I have something to prove...

and I need your help! When I finally determined the name of my company, Tots and Tunes, I knew I needed a tagline to help define it a bit more. I didn't want it to be just about another music class but wanted it to create the idea that music is powerful and life-changing, given various settings, participants, knowledge, and so on. That's why I settled on, Tots and Tunes ~ MAKING MUSIC MATTER. It was as much or more a challenge to myself to find ways to show others the impact music can have on so many as it was an advertising line.

And so, as the title of my post states, I DO have something to prove. Among other things, I want to compile hard data supporting the idea that involvement in a developmental music program, such as Kindermusik, on a regular basis with committed families, can make a tremendous difference on children experiencing developmental delays due to low-income environments and other extinuating circumstances. Beginning in the Fall 2007 semester, I am looking to conduct a series of pilot Kindermusik classes. I would like to host these classes, free of charge, to ten families who want to see a difference in their child with special needs or developmental differences - whether it be verbal, cognitive, social, or physical. It will require a full year's commitment and permission to video-record every class. It will also require families to put this weekly class at the top of their priority list, not missing for just any reason, but working with the other families and myself to support and encourage growth in multiple developmental ways, through the use of music. Other requirements will include family documentation of the use of provided home materials and observations of the expansions of the in-class activities at home. Above all, open communication between myself as the facilitator and the participating families is a must! The class I'm considering is the Family Time option, which is open to multi-aged, multi-children families. We begin with newborns and go up to about age 7, chronologically speaking. Of course, this can be altered and discussed further.

If you have anybody you think might be interested, or if you yourself are interested in more information, please contact me at totsandtunes@hotmail.com. I look forward to continuing with this goal and anxiously await the results in 2008! Not only will I be able to tell others about the difference the use of music can make in lives, but I'll be able to say, "Here! Read and watch it for yourself!" How could you argue with that?

Making music matter,
Jen