Our history...
It's been over 20 years now since Gigi Swenson and Ellen Guettler first conceived of a program that would combine music, the latest research by leading linguists and time-proven teaching techiques to teach second languages to young children. Both women shared a love of languages, both believed firmly in the benefits of early language exposure, and both wanted to share that gift with children, including their own. From the very start it was obvious that they were on to something; it was effective, fun, the children loved it, and the appreciative parents urged Gigi and Ellen to expand the business. After 7 years of development and practice, they were ready to take their program beyond Bozeman and offer it to the rest of the world. Music Lingua is now training teachers and expanding across the US.
Gigi Swenson, co-owner and President of Music Lingua, is the mother of 2 children and is herself the product of a German-born mother
and German-speaking father. From infancy Gigi was exposed to German language, music and traditions (click
here to hear an old recording of Gigi's mother singing old German children's songs). This early influence inspired a lifelong
interest in foreign languages, travel and cultures. She holds degrees in modern languages including French, German, and Spanish. She has traveled
extensively abroad, with time spent studying in France and Mexico, and is a longtime member of the Alliance Française de Bozeman.
Watching the ease with which her own children pick up a second language has reinforced in her the importance of starting young.
Gigi is excited to share with other families the same songs, stories and languages she grew up with, which sparked her interest in language and
other cultures. In addition to growing Music Lingua to the rest of Montana and other states, Gigi continues to teach French and German
Music Lingua classes in Bozeman, using hands-on experience from her classes to continuously further develop and refine the Music Lingua method.
Ellen Guettler, co-founder of Music Lingua, is a twin and the youngest of eleven children. She was raised in a very Irish home full of music and storytelling, and has two sons. She holds a Montana K-8 teaching credential with a Spanish endorsement, and has taught elementary bilingual education for 18 years. She is a published author of the Spanish phonics program,
Letralandia, which is used in Spanish magnet and immersion schools in the U.S. and abroad. Her passion for the Spanish language, background in Orff-Schulwerk music instruction and travel in
Latin American countries are complementary experiences that she brings to Music Lingua. As a product of early foreign language instruction herself, Ellen was greatly influenced by her early
exposure and positive experiences acquiring the Spanish language.
Chuck Swenson, co-owner of Music Lingua, has always had a facination with travel and other cultures. He spent his early summers on the Blackfoot Indian reservation and later worked in the backcountry of Glacier National Park. He has traveled extensively througout Europe, North and South America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Asia/India. He holds a Masters' Degree in Computer Science and is an accomplished multi-instrumental musician. An early exposure to the German language lead to further languages studies in high school and college, and he credits this as a major positive influence in his life.
Praise for Music Lingua
At Music Lingua we truly believe that by teaching 2nd languages to young children, we are making the world a better place. We hope that you make Music Lingua part of your efforts to give the important gift of language to your child. If you have a review, comment or critique you would like to share with us, please let us know.
| Music Lingua LLC is a Member in
Good Standing of the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce. |
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| We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. |
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| We are an affiliate of The Association for Childhood Education International. |
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| Winner of the Best of Pueblo 2019 Award./td> |
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Here are just a few of the nice things people say about us:
"The songs are catchy and educational – you’ll find yourself singing the refrains throughout the day. The methodology used to teach language to children is indeed based upon leading language acquisition research...Music Lingua has done their homework. I believe Music Lingua is unique in its approach, is a pioneering model in foreign language instruction and above all, is fun."
- Ingrid Bauer, Language editor for about.com
"In conclusion, Music Lingua is a beneficial approach for children. Throughout this research, I found this method fun and exciting simply because the
children are learning without being bored. Music Lingua <uses> music and rhythm as a major tool in the learning process of a foreign or second language.
And it works!"
-Natalie St-Amand, Researcher
(from a study of Music Lingua done for University of Quebec at Chicoutimi)
"Music Lingua Spanish has been my son's favorite activity class! We have been attending for 2 1/2 years and he has
been a 'sponge' for picking up the language. Besides having a large vocabulary, he can speak in complete sentences and understands Spanish
when it is spoken to him. The classes are fun, with many different techniques and props used to maintain attention. We feel fortunate to have
found such a great class."
- Jen H, Parent
"Music Lingua Spanish is a wonderful program for any age level. I have three children, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years, and each
one learns from the weekly class at a different level. I'm simply amazed at what they have learned and how quickly they pick it up. I would
recommend the class to anyone."
- Julie P, Parent
"I highly recommend Music Lingua to all! My daughter and I have taken 3 yrs of French lessons
from Music Lingua...I can not rave enough about the content and quality of these classes. I have an energetic little girl for whom sitting is
a challenge, but this class really caught her attention. The words and catchy tunes that accompany the motion-filled lessons will stick with you and you will find your
child singing them at all times of day, and calling out things like: 'Mama, voilá la vache' as you drive along. The CD's never wear thin...I can not say enough
about the classes we have taken, and the receptivity and eagerness toward languages seen in my daughter."
-Joslin F, Parent
"It is quite obvious that this format is the best way for children to soak up a new language...the multiple intelligences, sensory approaches
and repetition capitalize on the latest research to create a solid program for language learning. Fantastic program!"
- Jeanette M, Parent
"I was most impressed with the quality, organization, and interactive nature of the <teacher> training. It is very exciting to be
associated with Music Lingua as an instructor, knowing that young children will be given a wonderful opportunity for second language learning through
music, movement, drama, and art, while high-quality materials and research-supported best practices in teaching are employed."
- Donna Uken, Music Lingua Teacher
"Music Lingua has been a fantastic program for both of my children. The instructor is so prepared and competent. My
children leave knowing more about culture and the Spanish language. We all love Spanish class!"
- Desiree T, Parent
"My 3 and ½ year old children thoroughly enjoyed Natasha Kent's Music Lingua class this summer. It was the highlight of their week.
They were like sponges, soaking in so much Spanish. After just the first class, they were singing new songs and spouting out new vocabulary!"
- Jenney, Parent
