Anne Lewis
Music Together parent

How long have you been participating in Music Together?

My three children have all taken classes, so we've been coming for six years. My son Brad was the first to go to Music Together. He was one year old and absolutely loved it. He loved being part of a group, he loved playing the instruments, and he loved listening to the tapes. He is now six and he enjoys music very much, both at home and at school, where he sings in the school choir. He loves old Beatles records; he loves all types of music. He can recognize several different pieces of music by Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. He often recognizes a pop song someone sang at school when he hears it on the radio.

Why do you think Brad can do this?

For one thing, we listen to a lot of music at home. When children first learn to talk, they say "ba-da-da-da." I think the simple tonal patterns and rhythms of the Music Together program are the precursors-the building blocks of composition. When a child experiences basic rhythm and pitch at a young age, he's learning the basics of music.

Who went to Music Together after Brad?

Parker was next and he started classes at one year. Parker loved the Music Together classes, especially movement. I remember how much he loved moving in the circle, making bridges, and dancing with scarves. He was totally into movement and rhythm. But he was into the tonal patterns, too. At the end of the class, the children used to go up and hug the teacher. It was wonderful.

Who was next?

Gwyneth is one now and in Music Together in Pennington. She loves it, especially being with other children. When the teacher turns on the taped music, she lights up. She knows her special music time with mommy is here. I think Music Together plays a lot of music that children can relate to. At home she often sings "ahhh" on a pitch, then Parker and Brad join, too. Then Gwyneth smiles and does it again, and the boys join her, and they all have a great time. She loves music, and the class gives her an outlet.

Did you like the Music Together classes yourself?

I like the Music Together classes because it's relaxed, not strict. It's soft and easy to slide into. I also enjoyed meeting other parents. They are people I see again and again volunteering at school, being part of a co-op. I really love the classes, and I enjoy them. In my heart of hearts I wish I could free my time to teach the program.

What did you learn from Music Together?

I think that I learned how to sing in head voice so I could sing well with my children. I also learned more appreciation for music in general. I learned about the basic building blocks of music-tonal patterns, basic rhythms, and more complicated rhythms. The classes inspired me to learn more. As parents, we also learned how to use simple rhythm instruments with our children and how to play with them. For example, rather than grabbing a child's hand and showing him how to play, let the child learn himself. A parent can tap lightly on the child's back to help him feel the beat or simply play beside him. I also learned how to imitate what the child is doing. If the child taps the egg shaker on her knee, then the parent imitates it. This gives the child confidence and pleasure. Most of the time children imitate adults, but Music Together offers parents a chance to imitate the child. And everyone enjoys it.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

This is a great program and the instructors are special, interesting people. Every instructor we've ever had in the last six years has been great. I also like the way the teachers "let themselves go." This helps the parents loosen up. My college roommates would not believe what I do in Music Together! Even the fathers in their button-down shirts break down after a few weeks and become bunnies on the floor and have a great time!