Teachers At MusicalMe

Meet AnneMarie, a dedicated teacher who brings her heart and soul to the magic of early childhood music enrichment. A passionate mother with a lifelong love for dance, AnneMarie’s journey into the world of movement started in her childhood with tap and ballet, evolving into captivating performances in jazz, hip-hop, and lyrical/modern contemporary styles. From choreographing dances with friends for talent shows to embracing singing roles in school plays and church ceremonies, AnneMarie’s connection with music has been a constant thread in her life.

Motherhood opened a new chapter for AnneMarie, revealing the joy and therapeutic power of singing. The turning point came in her daughter’s first Music Together® class, sparking a love affair with the program that ignited a dream – to become a Music Together® teacher herself. Alongside her passion for music, AnneMarie pursued psychology at CSULB and Notre Dame de Namur University. Currently, she is deepening her understanding of Early Childhood Education at Cabrillo, all while being a devoted mom to her spirited daughter and playful pitbull.

For AnneMarie, singing and dancing aren’t just activities; they’re a heartfelt celebration shared with the community. Grateful and excited, she looks forward to the opportunity to create music, joy, and lasting memories with all those who join her on this enchanting journey.

Courtney’s enchantment with Music Together began in her very first class with her daughter Shannon. Captivated by its fun, playful, and effective approach to early childhood music education, Courtney was inspired to embark on the exciting journey of becoming a Music Together teacher herself. “The joy of making music with families always, always uplifts me!” exclaims Courtney with infectious enthusiasm.

The excitement only grew as Courtney welcomed her second daughter, Savannah, into the world. Taking the plunge into the Music Together babies class reinforced Courtney’s belief that it’s never too early to gift a child the magic of music making. With a background in teaching Spanish and English to children, teens, and adults in diverse settings both in the U.S. and abroad, Courtney thrives on the richness of culture, communication, and creativity.

In her teaching endeavors, Courtney would often infuse her love of music, playing guitar and singing original songs to her students. Her journey led her to teach ESL at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, where she had the pleasure of jamming and improvising with world-class musicians.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Teacher Courtney expanded her expertise by completing the Canta y Baila Conmigo® training. With hopes of bringing this fantastic Spanish Immersion music program to others, she eagerly anticipates sharing the joy and healing power of music with families. Courtney’s passion for creating musical connections is a testament to her belief that music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, bringing people together in harmony.

Meet Elizabeth, the musical maestro with over 20 years of enchanting Music Together experience that has become an inseparable part of her life. Beyond her role as a beloved Music Together teacher, Elizabeth is a professional saxophonist and accomplished composer. Her dedication to musical education is underscored by her prestigious Certification Level Two training, a distinction achieved by just over 100 teachers nationwide. Elizabeth’s musical journey involved intensive study under the guidance of Music Together founders Ken Guilmartin and Lili Levinowitz.

Armed with a B.A. in Music from UCSC, Elizabeth has shared her passion for music in various settings, teaching both privately and in elementary schools to children ranging from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Her commitment to fostering musical connections extends beyond the classroom, as she believes in empowering parents to make music a natural and integral part of their interactions with their children.

When not immersed in the world of music, Elizabeth finds solace in hiking the mountains surrounding Santa Cruz and diving into the refreshing waters with the Cruzers swim team. Summer days see her unwinding on her favorite beaches, engrossed in a good book or people-watching on Westcliff. During the pandemic, she indulged in her second passion: baking. She makes the most delicious bread and croutons! Adding to her musical repertoire, Elizabeth is also an integral part of Aza, a 6-piece Moroccan/North African band that takes its captivating tunes on international tours.

Teacher Elizabeth’s vision encapsulates her mission as a Music Together educator – to empower parents in embracing music with their children as seamlessly as speaking to them. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, creating a harmonious blend of musical education and community connection that has left an indelible mark on countless families.

Shannon is a seasoned professional in the realms of acting, singing, and choreography, with a rich background rooted in the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains. Her journey in the world of performing arts began at an early age, igniting a passion for dance at 2 and delving into musical theatre at 7 under the guidance of LPRT.

Shannon’s enthusiasm for both performing and teaching blossomed as she took on leadership roles at a young age. At 12, she found herself choreographing for the LPRT program, orchestrating movements for a hundred children. By 14, Shannon was already assisting with shows at MCT, showcasing her early aptitude for leadership in the arts.

Shannon’s artistic pursuits led her to the bustling streets of New York City in the early 2000s, where she swiftly earned Sag/Aftra Union status. During this period, she honed her craft and imbibed the values of kindness and precision from influential mentors such as Kathie Kratochvil, Kulani Kamaha’o, and MMI mentor Teacher Jessica.

In 2014, Shannon’s path intersected with Lizz and MusicalMe, marking the beginning of her teaching journey. Her dedication to the craft was further underscored when she achieved Cert 1, a higher teacher certification, in 2017. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shannon experienced her most joyous performance on October 17th, 2018, when she and her husband Ian welcomed their son, Finn, into the world. True to her commitment to MusicalMe, Finn embarked on his baby class journey at just 2 months old.

Now, Shannon revels in the happiness of motherhood and the sense of family cultivated within the MusicalMe community. Grateful for the opportunity to work with wonderful families, she takes pride in being part of this exceptional woman-run company.