Every Thursday morning for the past three weeks, Emma and I have been attending Makin’ Music Class at the Music Training Center in Marlton, New Jersey. This is a class designed for babies and toddlers up to three years of age, where they can engage in singing, dancing, and of course—makin’ music.
The class is led by two instructors. The first plays the guitar and sings, and the other leads in song and interacts closely with the children. They’re very friendly and do a great job at engaging the children and keeping their interest. They go through the different songs, using props and toys to help children use their imagination and music making skills.
For the first two classes, Emma pretty much remained glued to my lap. This is unusual for her, as she is not a shy child. I guess she just wanted to sit back and take it all in before she could be herself.
By our third class this past week, she had found her comfort zone and was everywhere else in the room besides my lap. She wouldn’t stay still and she really enjoyed herself. She even led the crew of the trouble-makers that dug through some of the boxed toys in the corner!
Taken during class #1, mid-song and dance. Emma was right on my lap.
Parachute time at class #2. Starting to get warmed up but still wouldn’t leave my side.
Here’s Emma flirting with the instructors as they led the class.
The Music Training Center does offer a free trial class so that you can see if it’s a fit for you and your children before you decide to enroll. When you do join the class, you’ll receive a music cd with all of the songs your child will hear in the classes. This is a nice touch and allows you and your child to learn the music you’ll be dancing to each week. I played it in the car on the way to class last week and Emma kept saying, “More! More!”
This is turning out to be such a wonderful experience. So great, in fact, that I think I will enroll in the next round of classes at the beginning of 2011. We love the class and the instructors, and we’re making new friends with the other kids and their moms. Everyone is so friendly and fun that Emma and I both look forward to going each week. Is it Thursday yet?
No compensation has been received for this post. My daughter and I were enrolled in this class at no charge so that I could share my experience with my readers.
