Featured Story: Momtastic Article on the "Irresistible" Benefits of Music Together
Momtastic gave Music Together two huge thumbs up in this lovely article! "Not only do you get to sing, dance, and play instruments with your child, but even after class is over, you will notice your child experimenting with singing and movement, as well as reaching new musical milestones." We couldn't have said it better ourselves!
Caitlin Vannoy, Center Director of Music Together Jelly Jams, spoke with Shoutout Colorado about her transformative path from Music Together parent to center director, her dedication to the program, and her initial self-consciousness when singing in front of other parents. She's learned some valuable lessons along the way, noting that "I’m not perfect, but that doesn’t mean I’m any less deserving of the joy that comes from making music, trying new things, and experiencing life to the fullest extent." Wise words for us all!
Goshen College Music Together received a grant via the Early Years Initiative for the second time! This grant will allow the center, in partnership with the Horizon Education Alliance, to "help meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and surround Hoosier families with the resources to make the most of the crucial years of learning from birth to age 3."
Kerry Kenny, Center Director of Music Together of Bloomsburg, had her center featured in a local newspaper. She was excited to share about the Music Together program, classes offered by her center, and her life-long background in music!
Halliday Reynolds, Center Director of Music Together PEC, chatted with host Suzanne O'Connor about all things Music Together® and Rhythm Kids®! Halliday noted, "It was so much fun to be able to share what we do and why we do it with the community at large."
Madeline Duffy-Feins, Center Director of Playful Hearts, appeared on Great Day SA to talk about her center, and the benefits of making music with young children. She even brought along a family and instruments to provide a mini classroom demo. After participating in just a few songs, the host exclaimed, "It just makes me want to smile!"
HCarey Youngblood, Center Director of Heartsong Music, celebrated a milestone anniversary of 20 years in business! In that time, her Music Together center has served over 30,000 students in her community. As Carey reflects, "We've become this unified group of people making music, being silly, loving our children while dancing, singing, and laughing. We all are together, embracing life and creating a beautiful musical community in each class that we teach."
Rachel Lewis, Center Director of Music Together Whistler, shared her thoughts on her first year in business with Pique Newsmagazine. Her key takeaway? "I think in general, most adults wish that they were more musical. When they see a program that nurtures the musicality in their kids from as early as birth, it really gets them excited."
Lauren Netherland, Center Director of LaLa Lessons, spoke with Shoutout DFW about her journey to becoming a Music Together director. As Lauren noted, "It feels to me like I got here because I've been here all along...Music, particularly singing, has always been a joy for me, but also is most powerful and moving as a shared experience."
Rebbecca Oppedisano, Center Director of Bluebird Music Together, shared her passion for bringing music to her community, her dedication to meeting parents where they are, and the impact music has throughout life with Syracuse Woman Magazine.
Jana Hair, Center Director of Music Together Tri-Cities, is honored to serve her local community by connecting families through music. As Jana says, "The joyful participation of the grownups who attend our classes is vital for their child's musical growth, and for the musical community we are building."
Tracie Krieger, Center Director of Tracie’s Music Together, discussed the natural transition from Music Together parent to Music Together licensee, her best parenting advice, and her love of going barefoot with Palm Beach Moms!
Lizz Hodgin Weihrauch, Center Director of MusicalMe, had a class featured in the "Photographer's Eye" segment of the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Award-winning photographer Shmuel Thaler showcased parents, teachers, kiddos, and even the family dog for his spread, while highlighting the importance of parent-child together time during Music Together class
Katie Shea O'Dea, Center Director of Heartland Music Together, and In-School Curriculum Sales Representative for Music Together Worldwide, celebrated her center's 20th anniversary in an interview with local news station WAVE. Katie shared how music and movement improves all aspects of early childhood development, aids in transitions, and provides kiddos with the skills they need to be lifelong learners.
Erin Flory Robertson, Center Director of Riverside Music Together, interviewed with Good Day Kansas, and even provided a look at a live class! Erin stressed the importance of music-making as a family, regardless of any reservations about ability or talent. That's music to our ears!
Alexia Tate, Center Director of Peek-a-Boo Family Music, celebrated the grand opening of her newly-rebranded center in October. She shared her story, as well as her mission to bring music and literacy to her community, with the River Journal!
Colleen Croce, Center Director of 716 Music & More, was interviewed for hyperlocal radio show Northtown News. Colleen did a great job talking about her Music Together classes and why music is important for the very littlest learners!
Kristen Fischer, Center Director of Music Together North Shore, spoke with MKE Lifestyle Magazine about what music teaches us about how children learn, and giving adults permission to be silly and have fun with a larger community!
Rachel Lewis, Center Director of Music Together Whistler, explained the benefits of mixed-age learning, parent participation, and more with Pique Newsmagazine!
Rebbecca Oppedisano, Center Director of Bluebird Music Together, spoke to her local radio station about the benefits of musical community—both physical and mental—for parents of babies and young children. This time spent with others in a safe space is so valuable, one parent insists "...just do it no matter what."
Kerrie Hedde, Center Director of Seaside Music Together, recently sat down "In the Easy Chair" for The Westerly Sun. Kerrie's love of music and teaching came through loud and clear for this Q&A feature, and she's excited to bring families together again after a two-year break!
Schelsie Vega, Center Director of Music Together of the Bighorns, had her center featured in The Sheridan Press. This photo story is definitely worth a thousand words, as it shows the open delight both parents and children have throughout class!
Music Together Worldwide CEO Susan Darrow was a guest on The Art of Parenting Podcast. In this weekly show, master Montessori educator and parenting coach Jeanne-Marie Paynel interviews experts in a variety of fields to help parents and caregivers navigate the joys and challenges of parenting. In this episode, Susan and Jeanne-Marie discuss how music can support positive parenting and bring families closer together.
Dawn Levingston and Maria Jose Schonenberg, co-owners of Hello Music, were thrilled to receive the 2022 Best of Salt Lake City Award in the category of Music School. The Salt Lake City Award Program honors local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and the community. Well done!
Katie O'Dea, Center Director of Heartland Music Together, was honored to receive a 2022 LEO Readers' Choice Award in the category of Best Place to Take Music Lessons. The awards recognize the best people, places, businesses and organizations in Louisville, KY, as voted by LEO Weekly's readers. Congratulations!
Mary Bowen, Center Director of Music Together with Ms. Mary, and several of her families had the opportunity to describe the joys and benefits of Music Together classes for their local Macaroni Kids website. As Mary pointed out, "[W]e know that a child's play is their work and that children are learning instinctively and constantly. They teach themselves through imitation and play, through being immersed in their environment, and through interaction with adults and older children. The family-like setting of Music Together classes creates an ideal learning environment."
Sara Nelms Layman, Center Director of Singing with Sara, appeared on Suncoast View, where she spoke about her center and even provided a little music-making demo! She described her classes as an opportunity for family and caregivers to spend time with their littles, and a place where "it's all about showing your kids how much you love music." Sounds wonderful!
Rowena Morgan, Center Director of Music Together Tri-Valley, shared her teaching story with Fabulous California magazine for their "Fab Teachers" section. Rowena made it clear her inspiration comes from facilitating musical parent-child interactions in class, and notes that it's the parents who need to leave their inhibitions at the door! As she put it so wonderfully, "[M]usic is for everyone. It's a basic life skill."
Cheryl Sabo, Center Director of Music Together Vivo, provided her expertise as a mom, musician, and music educator on New Mommy Media's "Newbies" podcast! She spoke to the many benefits of incorporating music into your child's routine, such as helping them lower stress, self-soothe, and understand the language of music. She also divulges the REAL secret behind Music Together classes: It's just as fun for parents as it is for their littles!
Colleen Lilley, Center Director of Music & Me, spoke to VoyageTampa magazine for their "Community Highlights" section. Colleen traced the path of her career from opera singer to business owner, her commitment to providing the highest quality music education to her community, and spreading the joy of music to the families in her Music Together classes!
Deb Polich, President and CEO of Creative Washtenaw, interviewed Robin Robinson, Center Director of Robinsongs For Kids, for WEMU radio's creative:impact series. Robin discussed her work in theater, singing/songwriting, and her perfectly-named center! Above all, she made one thing clear: Everyone is musical!
When Look Local Magazine wanted to give new moms a roundup of activities in the Halton, Ontario area, they were sure to include E-J Walker, Center Director of TipToe Music. In fact, they put her Music Together center at the top of the list!
Felida Fine Living Magazine featured Rebecca Paterson, Center Director of Family Rhythms, and her family for their "Meet Your Neighbors" segment. This family of seven (and one doggo!) has a wide range of interests and pursuits, although they are all keen on outdoor adventures. Rebecca uses her experience as a mom of five to help inform her Music Together business, where she is "passionate about parent education, creating meaningful experiences for families, and building community bonds through music."
Genevieve Schmidt, Center Director of Merry Musicians, had her business featured in Lake Hopatcong News! Genevieve explains how Music Together extends beyond class, giving families options for enjoying the music both at home and on the go. The classes themselves are also family affairs, accommodating older and younger siblings as well as mutiple generations!
Ruth Mirabella, Center Director of Melody and Motion, interviewed with the North Morris Moms Network! In the article, Ruth discusses her journey to finding her passion for teaching. She also reveals that she is a tea sipologist, and runs an after school drama program. That's one busy mom!
Queen Anne & Magnolia News follows Summer Rognlie Trisler, Center Director of Sunshine Music Together, through her journey from Broadway to small business owner. Of her new location, Summer says, "I love the new studio because it is a beautiful, light-filled space that allows our families to come together to make music and memories free from the worry of being too close to the other students."
The Jewish Observer featured Rebbecca Oppedisano, Center Director of Bluebird Music Together, in the local business section of their March issue. The article traces Rebbecca's Music Together journey from a part-time teacher to a business owner with multiple locations, and highlights her commitment to the arts and her community!
The Taco Bell Foundation awarded Chima Enwere, Center Director of Music Together of Fayetteville, with their Live Más Scholarship during his undergraduate career. The scholarshp not only provided financial assistance, but the encouragement needed to achieve long-term success!
The Museum of Making Music invited Kendra Cogert, Director of Music Together at the Beach, to appear on their last episode of MoMM@Home for 2021. Kendra spoke in depth about Music Together, children, and the unique musical interactions parents and caregivers have with their little ones, both during class and at home. As she put it so well, "Just play with music, and see what happens!"
A great start for Belmar (Belle) Rodriguez, Center Director at Music Together with Aunty Belle, by way of a feature in a local paper, when she opened her location in the Netherlands!
Center Director Judy Woodson of South Coast Music Together gave this wonderful interview about the importance of music, how Music Together works, and an unexpectedly musical outcome to being called for jury duty!
23ABC's Kallyn Hobmann interviewed Pyper Von Normann, the woman behind Yellow House Music Together. Pyper is dedicated to introducing young children to music and movement, and providing some much-needed socialization for kiddos and caregivers alike!
"Our whole goal is to teach the parents, teach the families to make music and then bring it home and make music at home," said Valerie Kocel, Director of Tiny Treble Makers, who offers Music Together classes. Valerie encourages everyone to participate, regardless of musical ability, giving parents and caregivers a unique opportunity to deepen the bond with their little ones.
The Newtown Bee featured Center Director Leslie Pratt, of Soulshine Arts in Woodbury, CT, in a lovely article. Leslie and her families are super-excited to be back together in person in her beautiful new studio, which boasts tons of windows and 20-foot ceilings!
Good Day Kansas put the spotlight on Erin Flory Robertson, Director of Riverside Music Together. Erin reminded viewers that children are never too young to be involved in music, which gives them a chance to explore and play while supporting their overall development!
Bestselling author Tom Vanderbilt interviewed Music Together Worldwide CEO, Susan Darrow, for his New York Times Parenting article exploring the benefits of learning new things alongside your children. Since Music Together is based on the idea that parents are their children's most important teachers, Susan's insights served to illustrate key points in the article.
News 12 Connecticut featured Julie Capuano, Director of Music Together of Monroe/Newtown! While her classes are perfect for small children, Julie explains, "[Parents] really needed just to talk, connect, and know they weren't alone."
"With a 20-year-old business that features the word "together" as part of its name, Ginger Parish [Center Director, Santa Rosa Area Music Together] had to adapt—and quickly—when the coronavirus pandemic arrived last March."
Jared Hall, Center Director of Music Together Coastal Voices and Grooves, shared his thoughts on bringing music to his community through performance and education, and why it means so much to him, with Savannah Now.
Music Together of Portland partnered with PDX Parent to bring readers this wonderful article about the benefits of music at home, and how virtual music classes can provide that much-needed connection for every member of the family!
Children's author Kizzie Jones featured Alley Bell Music on her blog, where she noted the unexpected silver lining of connecting virtually from anywhere in the world to enjoy Music Together classes...together!
Music Together with Miss Amy celebrated their launch with this press release in Oswego County News Now! Center Director Amy Nehlsen noted: "We give the tools and resources parents need with take-home materials to continue music-making at home so they can nurture their child's musical growth with the benefits of music all the time, anytime."
Amber Nichols, Center Director of tuneBugz!, wrote about the importance of introducing music early, and how parents and caregivers can create a musical home, for InterACT Magazine!
Stacey Pavesi Debré, Center Director at Bébé Music Box, gives Inspirelle this inside look at how she made her "what if" moment a musical reality!
Sarah Richàrd, Center Director of Alley Bell Music. explained how she was able to keep the music going during the pandemic in this article from Edmonds News!
Music Together CEO Susan Darrow spoke with Andrea Goodman of Talking Choral Music about what makes Music Together so good at instilling a lifelong love of music!
Brenna Wells, Center Director at Little Sprouts Music Together, spoke with Seraphic Fire Magazine about singing, adaptability, and owning a small business during unexpectedly challenging times.
Jodi Howard, Director of Music Together of the Northern Lights, spoke to Global News at 6 Edmonton about the art and joy of family music-making, even when family members can't be with each other in person.
