Polka Time!
Dear Lifesong Friends,
Did you know that January is International Polka Month?
Let me share a childhood story with you.
You can believe that during the hot Summers, we would ROLL down our windows in the car to get some fresh air. (Do you remember the time when there were no power windows?) Mom loved to turn up the radio. One day, she was channel surfing when she found polka music. My sister and I immediately started dancing in our seats. There’s something so light and bouncy about a polka!
We rolled down the windows, turned up the polka music, and circled the neighborhood a couple of times to spread the joy.
This is one of my favorite childhood memories.
Create a memory filled with music for your child today. You don’t necessarily have to blast polka music to your neighbors, but feel the polka joy.
Dancing into 2013,
How My Superhero Cape Changed My Life
Hi, Lifesong Friend!
Welcome to my blog! 2013 is going to be amazing, isn’t it?!
My Story:
A couple of years ago, I dressed up as a superhero for a recital. I was goofy, high energy, and entertaining to the kids who were learning about music. I tied a belt around my head, made a cape out of an old sheet, and even put underwear over my leggings. Yes, I know I’m goofy, and I love it! You can imagine the comedy routine was a hit with lots of laughs from the little ones… (and the grown-ups too).
After the recital, an older woman from the audience approached me. She asked, “Have you ever heard of Musikgarten?” I hadn’t. “It’s a music and movement curriculum for young children. You’d be a great teacher. You should get certified.”
As a mom of two toddlers at the time, a piano teacher and choir director, I thanked her and swept the idea under the rug. “No time,” I droned inside of my head.
Six months later, the time came to find a music class for 3 year-old Gia. I researched and researched all the programs, and finally decided on one. She went through one semester, and I was completely disappointed. The teacher had ZERO energy, I wasn’t allowed in on the class, and Gia wasn’t getting a well-rounded experience at all. I took her out of the program, even though the music school was the most reputed in the area.
“You should get certified,” rang my thoughts. So, another six months later, I checked out Musikgarten. I fell in love with their music, resonated with their teaching philosophies, and decided to train.
And here I am now! I’m a new business owner and having a blast with the kids. What a big change, and all because of my cape.
My resolution for 2013:
I must express more authentically and without fear, and help others (BIG and SMALL) express more too! I’m so excited to help you and all my little students find their voice through music and movement. I’m psyched to help everyone put on their cape and fly.
So, friend, dawn your cape, strap a belt around your head, and let’s venture off into 2013!
Happy New Year!
Oh the Noise, Noise, Noise! (Why You Should Tune Out and Tune In with Your Kids)
Dearest Lifesong Tribe,
Let me tell you, it’s tough to think clearly when the TV’s yakking, the phones are pinging, the dryer’s rumbling, and not to mention the noise that’s already inside of your head. Sometimes, that one can be the loudest of all. Am I right?
It’s time to tune out everything else, tribe…
And get in tune with your kids.
The times that I feel the deepest connection with my girls is when I’m singing with them. There’s something about creating the same notes and words that puts me right in sync with their little hearts. When they were little babies, I remember the attentiveness in their eyes when I would sing. I remember when they tried to imitate the sounds I was making with their cute “oohs” and other mumblings.
This is the best stuff.
And when you’re singing with your kids, it’s hard to think of anything else. When you make music, you’re using more parts of your brain than those used for just speaking. You are mentally involved in communicating to a greater degree.
Let’s do this together, today. Take the step to form a deeper connection with your little ones.
Happy Bonding,
“Medina’s Music Mom”
