How did you become involved with Music Together?

I was living in Brooklyn and a friend of mine was taking her daughter to Lynn Lobban's classes. My friend told me about Music Together, and I knew immediately that that was something I wanted to do with my son. He was 8 months old, and he was very responsive to everything in the class. I think after the second semester I began to think that I could teach the program, too. My son's teacher, Nannette DeCillis, was a dancer and we had a lot of things in common. I had a movement and music background, and I thought this would be a really fun thing to teach. I went to a Music Together Teacher Training in New York in 1992. I was an assistant teacher in my son's class even before the training, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Why have you stayed with Music Together?

What is it that attracts you as a teacher, or musician, or a dancer? There are many aspects that are very rewarding for me. As a teacher it's very gratifying for me to teach a program that you know the children will benefit greatly from, and that the parents will benefit greatly from as well. I believe that we're able to have an impact in terms of the parent understanding their child's development and how to nurture that development. I believe we have an impact on the parent's understanding of their child's learning style and that affects the child throughout life. I believe that we are instrumental in bringing the joy of music into homes. This is an aspect of their lives; an area of activity with their children that they perhaps didn't realize could bring so much enjoyment throughout life.

Can you describe your center and your teaching situation?

Now we have four locations - in Fairfield, Southport, Westport, and Riverside, Connecticut. We have approximately four hundred students, including a lot of siblings. Our classes have become very popular; they were sold out last semester. We had thirty-three classes last semester and this semester will have thirty-eight. We've established a good reputation and we hope to open up some other centers in the fall. We've done well as a business and even made a profit the first year.

Why do you think the classes are so popular with parents?

I'd say it's the overall musical growth of their children and the quality of the experience they receive in the classes.

What do you see for yourself in the future for Music Together?

I see our rapidly growing situation here in Fairfield County as a good one. I think we could grow to serve over 1000 families. And personally, I'd like to continue doing this as long as I enjoy it and as long as the families enjoy it, too.

Jackie Jacobs is a Music Together Center Director in Fairfield County, Connecticut.