Finding a music class we LOVE was top priority after the move earlier this year. Our music class in Southern California was nothing short of magic, so although we knew it would be unfair to compare, we wouldn't settle for just anything. After the first flop, I easily came to terms with the fact that not all music classes are created equal, and so I did my due diligence and began to line up trial classes. It took 4 tries, though I was prepared for more, before we hit the jackpot with Music Together with Mrs. Chrisi.
Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program for children from birth through age 5. Its research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement. And its four basic philosophical principles laid the foundation for a truly, meaningful experience.
- All children are musical.
- All children can achieve basic music competence—the ability to sing in tune and move with accurate rhythm.
- The participation and modeling of parents and caregivers—regardless of their musical ability—are essential to a child's musical growth.
- Young children’s musical growth occurs best in a playful, musically rich, and developmentally appropriate setting.
Mrs. Chrisi, a former nanny, home daycare provider, and preschool teacher, has a love for young children and a passion for music that radiates without much effort. She is warm and welcoming with the happiest smile. The ways in which she responded to my then 18-month old daughter Kate moving around the class, doing everything else but participating, as well as Kate's very difficult time parting with instruments were very telling about the class experience we were going to have. And the Music Together framework paired with Mrs. Chrisi's experience, background and understanding of child development blew us out of the water from day one!
After several other classes of feeling eyes pierce into me as Kate did her own thing, I started to get nervous and overly conscious of my child's high energy while in a class setting. But Mrs. Chrisi assured me the class was loose and she could move around if that's what she felt like doing. She also explained that Kate would give up the instrument once the next, new, shiny item was out, which sure enough would drop out of her hand the second it caught her eye! Those kind words were a breath of fresh air compared to the previous classes that weren't as seemingly forgiving of my little one's toddler ways. I left that day raving all about the class to anyone that would listen! It was truly a relief to know someone else understood my kid.
Mrs. Chrisi shared, "Kate is a beautiful, inquisitive and active toddler! I strive to create a welcome and safe place for all family members and realize that many children are going to be moving around. It does not mean that they are not learning! It was such a joy to witness Kate's participation increase week to week and even when she was moving around the room by herself, she was responding to the music, singing or dancing! She also learned the routine very quickly and caught on when it time to say goodbye to our props/instruments."
After the first class of the series, it was plain to see Kate's behavior begin to change organically! She understood the flow of class and would participate in her own way. Often times, she'd move and dance, but then come back to my lap to clap or play instruments with the rest of us. She always seemed to be in her own world but was always aware of what the entire class was doing and was always participating...in her own way!
Music and movement is a universal language found in all cultures. Music Together encompasses a rich, diverse collection music from original songs to traditional tunes from the folk, jazz, and world-music traditions. From American to African, Spanish to Japanese, families are exposed to a wide variety of international musical styles designed to provide engaging experiences of rhythm, song, culture, and community from around the world. So even if English is not your first language, this class is one your family can benefit from.
It's not always easy finding the right fit, and for some it takes some time and a little bit of effort, but let me save you the trouble because Music Together with Mrs. Chrisi is a rare gem!
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Music Together with Mrs. Chrisi classes are held at three locations -- one in Mercer Island and two in Bellevue. If you're looking for a summer activity for your little ones, the Summer Songs Collection starts next week and there are a few spots left! Not available for the next 5 weeks? The schedule is now out for the Fall Flute Collection. Sign up for a class and let's make Music Together with Mrs. Chrisi! Click here for more information for both the Summer and Fall Collections and to register.
