Our Musical Journey (and why we LOVE Music for Aardvarks)

I’m pretty certain that my toddler son has been bit by the music bug.  This kid can surely hold a note, hum a melody, bust a move and shake maracas like a champ.

While I’m not necessarily grooming him to be the next “Beibs,” I am nurturing his budding talent by giving him as much access to musical experiences as possible.

He doesn’t have to look too far – we’re a bit of a musical family.

His grandpa is an accomplished musician, his Godfather played the bagpipes and his mama’s first job was giving private piano lessons to elementary school children.

You get the picture – we’re pretty musical around here.

Music has played a pivotal role in Roc’s life as young as just a few weeks old. I used to soothe him to the tunes of classic and folk rock and we simply adored these cool CDs called “Rockabye Baby” which are lullaby renditions of bands like Guns n’ Roses and Journey.  (My boy rocked it out even as an infant!)

But perhaps the best musical gift we could have ever given our son is to enroll him in Music for Aardvarks, started in Manhattan by daddy/musician and toddler musical genius, David Weinstone.

Here in Northern New Jersey, we are so fortunate to have a franchise operated by the wonderfully talented folks of A Hum Music.  Music for Aardvarks has played a magical and formative part of my son’s baby life and transition into toddler life.  I’ve come to know of this new term “kindie rock” and that seems a fitting label to describe the Music for Aardvarks experience.

Each 45 minute session is led by a singer and an accompanying acoustic guitarist, and the time is organized in a way that keeps the attention of the young audience through a mix of circle time, hands-on instrument play, running/skipping/dancing and even the use of some fun props like scarves and parachutes.  The tunes are catchy, silly and fun while still keeping it real for the adults.

While the classes run by session blocks, I’m told that free preview classes are available by appointment.  Those in the Bergen County area can visit the A Hum Music website for more information on class schedules and free trial classes, while those in Manhattan, Westchester and beyond can research their local branch of Music for Aardvarks online.  The classes in Bergen County are available in Ridgewood, Waldwick and Park Ridge.

Enjoy your musical journey!

oxox

-mom a la mode

{I was not compensated in any way for this post.  All opinions expressed here are solely mine.  This content also appeared on Mommy Nearest blog, for which I am a paid contributor, in June 2013.}