We stumbled upon Ms. Clara's class while shopping at a local children's store (Sugarcup Trading) in Oak Park. Having just moved to the area with my family, I was looking for new activities for my two little girls (aged 2 1/2 and 6 months) so I tried the free trial class. From the first class, both girls were hooked. I was sure my oldest daughter would love it, having already been exposed to music classes in our previous location, but I was amazed to see how much my little one got out of the class too. Ms. Clara truly engages all of her young students through song, rhythmic repetition, dance/movement and musical instruments. The lessons repeat each week, allowing the students (and their caregivers!) the opportunity to build confidence in the material and skill sets taught. Additional songs, rhymes and stories are supplemented throughout the sessions, particularly to correspond to particular holidays or seasonal changes.
We just completed our second session, and my 2 1/2 year old is almost 3, and my little baby just turned 1! It's amazing to watch as the lessons learned in Ms. Clara's classes are transferred into the home through creative play and singing. We have a bass drum which both girls now sit at together and recite songs and rhythmic patterns they've learned from class. It's inspiring. I love witnessing my little one's eyes light up each week during class when she sees the ball or the scarves--which she now associates with specific song games and movement. She squeals with laughter. And, my oldest girl, already a singer and dancer in her own right, can now be heard singing songs throughout the day that she has learned from Ms. Clara.
Ms. Clara is not only a talented teacher with a beautiful voice, but she also has a wonderful, kind demeanor with the kids. At the end of each class, all the students run to her to give her a big hug and thank her and I, too, often feel like doing the same! The classes are a wonderful outlet for creativity, early music instruction/exposure, and above all else, they provide a fun, relaxed environment in which to interact with local moms/dads and their children. Highly recommended!
Cassidy C.
Mother of 1 mini musician