Music as a tool for a child's growth
Lõvimeri is a music-focused kindergarten, but our goal isn't to turn every child into a musician. For us music is above all one of the best and most natural tools for a child's whole development.
Music helps a child grow on many levels at once. It supports listening skills, focus, memory, rhythm, coordination, self-expression, courage, creativity and cooperation. At the same time music lays a strong foundation for language and mathematical thinking — a child learns to notice patterns, sequences, repetitions, rhythms, pauses, connections and structures.
Through music a child develops playfully and naturally. Singing, playing instruments, movement, rhythm exercises and listening games help a child understand themselves and the world around them. What matters to us is not polished performance or early achievement-focused instrument tuition, but joy, courage, discovery and the child's growth.
We don't raise musicians — we use music to support a child's growth.
Group lessons
Group music lessons are a natural part of every group's week — singing, listening and playing music together.
Chime bars
A dedicated chime-bar lesson where children discover the world of sound and learn to listen — to themselves and to each other.
Individual instrument tuition
Once a week, an individual lesson guided by the instrument teacher — calmly, at the child's pace and following their interest.
Rhythm class
Regular rhythm classes develop coordination, a sense of rhythm and the ability to work together.
Music projects and joint performances
Alongside everyday work, we run music projects, concerts and joint performances. A dedicated music teacher and instrument teacher bring music into the house deeply and devotedly.
Every child finds an instrument that suits them
Once a week the kindergarten holds individual instrument tuition. Every child can choose an instrument from Lõvimeri's collection — including the small kannel (Estonian zither), harp, ukulele, recorder, chime bars, piano and other instruments suited to children. It matters that the instrument matches the child's age, interest and readiness, so we approach instrument tuition calmly and child-first.
Instrument tuition as part of everyday life
Instrument tuition has been part of our curriculum since the 2010/2011 school year. Children can try, discover and find a form of expression that suits them — without pressure or an achievement focus. Instrument tuition has been warmly received by children and parents alike.
Christmas musicals
Since 2007 we have successfully performed in the assembly hall of Tabasalu Ühisgümnaasium. Several alumni cohorts and former teachers have joined in over the years.
- 2007"School in Christmasland"
- 2008"The Elf's Bedtime Story about the Snowman"
- 2009"Snow White and the Seven Elves"
- 2010"Christmas Longsocks Style"
- 2011"Karlsson on the Roof"
- 2012"The Little Blue Wagon Rolls Along"
- 2013"The Snow Queen"
- 2014"The Seasons in a Muddle"
- 2015"The Bugs' Christmas"
- 2016"Nukitsamees"
Mother's Day concerts
Another cherished tradition is our Mother's Day concerts. We have honoured composer Veljo Tormis and been guests at Pangapealse kindergarten — the wider project culminated in a charity concert at the Tallinn Teachers' House whose ticket proceeds we donated to the Estonian Deafblind Support Union. The 2015 and 2016 concerts took place at the Estonian Children's Literature Centre together with Salong Trio (Meelis Vahar — violin, Enno Leppnurm — cello, Elena Anstal — piano).
Children's song recordings
In 2008 we released the album "Lõvimeri laulud" ("Lõvimeri Songs"), on which all 2–7-year-old Lõvimeri children sang together with teachers and parents. In 2011 came an album of R. Eespere's children's songs, "Meie väike valge laev" ("Our Little White Ship"), where each graduating child chose a solo, accompanied by a string quartet.
Project "Instruments Sing"
Since the 2014/2015 school year, professional musicians have visited to introduce children to different instruments. Accordion, string and wind players have all been guests at Lõvimeri — an exciting way for children to meet real instruments up close.