FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A CLASS?
I encourage everyone to take a free trial class before signing up for a session. That way you can experience a class and make sure it's for you before enrolling in a 10 week session. Please use the "Contact" page to schedule a trial class. You can also use the "Contact" page if you have done a free trial class and would like to sign up for the next session. I do not currently have an option for folks to sign up online.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO CLASS WITH ME?
All group class are held in El Segundo parks or at my private outdoor studio space. Be sure to bring something for you and your child to sit on - a BLANKET or yoga mat work great! If the ground could be wet from recent rain, please be sure to bring something waterproof! There is shade but if you are very cautious about sun exposure hats and sunscreen are always great to have on hand. I try to avoid wearing sunglasses in class since the eyes are such an expressive part of the face. We want our kids and especially our babies to receive all of the non-verbal communication coming from our eyes. We will be moving our primary instruments - our bodies - at some points during class so if it's a hot day be sure to bring some WATER along too! I will provide all the instruments (freshly sanitized of course) you will need for class but if you would prefer to bring along your own personal instruments, that's fine too! Snacks are permitted if absolutely necessary but I find that they are a huge distraction from class so please bring your child on a full tummy when possible. Of course, if your baby needs to nurse or have a bottle during class at any time that is perfectly okay!
MY CHILD PUTS EVERYTHING IN HIS MOUTH. HOW ARE YOUR INSTRUMENTS CLEANED / SANITIZED?
Most kids go through the 'What does this feel like in my mouth?' or 'Hmmm... what does this taste like?' stage. Especially when they're teething or if the instrument we are using just happens to look like a lollipop. And you can spend an entire song (or more) trying to get your child to stop putting said object in his or her mouth. And then you have missed out on the experience of the song. So as long as its not a choking hazard (I don't provide anything that small in class) I encourage you to let them explore the instrument however they see fit - even if its in their mouth. I know, that's a tall order. Especially in these COVID days. Rest assured that all of my instruments are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each and every use. And I have multiple sets of instruments so most items will not be used more than once per day. You are also welcome to bring your own sanitizing wipes and wipe down anything your child will use before they touch (or taste) it. As another option, you can bring your own instruments from home for your personal use in class. If you would like some suggestions on what to put in your instrument bag just let me know!
I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN A CLASS BUT I CAN'T CARRY A TUNE. DO I HAVE TO SING?
I am about to blow your mind right now. Are you ready? Your voice is the most beautiful voice your child has ever heard. AND your voice is the most IMPORTANT one they will ever hear. So sing - and not only in music class - but everywhere! Your child wants... no your child NEEDS to hear you sing and see you be silly and playful. Put aside your self doubt and harsh judgments even if only for one 45 minute class per week and have fun. I promise you, there is no one on Earth your child would rather hear sing than you! And I will be sure to let you know ahead of time if Simon Cowell is coming to class.
I HAVE A 3 MONTH OLD. WILL SHE REALLY BENEFIT FROM A MUSIC CLASS AT THIS AGE?
Your baby has been hearing and responding to sounds in the womb from about 19 weeks gestation. Her sense of hearing is well developed and she is as prepared to learn music as she is to learn language. And she learns both in the same way - through adult modeling and interaction. In class, I will teach you to recognize your baby's musical behaviors and give you to tools to encourage her musical development.
DO YOU OFFER ANY DISCOUNTS?
Yes and no. I have always tried to keep the cost of my classes fair and affordable. But as a parent myself I understand how things can really start to add up.
That being said - here are a couple of ways you can save some money!
I give everyone one free trial class. That way you can come try the class out and make sure it's for you before you sign up for a session or spend a dime!
The second way you can save is with my referral program. Refer a friend! If they sign up for a session with me after their free trial class - you will get a free class! It's that simple! Refer 10 friends and get 10 free classes - that's a whole session for FREE!
I am also happy to support my community by donating to silent auctions and fundraising efforts supporting El Segundo schools and charities. Please contact me for more information.
CLASSES ARE OUTSIDE SO WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
If class is rained out we will add a make-up class on to the end of the session. If the make up date does not work for you please contact me to schedule an alternative make-up class within the current session.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO MISS A CLASS OR TWO OF THE SESSION? CAN I GET A REFUND?
A session is 10 weeks / classes. And I want everyone to get the 10 classes they paid for in each session.
BUT I don't want anyone coming to a class when they are not feeling 100% healthy just to get their money's worth. No one wants to get sick - including me - even with just a cold!
If you have to miss a class for whatever reason, please contact me about scheduling a make-up class. We will work to find a class that works for your schedule and has some space in it for you to drop-in on for a make-up class.
All make up classes must be used within the current session.
I do NOT offer refunds for any reason.
HOW CAN I GET THE MOST OUT OF MY CLASS EXPERIENCE?
My number one tip to getting the most out of class is to be PRESENT. Leave your troubles (and your phone) at the door and come prepared to wholeheartedly participate with your child for 45 minutes. Engage with them, play with them, be silly with them. Distraction free. In the moment. Its only 45 minutes. They will thank you later. And maybe you'll thank me later. And remember what a special time this is for you to connect with your child. They are only this age for a brief moment in time so make the most it.
CAN I TAKE VIDEO OR PICTURES IN CLASS?
We all want to document each and every sweet or adorable thing our kids do (myself included). BUT nothing takes you out of the moment quite like a phone does. We are certainly not fully present and participating with our child if we are on our phones. Its distracting not only for you and your child but for the other folks in class too. Additionally, some people are private and might not want to be photographed or end up on someone's social medial page. Please leave phones on silent and in your bag for the duration of class.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE IN MY CLASS?
Since all of my classes are outside I am less concerned with social distancing at this point than I am with making sure everyone has enough space to move around when we get up on our feet. I am currently limiting enrollment for classes held at my studio space to 8 families per class as I feel that's what my space comfortably allows for. Classes held at a park will be limited to 12 families per class.
HOW DOES THE GROUP MUSIC SESSION WORK?
A group class session is 8 weeks long and each class is 45 minutes. When you enroll you will choose a specific class day / time for the session. You and your child will have fun getting to know the other families in your class and hopefully look forward to seeing and singing together each week!
If you are interested in joining a session after it has already begun, please contact me for a pro-rate.
HOW DOES THE MINI MUSICIANS PROGRAM WORK?
The Mini Musicians session is 8 weeks long and each class is 45 minutes. When you enroll you will choose a specific class day / time for the session. Parents and / or caregivers are always welcome to stay and participate. If (and ONLY if) your child is FULLY capable of using the potty independently, parents may drop them off and return for them when class is over. Kids will look forward to seeing their fellow musicians in class every week and are sure to make a new friend or two while singing dancing and playing together!
WHAT IS THE COST AND DURATION FOR A PRIVATE CLASS SESSION?
Since the Private Classes consist of your own group of friends and / or family I can offer a bit more flexibility in the duration of the session / start and end dates. We can customize a schedule that works for your group! The cost is also slightly higher per family if I am coming to you depending on your location.
If you have a group of at least 5 families and are interested in booking or hosting a session of Private Classes please contact me for more information.
WHAT IS THE COST AND DURATION FOR A PARTY?
I am happy to offer my lowest party rate to my neighbors and community.
If your party is held in El Segundo (90245 zip code) I charge $250.
If your party is held outside 90245 but within 10 miles of my studio, I charge $300 to account for drive time and gas. If your party is farther than 10 miles from my studio, please contact me for a price quote.
Music for parties usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. I customize the song line up for each party depending on the age of the kids / favorite song requests / party theme etc. No two parties are ever alike which is what make them such a unique, memorable experience.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL AGE RANGE FOR THE KIDS IN CLASS? ARE THEY ALL MIXED AGE CLASSES?
All of my group classes are mixed age. In my experience I have found that this is the best setting for both babies and older children to get the most out of their time in class. Its wonderful to see the little ones try to dance or play like the older kids in class. And it's also very nice to watch the older kids help out and take on a leadership role in class.
Sometimes the age range will not be as great but it is certainly not unusual to see babies as young as 2 or 3 months old in the same class 5 or 6 year olds. Especially when siblings are home from school and get to attend with their brother or sister! And everyone will learn something new and take away from class exactly what they needed that day.