In my opinion, it's never too early to start music classes, I started when Frankie was only a few months old. Yes, I get that they pretty much sleep through the classes at the beginning, but I think it is good for them to hear the music and REALLY it gets you out the house and meeting other moms! I have compiled a list of my favorite musicians and will include those that I have heard are great even though I have not had a chance to join a class:
Kayla: I can not begin to explain how much Frankie loves Kayla. From the moment she walks in, he just can't take his eyes off of her. She is beyond talented with the noises she makes (I will admit I have tried to do them myself at home and they don't remotely sound the same, infact I think Frankie cringes when he hears some of them). Her songs are original and catchy and she is very engaging. I am not sure how she does it, but she somehow knows the names of all the kids in her classes. I am a HUGE Kayla fan and so is Frankie. Note: if you are planning on hiring Kayla for a music class, you must cover all toys with sheets or blankets as she wants the kids complete attention. http://www.kaylamusic.ca/
Music with Marky: I absolutely adore Mark and I love his music (I have his CD in the car which I play on repeat for Frankie). His songs are his own and they are quite the catchy tunes (I find myself singing them on random occassions - no joke). You will find he really loves what he is doing and has won a whole bunch of different awards. He has a program at Holy Blossom (we did the shabbat program) which we loved and with that you get a delish challah at the end of every class and you sing a whole bunch of hebrew songs. As well, you can hire him privately to do a music class at your house (10 people min I believe). http://kindrecords.com/Welcome.html or http://www.songsfordreamers.com/
Joni: This is a great class for the new little one's. It is a developmental class coupled with music where each class Joni focuses on different areas of your child's body. My favorite class is near the end of the "semester" where you get to do foot prints of your baby (I framed mine). I am waiting on her contact information and will post as soon as I get it.
Music with Susan: I think the first time Frankie went to a Susan class, i swear his draw dropped (well his mouth opened - same thing). She was jumping up and down, playing piano and singing all at once!! She brings lots of props; musical instruments, scarves, toys, puppets and more and keeps the kids engaged the entire time. Not only does Frankie enjoy the class, but I definitely do as well. Note: she has a strict "no talking" policy!!! musicwithsusan@rogers.com
Nancy: I really enjoyed Nancy's music, it is mellow and her tunes are VERY catchy. Her class was the very fist one Frankie did and I still sing the 'Everybody Clap Your Hands' song and 'The Bicycle' song to Frankie http://www.musicwithnancy.org/
Making Music Together: This class is different from all the other music classes as they get the kids up and moving using chants, instruments and song. It is an organization that holds classes in a whole bunch of different areas. http://www.makingmusictogether.com/
Sonshine and Broccoli: I have yet to be in a Sonshine and Broccoli class, but not because I don't want to, but because I have not found a class nearby that they are singing at. However, I have heard nothing but wonderful things about them and apparently the children love them. http://www.sonshineandbroccoli.com/
Rainbow Songs: My sister recommends Rainbow music, she took her kids and told me their music is a lot of fun. I checked it out for myself and Frankie, but unfortunately the location with the best time for us wasnt close enough, but they do have a TON of locations and times to choose from. http://www.rainbowsongs.com/
Brent: Another class I have yet to be in, but have heard great things! I hear Brent is extremly talented, fun and very laid back. He does private music classes and I am pretty sure birthday parties (not confirmed though). 416.937.6837
Gymboree: I loved this program, but a heads up, it is quite pricey! The gym is VERY clean, they are very careful about sanitization (no shoes in the mat area, toys the baby has put in their mouth goes in the dirty bucket etc) and their classes are quite fun. They have music circle at the beginning (each week is something different) and then they will teach you some developmental skills which you can try out around the gym on your own and then back to music circle where they have a parachute (which is so fun), bubbles and Gymbo the clown. Enroll your child in the class that suits their age. http://www.gymboreeclasses.com/b2c/customer/home.jsp?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=G_BrandBrd
If anyone has any feedback on the above musicians or knows of anymore I am missing, feel free to comment.
Enjoy the music
T.
xo
