The Okupskis

In 1998, Laura Okupski enrolled in Music Together in Princeton, New Jersey, with her first child Emily. She never imagined that the classes would put her family on a path towards becoming lifelong music-makers. And yet, sixteen years later, Laura and her family—which has now grown to include seven children—are still making music together.

Like many new moms, Laura first sought out Music Together to connect with other parents, as well as to provide her young daughter with a social activity. But what she came away with was a true appreciation for music-learning. She has nurtured and encouraged that learning in all her children: Emily (18), Juliana (14), Luke (12), John Paul, (9), Benjamin (6), Thomas (5), and the newest member of the family, William (5 months)!

“What surprised me most about the Music Together environment was the openness and playfulness of the classes,” comments Laura. “Plus, it was always a thrill to hear the teachers talk about the mechanics behind the music and the children’s aptitude and perceptiveness for understanding the musical tones and rhythms.”

Through the years, Laura has continued to take part in Music Together classes in the Princeton area with all her childrenshe and the kids, along with her husband Brian, are now very familiar with the nine song collections and like to sing their favorite tunes together at home. “We break into song quite often, and we love to imitate Grandma Yvette and Uncle Gerry,” she says, laughing.

Currently, both Thomas and Ben have Music Together Big Kids as their music curriculum at their school, Saint Paul School of Princeton. “Since they already know the songs from the family music classes, my kids feel confident when they have music at school and feel ownership over the songs,” says Laura. “They especially love hearing the ‘Hello Song’—and they also get very excited when the egg shakers come out!”

While Laura’s older children are no longer in Music Together classes, their love of music carries on through piano lessons and through singing with the Saint Paul Children’s Choir, which is directed by Music Together’s Director of In-School Services, Carole Moore. “My husband and I continue to encourage the kids to keep music in their lives, whether it be through Music Together, singing in the choir, or just listening to our favorite musical genres at homemostly jazz and alternative rock. Our son Luke is eager to start guitar lessons now!”

This winter, Laura will be returning to Music Together with little William, and she is looking forward to more family music-making. She has been singing the songs and playing the CDs for him often. “I’m preparing him for the classes!” she jokes. And considering this family’s deep commitment to making music a part of their lives, it’s pretty clear that William is already off to a great musical start in life.

—Kate Battenfeld is a Music Together Contributing Writer and Center Director of Joyful Jumping Music Together in Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista CA.