As with any language, researchers have found that the first two years of a child's life are the most important to their musical development. That's why we'll discuss ways children internalize a sense of rhythm, learn melody, and create music. We'll learn how to play about 100 kids songs using just three chords on the guitar. We'll talk about song writing. It's so much easier than you'd think, and it is so fun when your kids start singing songs you wrote! We'll have original song link-up parties, and discover the best way to find a music teacher for your child. Every once in a while I'll give you a glimpse of D.C. (where I live) and bring up parenting issues.
I'm excited to connect with you! So please, leave a comment or email me at motherhoodandmusic@gmail.com. You can also follow my Facebook page. Let me know what you'd like to learn about.
That's the blog. If you want to know more about me, keep reading.
I grew up in northern Idaho as the oldest child of a musical family. My dad always played in a classic rock cover band, and I would occasionally join them for a performance at a fair or local rock show. He believed that if there were plenty of musical instruments around, his kids would learn to play them... or maybe that's just how he justified his 13 guitars. Whatever the motivation, my three younger brothers and I all learned to play. My mom made sure I had piano lessons, and I ventured into musical theater and jazz vocals, performing with the local theater and community band.
I graduated with a music education degree in 2011, focusing mainly on classical piano, choral conducting, and elementary music. During this time I also met my husband Chris who was in law school. We got married and stayed in Idaho while I finished student teaching. Then we moved to D.C. for his summer externship. What was supposed to be a three month stay, has now been three years, as he finished law school here and started his career. We now have two little boys, Gummy (not his real name) who is 2 1/2, and Remy (also a nickname) who was born earlier this year.
Coming to D.C. was not an easy change for me, but I loved the challenge. I had deep roots in Idaho, and no clue about city life, but it was exciting to come here. I love all the things D.C. has to offer: the history, the culture, the people from around the world. People here value music lessons, and I have had the opportunity to teach amazing children. I've also had more opportunities to teach than I could possibly take. I love teaching music!
I also love being a mother! I am ridiculously enamored with my boys, and I hope I don't ruin them with the way I constantly tell them how handsome they are. Being a mother is certainly an adventure, and it takes more energy than I have most days. Isn't that always the way with the best things in life?
