Music for Life

Way Down South in the Yankety Yank...

Here's a funny little story as narrated by none other than Pete Seeger. It's an old-fashioned tale warning against the dangers of idleness; we don't have many tales like this around these days, do we? It's an interesting glimpse into the changing fabric of culture.  But also, it's just a beautifully illustrated, sweet little summer diversion--so enjoy!

~~Happy music making!~~

Just Walking Around...

As a music teacher and songwriter, I'm always on the prowl for great songs that blend seamlessly into regular old life, songs that feel like they've always been around, that are fun and easy to sing, and can accompany simple parts of everyday life. In Music for Life classes, there is a strong emphasis on songs that are meant to be sung, that can stand on their own without accompaniment--songs that you can take with you beyond class.

It was with all these things in mind that I searched for a song that I could sing with my daughter while we were doing one of our most frequent activities--just walking around. Like most people, we walk a lot: inside, outside, for fun, to get places, quickly, slowly, short walks, long walks, all kinds! And no matter how or where we're walking, there's always a lot to see, and the walks are always a lot more interesting if we're attentive to our surroundings. For little children, pointing out and identifying nearby items is a fantastic way of learning names of things, as well as becoming more familiar with their environments and surroundings.

I was a little disappointed when my search came up empty, but rather than give up, I decided to get to work writing a song that would fill the need. And so I Am Walking was born. It is short, interactive, very singable, and catchy (many parents mention just how much it gets stuck in their heads! *sorry*). And in the almost-year since I wrote it, it has caught on like wildfire! I use it in class, recorded it on From Sun to Sun, featured it in a video, and have passed it along to other music teachers who have kindly asked to use it in their classes.

What fun to see a song spread and be loved by so many people. I've heard many stories about how singing I Am Walking has been helpful on long trips where patience is waning, has been entertaining during walks on the beach, has passed the time while walking the dog, and the list goes on! This is the beauty of simple family music. It is not only enjoyable, but can also serve a purpose: it can actually improve an otherwise-mundane or trying situation, and can help to brighten the mood of an entire activity.

In case you missed it, here's the music video for I Am Walking. Enjoy!

In other news, there are some exciting upcoming Music for Life events that you won't want to miss! More Lil' Bean 'n' Green classes, and also the Roden School Fun Fair. For more information, see ~UPCOMING EVENTS~. Come join the fun!

~~Happy music making!~~

Upcoming Fun

Summer Sessions

The summer schedule for Music for Life classes is now available!

The class structure in the summer will be slightly different from that offered during the spring session. 
Summer classes will be taught in two sessions, one in July and one in August. For each summer session, students will attend two classes per week for three weeks, allowing for a compact set of classes in which children are able to become more quickly familiar with the songs, friends, and routines of the classes.

You can choose to sign up for Monday and Wednesday classes or Tuesday and Thursday classes.

Themes in the Summer Sessions will be largely seasonal, such as travel, weather, outdoors, physical activities, and other relevant topics.

To sign up, click here, or see "Sign Up Now!" 

In Other News...

Music for Life is returning to the amazing Lil' Bean 'n' Green cafe!  We had such a great time in March, we're doing it again. Come enjoy the music and dancing of Music for Life classes in the beautiful play space at Lil' Bean 'n' Green, in the heart of Leslieville. And hey, why not stick around and try out their delicious lunch offerings after the class?

Here are the details about the classes:

For four Thursdays starting on April 22, Music for Life classes will be offered at Lil' Bean 'n' Green.

What? Music for Life classes

Where? 1133 Queen Street East, Toronto Ontario (right in Leslieville, click here for a map)

What Time? 11:00-11:45am

When? April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13

Come join the fun as we team up for music-making, instrument playing, dancing, laughing, and more!

To sign up, you can call Lil' Bean at 416.463.2326, drop by the store (click here for a map), or click Sign Up Now!

Can't wait to see you there!

~~Happy music making!~~

Spring Session, Coming Right Up!

Spring has finally sprung (happy equinox!), and with it comes a brand new session of Music for Life classes!

The Spring Session runs for ten weeks, beginning the second week of April. This session will offer same high quality of music that people have come to associate with Music for Life classes, plus some new brand new songs, and more old favorites.

Come immerse your family in music: you and your children will get to take part in songs, games, dancing, and playing instruments, as well as learning lessons about various aspects of life~~all set to music! 

You have the choice of attending Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday classes. All classes run from 10:00-10:45 in the morning.

Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday classes are located in a home studio at 262 Highfield Road, on the east side of Toronto, Ontario, and are taught by instructor Eva Vanderberg, B.A. Music.

Click here to sign up!

P.S. Be sure to check out the new video links on the left sidebar!

Spring Session Dates

Monday Classes

April 12

April 19

April 26

May 3

May 10

May 17

(May 24--No Class--Victoria Day)

May 31

June 7

June 14

June 21

Wednesday Classes

April 14

April 21

April 28

May 5

May 12

May 19

May 26

June 2

June 9

June 16

Saturday Classes

April 17

(April 24--No Class)

May 1

May 8

May 15

May 22

May 29

June 5

June 12

June 19

June 26

To sign up, click here, or see "Sign Up Now!" 

Spring Break Fun!

Looking for something to do this week? Music for Life is going to be holding a session at Grinder coffee shop! (On Main Street, just south of Gerrard).

This Thursday, March 18, at 11 am come join us for a March Break musical interlude! Babes, toddlers and kids of all sizes are welcome!

Hope to see you there. In the meantime, enjoy the beauty of spring sunshine!

~~Happy music making!~~

 

I Am Walking!

Check it out! Here's a music video to enjoy with your little ones. It features two tracks from Music for Life's new CD, From Sun to Sun. Starring the fabulous Ms Fenner and Ms Ella taking a walk and enjoying the joys that strolling (or running!) down a neighbourhood street has to offer!

~~Happy music making!~~

More Fun With Lil' Bean 'n' Green

In November, we had a fantastic time doing a Music for Life class at the amazing Lil' Bean 'n' Green cafe. If you haven't been there, you should definitely check it out, and if you know it, you already love it! Lil' Bean is the perfect place for families: for adults, it offers a place to relax, sip on lattes, snack, and enjoy grown-up company, and for the little ones, it boasts the coolest playspace on the east side, complete with an indoor treehouse!

The playspace is also a lovely place for classes and workshops, and it's soon to be the Tuesday afternoon home of Music for Life! That's right, for four Tuesdays in March, Music for Life classes will be offered at Lil' Bean 'n' Green.

What? Music for Life classes

Where? 1133 Queen Street East, Toronto Ontario (in the heart of Leslieville, click here for a map)

What Time? 1:00-1:45pm

When? March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23

Come join the fun as we team up for music-making, instrument playing, dancing, laughing, and more!

To sign up, you can call Lil' Bean at 416.463.2326, drop by the store (click here for a map), or click Sign Up Now!

Can't wait to see you there!

~~Happy music making!~~

In the Swing of Things

We're deep into winter now, and the Winter Session of Music for Life classes is underway. Though these months may sometimes seem a little bleak, there are great ways to liven up the cold, grey days. Outdoors, there's skating, sledding, snow angels, and bundled-up walks. Indoors, the possibilities are just as exciting.

One of our favorite forms of self-entertainment recently has been to take a normal song, one that we're very familiar with, and to sing it VERY LOUDLY. And then to *whisper* it. Then to take turns saying each word of the song. Then LOUDLY again! And on it goes... the possibilities are many. Add some funny faces and clapping, and you've got a game that can go on and on, and that people of many ages can take pleasure in!

Another much-loved indoor activity, as regular readers of this site will know, is the living-room dance party. In the winter especially, this is one of the greatest ways to let loose, burn some energy, get your blood pumping, and to have FUN! We did exactly that at this morning's music class, and the kids loved it!

Click below for a little glimpse of the good times:

In other news, you have probably noticed the latest addition to this page: the music player on the left! The new CD, From Sun to Sun, is now officially released, and can be purchased through this website. An order form will be set up shortly, but in the meantime, you can listen for free here (enjoy!), or further support Music for Life by purchasing the CD, by either downloading it, or visiting the shop to obtain your own CD.

Thanks for all the kind feedback that has been given. Encouragement is an amazing energizer and motivator. Pass it on!

~~Happy music making!~~

New Year, New Cheer!

Brr, it's cold outside!

Welcome, to those visiting for the first time. If you're looking for tips and resources about fostering musicality in your family, you've come to the right place! To learn about Music for Life Infant/Toddler music classes, please enjoy exploring the pages on the left sidebar. The classes are a lot of fun for everyone, young and old alike, and help to set the groundwork for a lifetime of musical enjoyment and participation.

There has been lots of work going on at Music for Life over the holidays. In addition to relaxing and spending festive time with family, there were recording sessions, design work, sound mastering, and more! That's right, the first Music for Life CD is soon to be released!

From Sun to Sun contains simple and sweet arrangements of many beloved music class songs and rhymes: a mix of oldies, folk songs, and new favorites. More information will be posted soon, and before long, you'll be able to order or download the album right here on the site!

Here's a little sample of what's to come, one of my favorite songs:

All Round the Brickyard

So, enjoy visiting the site, incorporating music into your life, and settling into the cold winter months. Stop back soon for further updates!

~~Happy Music Making!~~

Looking Ahead

There are a few exciting Music for Life announcements to tell you about today.

First, on Thursday, November 26, a Music for Life class will be offered at a fantastic new cafe and playspace in Leslieville! The cafe, called Lil' Bean 'n' Green, is an instant hit in the neighbourhood. It is:

"a creative, warm and cozy space... a place where families can relax and feel comfortable, connect with others and the community, share experiences and ideas, feel nurtured and recharge."

Click here for more information!

 The next announcement is that Winter and Spring Sessions are now open for registration! The winter session will begin in January, and the spring session starts in April. Each session will run for ten weeks.

Another exciting new development for Music for Life is that, due to popular demand,  Saturday classes will be offered starting in January. You now have three days to choose from! Come along, bring your friends, and have fun making music with us. To sign up, go to Sign Up Now!

If you are interested in having your child attend Music for Life classes, but you work on weekdays, you may be in luck: group rates for daycare groups are available. Simply contact me to discuss a plan that will work for you.

~~Happy music making!~~