I just wanted to thank you for running such a great music program. We attend Music Together^® at the Campbell community center and have had Lisa and Elizabeth as teachers for over 2 years now. Both of them are wonderful with children and have a clear love for the program. My daughter is 29 months old and just loves music. This is very important to both my husband and I as we are also artists and love music. The classes are well run and she loves all of the songs. I also appreciate that the songs chosen are a variety that I do not mind listening to all day long (because she loves to listen all day long!). At 16 months she was already singing songs on her own and playing her instruments at home. Now at 2 she has started making up her own tunes and words to songs. She also puts all of her dolls in a circle and then has ‘music class’ with them where she sings the different songs from class. It is fun to watch her try and read music notes and she can sing about 5 notes back to me if I give her a tone sequence. We are overjoyed that our love for music is being passed on to her and that your program has played such an important role in this. 4/13

This has been the absolutely best thing that has happened to our family since my grand daughter was born. Both mommy and daddy have memorized the songs and sing and dance with her. Now, the neighbor--who is a musician--does too! What a blessed thing to do for our children. 4/2013

I wanted to tell you two things: my son, Devin, has taken Music Together for over 4 years. And since he has stopped the class, he sings the songs more than ever! For every event or situation, there seems to be an appropriate song that he pulls from his memory and sings perfectly!
The other thing is that I have talked to Debra S., a former MT parent. She has been instrumental in the music classes after school at Happy Valley (Elementary School). They have over half of their students taking Suzuki Violin lessons on the minimum day afternoon. She says that you and Music Together are one of the main reasons she helped establish that music program because she realized that everyone can learn music! 12/2012

I knew darn well when I toted my infant to Music Together classes that it had very little to do with her, and everything to do with my own sanity as a new mom.

But then she met her first best friend in that class, and I met her mom, who has become my soul mate as well.

Since then, we've never stopped singing as a family -- and music is central to both of my children's lives. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the MANY wonderful music teachers they have worked with over the years.

I don't care whether music makes my kids smarter, kinder, or even taller for that matter. Music is simply central to our lives the way that soccer, T-ball, church, synagogue, hockey, or chess is to other families. It's not about what it will do for them in the future -- it's about the joy we experience together in the present. 5/2012

My daughter told me she wants to do Music Together for the rest of her life! She is 4-1/2 and continues to find such incredible joy in the music and movement of the masters class. Who knows... you just might be grooming a future MT teacher!" 3/2012

I wanted to share the seeds you planted in my daughter Liz today! As you'll recall, we did a very lively rendition of "Trot Old Joe" during class today and had galloping horses and a variety of other animals. This afternoon, she sang the song using "horse", then paused and asked for a reminder of what the penguins did. I supplied the word "waddle" for her and she was clearly pleased. Then, just before bedtime, she took her two baby dolls and did the song again, bouncing the babies on her lap and then having them ride on her back. The joy and confidence she exuded was truly priceless! Thanks for what you do! 2/2012

Please know that the changes I've observed in my son Charlie after only 5 weeks in class have been nothing short of amazing. He LOVES the CD -- in fact, it is the first music that he has really, truly showed any notice of or interest in. He now cries out for me to play it in the car, and at home he runs over to the stereo and starts pointing and signing "please" for me to turn it on. Although I have played many different types of music for him in his 17 months of life, he has yet to show this kind of enthusiasm. He is also able to bob his head and clap his hands to the beat for parts of his favorite songs, and he loves to have jam sessions with the pasta shakers I made for him. When I tell him that "It's time for music class!" he starts smiling and clapping his hands, and he has a huge smile on his face when we're walking into the building. In short, he is truly awakening to music, and I feel that it is all because of this class! (We had been in a music class at Gymboree, but he could take it or leave it.)

I don't tell you this to brag about my son but so that you'll get just one more testimony (in addition to many others I'm sure you've received over the years) that your program WORKS and WORKS WELL. I have ZERO musical training (that is, until now...because I think that even my own singing has actually improved thanks to this class!), and I will have no idea how to continue his musical training without this class. 2/2012

I wanted to express my gratitude for your wonderful program. My daughter, Madison, started MT classes when she was 7 months old and she just turned one. Your Teacher Elizabeth came to Madison's 1st birthday party in December and was amazing! I heard from so many parents how much they and their children enjoyed the singing and dancing. Even those who had never been to a MT class felt like part of the action and had a great time. MMI also provided me with great advice on having the music session before the food and it worked out so perfectly. It's been so great watching Madison develop and have a love of music. She hears music and starts dancing - at this point she looks like a little baby gorilla swinging her arms back and forth and bouncing up and down, but we think it's adorable. My husband and I are so not musical at all so I'm sure she's so engaged with music because she's been exposed to it in class from such a young age. Thank you for all that you do! 1/2012

Music Together has changed the way I feel about music, my comfort level with my own singing voice and how we have incorporated music into our daily lives. We originally signed up with my eldest daughter when she was a baby because (like every first parent) I was very eager to do all the “right things”, music, tumbling, art, etc. – I didn’t want her to miss out on anything that would enrich her. Quickly I discovered that the program wasn’t just for her but for me as well. Both Sylvyanna and I loved it instantly. We have been in and out of classes for the past four years and recently signed up with our youngest daughter, Tallulah, and it is such a delight to be back…I hadn’t realized how much I had missed it. Recently, I had one of those “aha” parent moments - I heard my eldest singing one of the Music Together songs to my youngest – it just doesn’t get much sweeter! 1/2012

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to make music with you as well as adding to our existing repertoire. I really appreciate the reminders to enjoy the process, have fun and be silly. I read a really great quote by Piaget yesterday which emphasized the importance of allowing children to explore learn and make discoveries on their own. When we try to show or do things for them we take away their opportunity to learn. Music Together is such a wonderful model of this philosophy. 1/2012

My Children are teenagers now and they are still blessed by their time in Music Together. They're comfortable with an array of instruments and a sense of play with music. Lizz opened us all to new flavors of joy. 12/2011

Music Together has absolutely become so important in the children’s lives. It is a true highlight of their week. I immediately saw this with Galveston when we first started to attend when he was 2½ and Roison was 4 months old. I could see how much Galveston loved it but I have been truly surprised to see how much Roisin has gotten out of the class as well. I would not have believed it would be so beneficial for someone so young. But from the very beginning we have all been amazed by how much she has taken in. She loves to beat on her drum and shake her shakers. This just comes naturally to her because of the class. And it is so sweet to see her face light up when she hears “Hello Everybody”. I would certainly recommend this program to anyone with a young baby – and we do recommend it to everyone!

One of the things that I love about Music Together is that it gives my two children the tools to play and have fun with music together at home. Even when Roisin was very young and too small to play very much with Galveston, they were already going to their music basket and playing music together. Music is always age appropriate and can be played together at any level.

We also simply love that it has brought more music into our life as a family. The program just gives a great format for integrating music easily into everyday life – and this is just so natural with children.

I also really appreciate the educational and supportive aspect geared toward the parents. I find these bits of information very helpful.

Thank you for being a wonderful teacher. It is a joy to watch the children delight in your enthusiasm for music and for them. 12/2011

MUSIC TOGETHER was the first step in our children's formal music education. Now aged 8 and 11, they have moved on to instrumental instruction in piano and violin. So many of the elements they use now were introduced to them in MUSIC TOGETHER: rhythm, melody, tempo, harmony, and most importantly, the fun of playing music with others.

Our sons loved MUSIC TOGETHER almost ten years ago and is still in the musical background of our family life.

You were so right when you told me that it wasn't the teacher I liked the most that mattered. Isabella has really connected to Alma in a different way than she has to any teacher so far. Plus, I have had the opportunity to have classes with a lot of the teachers and am appreciating each of them and their teaching styles. We are truly blessed to have the experience.
Ok, now I'm sounding like an infomercial, but it's all true. 11/2011

Hi Jessica. My husband was just "helping" Nitzi bang two spoons together and Hadassah said "Don't do it for them. They'll learn more." That is a direct quote from you! I love it! 5/2011

Dear Lizz and Music Together Teachers,

I’ve been meaning to write this letter for so long, but as we end our tenure at Music Together, this feels like the best way to say “thank you”. As our lives and schedules are now changing, it has come time to say good bye to Music Together. While it is a bit sad, we have so many wonderful memories to carry in our hearts, which bring so much joy.

We started classes three years ago, when my daughter was roughly six months old, after finding your ad in our local parenting paper. I am so grateful we did. Your program enriched our lives as we navigated parenting and growing up.

Thank you for showing me techniques for being funny, silly and goofy when being with my child.

Thank you for giving me, as a mom, fun ways to play with my child. Being a first time mother, I had no idea how to relax and play So many of the songs encouraged me to bounce my daughter on my knee or play peek-a-boo in new and fresh ways.

Thank you for never pressuring my child to “perform” or expecting her to sing and act a certain way. While my daughter was not the largest participant in many of the classes, we carried so many of the techniques home to play.

Thank you for never labeling my child as “shy”, but understanding that we all learn in different ways. Some of us observe and some of us are more physical, and if she just sat in my lap and watched, it was ok. This was HUGE for us.

Thank you for showing by example that songs can be sung in ways that fit our everyday activities. Amazing as it sounds, I never thought of making up my own words. Now just about everything we do has a Music Together tune, but with many of our own words.

Thank you for the wonderful lullabies Music Together has given us. I was never sung to as a young child. Having such peaceful and gentle ways to lull my little one to sleep brings such comfort and peace to our night time rituals. It also is creating special memories.

Thank you for creating the space of learning in a positive way.

Thank you for bringing together families who may otherwise have not met one another. I have found such a community with Music Together. As a new mom, I struggled with finding other moms, relating to friends and feeling depressed. Through our tenure at Music Together I have met some dear friends through your program, and am so grateful for the wonderful friendships that will last.

As a new mom, I had no idea how to interact with my child and create a stimulating environment. I had a new child that I wanted to spend every moment with, and I was unsure of how to bond with her. The many tools you provided in class were carried over into our everyday interactions, and helped create a special relationship.
We truly love your program, and believe in it. As my child has grown, Music Together has helped us create so many memories and fun times. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work and love you put into such a wonderful program. 4/2011

Waylon and I had a wonderful make-up class with Jessica today. On the way home he told me: "Mama.....fun teacher ....thank you hug". We are touched by your program. 3/2011

One of the questions on my grandson’s college application asked what experiences in his youth were the most influential. Ken answered that my taking him to Music Together classes created and nurtured his life-long love of music. He now plays guitar, sings in a select choir in high school, and continues a musical life. (How to make a Grandmother proud!)  12/2010

Both of my children attended music together classes in Santa Cruz. My son started when he was 6 months old and my daughter when she was 6 weeks old, in the infant class. I cannot say enough good things about the Music Together Program here in Santa Cruz. My children and I loved the classes and all of us definitely learned to be more musical. My son has a beautiful singing voice and my daughter loves to dance and does so all the time! They both have great rhythm and are naturals when it comes to playing instruments. Even my singing improved dramatically from all the classes I attended with the kids! We had many different teachers throughout the years and they were all fantastic. 10/2010

I am at the end of my 5th year straight of MUSIC TOGETHER and still love it! Not only has it been great for my kids, but I have rhythm now and can carry a tune!

We don't attend MUSIC TOGETHER anymore. Sydney is almost 7 years old! But I enjoy getting your newsletters and staying informed. Your latest e-newsletter looks really great!

MUSIC TOGETHER was such an incredible experience for Sydney and me (and her Dad, too!), especially with her special challenges. We attended classes, mostly with Teacher Jessica, for about 4 years. I think I actually got more out of it than Sydney (if that's possible!). I now have confidence about my singing voice, and I sing much better. The benefits for Sydney are too numerous to mention.

Thank you for bringing this wonderful program to our community. I will always look back on our MUSIC TOGETHER years with the utmost fondness. 5/2005

I have been very impressed with all the teachers so far! They are engaging and professional!

We have since moved and I have the girls in another music class. Nothing like anything we ever attended. It has made me miss your program even more and it has made me appreciate teacher Jen that much more. I always knew she was beyond great and so extremely talented and fun but man is she just so much fun. Jen made it so safe for us to come. I had twins and a 3 1/2 year old and I just didn't know if I could pull it off. Teacher Jen was just so non-judgmental and never made me feel like I was a burden. She has the gift of just being so genuine to all adults and kids alike. You are extremely lucky to have her. I am sure you know that. I just really wanted to take the time to express my sincere gratitude for teacher Jen. It is a great feeling to leave class with true music in the heart and soul and to leave with a smile on all of our faces.

Teacher Jen is absolutely amazing. Each and every class she put her heart and soul into singing and leading the class. She makes everyone feel so welcomed and she takes the time to connect with everyone. Her love and talent for music shines through her voice and smile as she leads the class with such enthusiasm. I was hesitant to join music together class as I would be bringing my 3 month old twins and my 3 ½ year old. I was nervous about how I was going to juggle it all. The moment I stepped foot in teacher Jen’s class she was just so gracious and understanding that juggling twins and a 3 ½ year old was challenging. She gave us the gift each week of her musical talent and contagious love for music. We have since moved and have not found a top notch teacher like Teacher Jen. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for being so sweet to all of my kids and for allowing them to freely explore so they could also embrace the love of music. 1/2013

The Music Together (MT) classes my son (who is now 4) and I enjoyed when he was a 2 and 3 year old have had a profound effect on his musical interests. As an only child, on a typical day, he may spend 1-2 hours having to entertain himself while I am doing chores around the house. I find myself smiling and feeling "warm and fuzzy" hearing him singing, humming, trying to whistle on his own or along with his favorite CD's, while he is playing with his toys. As he is singing along, he frequently grabs instruments (shakers, bells, whatever) and plays with the music. Very fun to hear and see!

The MT classes have kick started my son's love for music in general and through repetition and incorporation in our day (by playing the CD's in the car and at home) has increased his self-confidence and self-esteem. In addition, he has gained a musical sensitivity prompting him to sing along with other tunes and ask questions about the music he hears.

Because I was fortunate to be able to participate in my son's musical development early on with the MT classes and witnessed how MT's format influenced him, I continue to seek opportunities to keep him engaged with music, all the while being led by him and his interests. Thank you to MusicalMe and the MT philosophy, classes, and CD's. A special thanks goes to Elizabeth Torres for sharing her passion for music with us. In her classes, her warm, supportive, tolerant, and calm teaching style made us feel comfortable and safe to absorb and experiment with whatever she presented. My son loved the MT experience! We look forward to more.

Music Together "helps the children calm their minds down to stillness and focus their attention on the sounds or dance in the moment. What a beautiful training!”