Music is a wonderful way to experience human emotions. From classical composers such as Antonio Vivaldi to pop singers like Gracie Abrams, there are so many genres that resonate with us.
As much as I wish I had any musical talent, I am perfectly content being someone who appreciates the craft. This became especially apparent to me back in my university days as a student while playing in an indie-acoustic band (there’s only so many Dashboard Confessional covers you can do until you realize it’s time to hang it up). But even though it has been many years since I’ve played, my love for music seems only to grow. Whether it’s catching a live show, like how I was fortunate enough to go to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour with my wife, or blasting some Yacht Rock while on vacation, I can’t get enough of it. Music also plays a vital role in child development, as it builds many skills.
Music Together Resonate is an early childhood music program that teaches the fundamentals of music theory while emphasizing fun. Classes begin as early as babyhood and continue through elementary school. This non-competitive atmosphere is perfect for little ones to take part in music while building confidence in the subject.
Something specific I enjoy about this place is its stance that every child is naturally inclined toward music. When I first heard this, it suddenly became so obvious. My two children, even as newborns, responded positively to music and harmonies. Music Together Resonate leans into this natural state of being.
Their format is research-backed and has a non-formal, non-performance-oriented atmosphere. This approach is excellent for several reasons, including not letting a child’s shyness get in the way of their learning a new skill. Everyone here is encouraged to try their best.
Another really amazing aspect of Music Together Resonate is that they recognize that children learn differently from adults. Because of this, they lean into children’s instinctive nature with the instruments, allowing them to experiment. Their immersive environment then encourages participants to learn not only from the instructor but also from one another.
The role of the parent is also essential in fostering this creative learning environment. Parents are asked to enthusiastically participate in class, which then inspires their children to do the same. It also sets a positive tone for the rest of the class, leaving a lasting impression. Like me, parents don’t need to have any musical skills, just a willingness to take part.
Music Together Resonate seeks to do more than build musical skills; it focuses on encouraging creativity and confidence in a supportive environment. Classes like these are excellent for little ones.
With several locations between Beaverton, Sherwood, Forest Grove, and Salem, they cover a wide geographic range. They also offer various classes broken down by age. Their Babies Class is for infants between 0 and 8 months, which primarily focuses on introducing musical activities for development that parents can also do at home. Another is their Mixed-Age Class for ages 0 to 5. This class covers everything from lullabies to full-on jam sessions while learning various new ways to play.
A third class option for 4- to 8-year-olds is Rhythm Kids. This class teaches rhythm concepts in singing, dancing, and drumming, as well as musical pre-literacy. Games and activities are played to build the skills your child needs to develop their musical abilities. The fourth class they offer is called Canta y Baila Conmigo for ages 0 to 5 and combines musical education with language immersion. This class is an excellent opportunity for your kid to expand their Spanish skills while building their musical talents.
All classes are cohort-based, meaning they include the same kids for a specified length of time. The price for the first child in their Mixed Ages classes is $225 for 10 classes, and additional siblings are $180 each. For the Rhythm Classes, it is $225 for 9 classes, and $180 for additional siblings, with the third sibling totally free. Babies under 9 months of age at the start of the term with a registered sibling get in for free. Each class is 45 minutes long and includes additional goodies, such as an illustrated songbook they get to keep.
Music is special, and giving your child opportunities to explore it as a little musician is well worth it. And ultimately, it doesn’t really matter if they become the next Mozart or not. What really matters are the opportunities we, as parents, present to our children and the positive, lasting effects they have on them.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.