How did you first find Music Together® classes?
I have a girlfriend whose child is now twelve. I was looking for fun things to do with my son, and she told me she had done Music Together® with her daughter. I took a free trial with my son and signed up right away. That was two years ago, when he was one-and-a-half years old.
What interested you about the program?
I believe that music is a big healer. It’s a great avenue of expression for children and adults. Music and arts are often kicked out of schools too quickly. I was really keen on integrating music into my son’s life. I wanted to share that with him. Also, Music Together offers a class with other kids and parents. It’s a place for everyone to dance, play, laugh, and have fun.
What kept you coming back to music class?
My son is reserved and quiet until he gets going. It takes him a little while to get warmed up. At first, he just sat in my lap and observed the class. But I am so grateful that our wonderful teacher, Gabby, said every class that it was OK for the kids to just watch and observe. She said they are still getting something out of it. There were other kids in that class moving all around and Gabby said that’s OK, too. That’s how those kids need to experience class. And I’m so grateful for that. Over time, I watched my son go from sitting in my lap to exploring the whole room. There was a big shift for him as he got more familiar with the songs and more comfortable in class. That Wednesday class has been an anchor for my family, as we have recently gone through a difficult time. Music has helped to soothe my son.
Did anything surprise you about the class?
First, Gabby was so adamant about us downloading the app so we could listen to and practice the music at home. Without her insistence I would never have done it! Now I have five seasons of Music Together on my phone. We play Music Together songs in the car (still) everywhere we go. She also told us not to just listen to the first few songs. She said we should sometimes start in the middle of the recording so we could learn all of the songs. That really helped my son. Because he had practiced them at home, he became so familiar with the songs that he began to participate more in class. Outside of class we still sing together all of the time. The music has become this really wonderful thing. More than just a class to go to once a week, music has really become a part of our lives. Part of our family.
Another thing that surprised me about Music Together was watching how impactful music can be on everyone in the class. I remember saying to Gabby that ‘I’m sure your class is as much for the adults as for the kids!’ I met mom friends in that class too. One mom and I would let our sons play outside in the garden together after every class. Then we set up playdates. Our sons made a sweet friendship.
How do you make music at home?
We sing in the car wherever we go. When we walk together, we are usually holding hands and singing. Also, music has helped with transitions. When I would drop him off at daycare, he would be really nervous, but we would go for a walk before drop-off and start singing songs. Those songs were so familiar to him, the singing warmed his heart and that became a nice transition for us.
Now sometimes he says, “Mama, I don’t want to sing. Let’s just be quiet.” Then in the next few minutes, you’ll hear this little voice from the backseat just starting to warm up.
What has been your favorite part about Music Together® classes?
From the beginning I loved watching the sweet rhythm of class. It was really intentional: a really fun build-up of engagement. You have the instruments coming out at the end (my son’s favorite part of class), where the kids get to pick what they want to play, and the music is playing, and it’s kind of a free-for-all. Then you have the slow song to bring the energy down, then the goodbye song. I could tell that was all intentionally created. The class is not just thrown together. You can feel that.
I loved how the teachers (including Gabby) are so well-prepared! They really keep things moving and on target. Gabby is a music wizard. She has an immense love of music, but she also has a love of children. She creates a safe space where every kid can learn at their own pace and in their own way. She really has a wonderful way about her.
Do you and your son have a favorite song?
Well, there are one or two favorite songs from every semester. Right now, it’s “A Ram Sam Sam.” He likes how it gets faster. “Apples and Cherries” is another one. And “Singin’ Every Day.” My favorite, though, is “This Little Light of Mine.” I sing that with him all of the time. And he’s obsessed with the goodbye song…
What else would you like to share about your family’s experience with Music Together®?
My heart just pours out to the program. It’s been pivotal to me and my family in so many ways. It’s a huge piece of my son’s life. I just have immense gratitude for Music Together!