So it happened…I took one of my best mommy friend’s up on a free class at Music Together. She had been going with her daughter for several months now. She had found the perfect teacher and perfect class…and so we went. I went in to the class thinking we would take a free class and nothing else. Before you read on, I should disclaim that I, as a mom, have not excelled in the Gymboree or MyGym classes. I know, I know, this should be about my little man but since I try to be as enthusiastic about his classes as he is, I have been on the hunt for activities that we both love and enjoy.
Ok, so back to Music Together. Just as the class began with the “Hello Everybody,” welcome song, my little dude went into meltdown mode. Hmmmm…was he overwhelmed by the live music? The room full of happy toddlers and parents too much? The louder he wailed, the redder I felt my face get. This was supposed to be fun for my little dude…not some strange toddler torture. As began to gather up our things, the teacher kindly explained that this can be a normal reaction to the first class. So, like any good mother would do, I let my little guy wimper and cry as I enjoyed the next 45 minutes of cool instruments and accessories that the kids and parents danced, sang and played along with. The teacher alternated between live music, tonal sequences and movement that went along with high quality music. As an arts lover, I could tell this was not your average music class. It had aspects of music theory, sequencing and developmental activity all rolled into one. Children were encouraged to enjoy music however they chose to. Some felt compelled to dance around the room when others were not, no instruments were ripped from their hands at the end of the song and others mimicked tonal sequences after songs had already ended. I was learning quickly that Music Together had a cool theory of enjoying music “together” as a group, family, etc. There was no pressure to learn at a certain pace or to sit obediently through an entire class.
So, as the class came to an end, without thinking twice…it happened. I signed up for a 10 week course, which included a welcome kit, two CD sets for the home and car and some other literature. After paying for the class series which is an investment, I crossed my fingers and hoped that my little man would learn to love these classes as much as I just did.
Stay tuned for Part 3…Coming this week!