All Together

By weaving together the richness of musical exploration with the groundedness of mindfulness practice, we create learning environments where children develop not just specific skills, but a foundation for lifelong growth and wellbeing.

Whether you're a parent looking for music classes for your child or an educator seeking mindfulness programs for your school, our approach honors each child's unique developmental journey while providing the structure and guidance they need to thrive.

We invite you to experience the MindfulArtsNJ difference. Join us for a family music class or contact us to discuss bringing mindfulness to your school or organization.