Drop in sessions are not available for the Grow in Harmony classes.  A semester registration is required to participate. 

Each week, we will meet virtually to make music together from our own homes.

We will begin with some welcoming activities and end with a lullaby and goodbye song.  In between, we will sing, dance and make some music.  Here are some possible activities:

~ parent-child singing, dancing and music making to boost co-regulation,
~ musical “conversations,”
~ musical role playing,
~ and musical games.

Don’t have instruments at home? No problem! We will learn how to turn everyday items into musical instruments. 
For example:
~a box of pasta makes a great shaker
~an empty ice cream tub makes a fun and versatile drum
~and a favorite blanket or stuffy can be used as a movement scarf.

Music affords the potential for strong interpersonal bonds

From the time of birth, we begin learning to understand the world around us and how we fit into it.  While exploring new and novel things. we orient to safety.  We are always looking to others to engage in meaningful interactions and in doing so, we come to understand who we are and how others respond to us.  We find safety and validation in experiencing our “sense of self” reflected back to us by those we love.

Music provides an atmosphere for this “sense of self” to flourish.  Through social musicking (making music with others), caregivers can demonstrate to their little ones, “I see you and you are doing great!”  Music allows caregivers and their little ones to engage in child-directed play in a safe and loving environment, enriching a child’s identity and their bond to their caregiver as they grow.

As children become more adventurous, they start to leave their caregivers side to explore the world around them.  Knowing that a safe base is there if needed, they start to explore further into the world, taking large strides in their imaginative and creative play.  Through engaging in imagination and child-directed play, caregivers can bond with their children through their new-found interest, once again communicating “even as you grow and change, I see you.”

Musicking has a profound affect on the brain.  It promotes positive attachment to those we interact with, while supporting developmental growth.

Active musicking promotes attachment in two prominent ways:
~ First, musicking affects hormones in our brain to increase bonding and relaxation.  Making music increases the production of oxytocin (a “feel-good” bonding hormone), while decreasing the production of cortisol (a stress hormone). 
~ Secondly, musicking involves interactions that foster and support secure attachment.  Through musicking and musical interactions, children feel seen and validated by their caregiver’s attentive and responsive participation.  In this way, caregivers convey emotional availability and support.

Do we have to be musical to participate?

You do not need to have any previous experience with music to participate.  This group focuses on using our innate musicality to promote bonding.  There is no judgment on musical skill. 

Participants will also have their microphones turned off to help manage group noise and to increase comfort in participating.

Do we need instruments to participate?

Grow in Harmony classes make use of what families already have.  If you have instruments that are age appropriate for your little ones, by all means, use them!  Our classes will involve learning how to turn toys and everyday objects into musical instruments so instruments are not a necessity.

I can’t singing.  Can I play recordings for my child instead?

Research shows us that children are most responsive to their parents voices, particularly the mother’s voice.  Regardless of technical “skills,” children always prefer their parent’s singing over anyone else.  By fully participating, you are demonstrating for your child that music does not need to be perfect to take joy in it and you are encouraging them to explore their voice!

I can’t commit to the full 10 weeks.  Can I come whenever I’m available?

Grow in Harmony does not offer drop-in sessions as the consistent participation is part of the process. 

You can contact Transformative Music Therapy to inquire about timeslots that work for you.

If you prefer drop-in sessions without a 10-week commitment, you can register to drop-in on Little Music Makerz classes.

We also offer private music therapy options for families.  If you are interested in music therapy for your family, please contact us here.