About
Welcome!
I'm Your Host, Holly.
I'm so glad you're here.
Growing Up
Music was always my happy place growing up. All my friends were in band and some of my favorite teachers were my band directors. As a result, I knew I wanted to be a music teacher from the time I was in middle school.
I taught
public school
elementary music
for 7 years
sound like music!"
I don't want to leave you!"
Becoming mama
I had a wildly traumatic birth and postpartum with my firstborn child, despite my best efforts, and reading all the pregnancy books, and taking all the classes. It took me a long time to reconnect with my own self, and to share my song with my precious new babe.
I felt like such a fraud.
I wasn’t sharing anything musical with my baby, even though I was a professional music educator and had taught thousands of kids!
Music eventually helped guide
me back home to myself.
(And was instrumental in helping me bond with my baby.)
I also discovered a new burning passion (read obsession) for all things parenting.
I continue to gobble up all different kinds of parenting resources to this day; I just can’t get enough!
I quickly noticed a problem, though:
there was a massive lack of programs available for our littlest humans.
This was super disappointing to me, so I decided to do something about it.
Thus,
Harmony lodge music
was born!
We offer a unique blend of best practices from music education,
combined with a varied repertoire of parenting styles.
combined with a varied repertoire of parenting styles.
Everything I offer comes kid-tested and parent-approved,
from my own, real, imperfect, human parenting journey.
from my own, real, imperfect, human parenting journey.
What's My teaching style?
I draw from my formal music education training at The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!), as well as best practices from my time in the classroom.
I blend the Orff Schulwerk process with the Kodály Method, and Dalcroze-Eurhythmics with The Feierabend Approach. Plus, I use folk songs, classical and multicultural music.
(All of that just means that my classes are fun, engaging, interactive and joyful. And, of course, include a good helping of my own goofy, silliness!)
What's My Parenting Style?
I gather inspiration from the Montessori Method and philosophy, Peaceful/Respectful/Gentle Parenting, Attachment Parenting, Slow and Free Range Parenting, Unschooling, Joyschooling…
Did I mention, I devour parenting resources?!
And, Just To Be Clear, We Are NOT Perfect Over Here!
We also struggle with BIG emotions, limits and hygiene-related tantrums.
(Why do they fight us so hard just for trying to keep them clean and healthy?!)
I also know that music instruction can feel
very ambiguous and overwhelming to many.
Do I just tell Alexa to play some kid songs?
Do I wait until my kid is older and can play a “real” instrument?
Is my baby too young for music?
and that’s where I come in!
I’m committed to making music education accessible to all,
in simple, actionable, bite-size bits and pieces, so that you, too
can harness the powers of music in your family life.
So, why music?
Studies have shown that music has impressive benefits, from boosting brain function, to helping memory, literacy, creativity, self-confidence, and social relationship skills. I also see music as a window into other cultures, time periods and historical events.
Don’t forget about all the personal joy and peace you might experience when you:
listen to a favorite song,
play a musical instrument with others,
or have an impromptu kitchen dance party.
I BELIEVE music taps into something bigger than us and can connect us on deep, deep levels.
I BELIEVE everyone has an inner musician just waiting to be invited to play.
I BELIEVE in long childhoods, slowing down, and dancing in the rain.
I BELIEVE in raising beautiful humans who are sensitive and aware,
and grounded in their sense of belonging and own self worth.
I Believe Music
Can Change The World,
One Child, One Family At A Time,
In Joyful Song Together.
Can Change The World,
One Child, One Family At A Time,
In Joyful Song Together.
So, watta yah say,
are you ready
to come out and play?
Musically yours,
💜Holly
P.S. make sure To Get your
FREE Top 10 musical Parenting tips!
Try these quick bursts of musical connection and watch family stress melt away.
Fave Instruments
My favorite (durable and high-quality) musical instruments for babies, toddlers and beyond. Plus, they're not all made of plastic.
FREE Community Group
Musical parenting questions? Thoughts? Looking for advice? Head on over to our FREE, supportive, uplifting, drama-free group. And now, breathe a sigh of relief.
Fave Musical Books
Looking for some story time inspiration? We've got books that rhyme, books that sing and books that make you wanna dance! Check it out! You might just find a new favorite book.