What parents contribute

Active participation from the parent or caregiver is important, since you are your child’s most important influence.

Some people hesitate at first, and some doubt their musical abilities. However, everyone can enjoy singing, moving and playing with their child, echoing their sounds, responding non-verbally and giving active encouragement.

By joining in you will enhance the group’s experience and promote your child’s musical growth and development. Children’s reactions to this new experience are varied. Many children will join right in, others may need some time to observe quietly without much active participation at first. Some others may explore the physical surroundings and have a hard time staying in the group.

All of these reactions are perfectly acceptable ways that young children take in a new situation. From experience most children will actively participate in the group after a few weeks time when they are more aware of what the program entails. Children absorb the musical experience even when they are not fully participating, and many will re-enact the sessions when they are in their homes.

The benefits of Music Shakers include

• children who enjoy to learn and express themselves through music, movement and instrumental play
• parents who rediscover the joy of making music together with their children
• families who grow together through shared musical experiences drawn from a diversity of cultures and traditions
• communities of friends who meet regularly and socialize after class

Parents and caregivers attending the classes are asked to

• contribute to the Music Shakers classes by singing (not talking) and dancing or moving as a group
• use the songs and activities in the songbooks at home and when traveling with their children
• rediscover the joy of making music, and use the materials in family experiences and to enhance parenting

We thank all those who have taken our classes and appreciate their feedback.