Fun Class Videos and Parent Testimonials

We really enjoy our weekly visit to Ms. Clara's for music class. My daughter has been going from about 4 months of age and it has helped teach her so many things.

My daughter loves this class! She dances, sings and plays instruments at home from all of the routines she learns at the class! As a professional I really appreciate the responsiveness and commitment Ms Clara has made to this class and her overall Program. I highly recommend the Joyful Learning Classes a great way to nurture the development of Toddlers!

My 8 month old son and I LOVE going to Ms. Clara's music class in Oak Park. He's being introduced to melody and rhythm and the songs are so easy to catch onto. I wasn't sure I could commit to every week but after the first class was so much fun, I make it a priority. It's really a lot of fun.

I signed-up my 6 month old for Ms. Clara's music class and we love it! Initially, I didn't understand the impact Ms. Clara's class had on my son until one day we were driving and he was cranky and crying in his carseat...as soon as I started singing the songs from class, he was silent and engaged in every note I sang. It was remarkable! I wished I had tried it sooner! I sang the 'shaker egg songs' and the songs we sing with the sticks-you'll see what I'm I'm talking about. It's fun, educational, they learn turn taking, musicality, social skills, oh and it's good for the parents too- I made some mom friends!

Clara has a beautiful voice and my son loves her class! It's like Bikram Yoga for babies - the same set of exercises every class. The repetition is good for me because I can learn the songs and sing them to my son at home. Would definitely recommend!

My 7 month old son has been attending Ms. Clara's class since he was 4 months old. He absolutely loves it! It's amazing how much someone so young can really get out of a music class. The songs are fun and active with enough variety to keep the youngest musicians interested for a full 30 minutes. Class size seems to be perfect for this age group with just enough other children to interact with but not too many to be overwhelmed by. Ms. Clara's kind and patient teaching style is a wonderful way to introduce children to all the benefits of music. I highly recommend Ms. Clara's Mini Musicians to families with young children.

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!

Without Ms. Clara's music classes, my daughter's life would not be complete. While I will never know the extent of the impact Ms. Clara's classes have had on my daughter's development, I know without them there would be an unfillable void. Ms. Clara is a dynamic, talented, and child-centered teacher! She's enthusiastic, not only about what she teaches, but about the children she's working with. She takes a personal interest in each one and her energy is contagious! We have been taking music classes from her for almost a year now, and cannot get enough of them. At home my daughter, age 2, re-enacts music class on a daily basis. We sing the songs & dance the dances. We play the rhythm sticks, shakers, triangle and drum. We even  "roll the ball". I cannot even begin to describe how amazing it is to watch my daughter "teach" her baby dolls all she's learning from Ms. Clara! Thank you Ms. Clara, for the amazing experience you provide us with each week!

As a working mom, I feel like I miss out on so much with my son. This class has given us something great to do together that really makes me feel like I'm learning new things with my son. My 1 year old has just finished his first class with Ms. Clara, and it's been great for both of us. My son is definitely learning new skills, and I'm learning new things that we can do together when we are at home. These are my favorite things about the class. 1. Ms. Clara is a hit with the kids--they are totally fascinated with her and she really keeps their attention. 2. The pacing of the class and the songs is quick--we move quickly from song to song and prop to prop (scarves, rattle eggs, a triangle) which keeps my son and I interested and engaged. 3. We do the same thing every, single class, which is great for my son. He is starting to learn how to do different activities, and I think the consistency makes that happen. 4. She gets little kids. Sometimes they wander around, they all put things in their mouths, they try to steal the triangle or the ball from her, and she is always incredibly patient and easy going with them (while always keeping the class moving). 5. She flexible with the class schedule. If you are going to miss a class, she offers a chance for you to come to a different section of the same class during the week, as well as a make up session at the end of the class. I definitely would recommend this if you are looking for something fun and enriching to do with your little one.

My son and I have been attending Ms. Clara's class in Oak Park since he was an infant and he is about to start the 2 1/2 year old class. He absolutely loves the class and he has fostered a love of music from it as well. She is great with the children and you can tell she loves doing it. I highly recommend these classes for any infant and toddler. Besides a love of music, it has also taught him to help pick up his toys and about sharing and waiting his turn. We both have so much fun.

My son just turned 1 and we have been attending Ms. Clara's music class since he was 6 months. At first I was skeptical if a 6 month old could get anything out of any class. but Ms. Clara was holding a sample class for all ages at our local farmer's market so I stopped to check it out. She also offers the opportunity to attend an actual free trial class that is geared toward your child's age group. After seeing how my son reacted at both of these - I signed up. The teachers have beautiful voices, they don't just think they can sing they really can. Ms. Clara's voice fascinates my son and now he can't wait to crawl to her and give her a big hug every week when we arrive.  I have seen his memory, motor skills and and even understanding of language increase week to week. And seems like every week he takes something away from class that he starts doing at home. My husband also comes along and it is great chance to focus on family time without the distractions at home.

And mama has gotten something out of the class too, it's a great reason to get outside of the house, meet other parents with babies in the area, and just do something different with your baby! I like strolls as much as the next person, but after the bazillionth one, it's nice for a little change in the daily routine!

"Toys away, toys away, it's time to put our toys away".  This song brought tears to my eyes yesterday when I came home to my son's room a complete disaster area.  I was exhausted and the last thing I wanted to do was spend an hour picking up toys.  I sat in my rocking chair and starting singing a song we learned in Ms. Clara's class.  To my surprise, my 16 month old CLEANED HIS ROOM while I sat singing in my chair. My son loves music class.  He loves Ms. Clara.  He loves to slap his knees and sing along.  I love that he is learning to share, wait his turn, help clean up and participate in structured group class. Thank you so much Ms. Clara!  We can't wait to start class in your new space!

Our son has been going to Ms Clara's for over a year. Our son's developmental therapist highly recommended some form of music therapy. He has learned a lot in the last year and loves interacting with the other kids in the class. It's never too early to introduce music to your child. Keep up the good work!

Ms. Clara is amazing! We have been taking our son to her music classes since he was 4 months old. Now, at 21 months he is able to do all the movements, ask for songs at home, and is even starting to sing along! I think this class has helped his language development without a doubt! Some of his first words and phrases have been from music class. Just last week, at the end of class he said, "Adios!" which is how Ms.Clara always ends the very last song! At home, we sing a song from class to clean up his toys and he knows exactly what to do!! I highly recommend Ms. Clara if you are looking for an enriching, fun activity for your little one!!

We love our Mini Musicians class! My son just turned a year old and we have been going for about 4 months now. He really loves going and seeing other kids, listening to the songs, and playing with the instruments. Our regular weekly teacher is Ms Amy and she is awesome. When she starts to sing, my son just stares at her for a little bit and is mesmerized! He loves the "rolling the ball" song, the peekaboo song, and shaking the egg shakers song the best. He gets a big smile on his face when he recognizes the songs. We sing them at home too! We also had his first birthday party at the Joyful Learning Center. Ms Clara came and entertained the kids with songs and instruments. They had a great time. She was really great to work with and the space is good to have a birthday party.

My daughter has been going to Ms Clara for two years now and to say the experience has been wonderful is an understatement. My daughter loves music and sings the songs she learns in class at home and even "teaches" class to her friends. Going to Ms Clara has given her confidence and we incorporate music into our nightly routine. Ms Clara is very patient with the children and each child runs to hug her after class. If you are looking for an affordable music class to enjoy with your child I suggest taking a trial class to see for yourself.

We love Ms Clara's Mini Musicians! Our 2 y.o. son gets such a kick out of playing the various instruments and now has started singing the songs in the car on the way home from music class and at home. The class has really helped him to overcome his shyness and "insecurity" of crowds and active groups of people and children. Now he fits right in and asks to go to class all the time.

My daughter loves this class! She dances, sings and plays instruments at home from all of the routines she learns at the class! As a professional I really appreciate the responsiveness and commitment Ms Clara has made to this class and her overall Program. I highly recommend the Joyful Learning Classes a great way to nurture the development of Toddlers!

I can't say enough about how much we value Ms. Clara's music class. My daughter has been in class since she was 4m old (2.5 now) and every session I'm blown away by the new skill she's learned in music class. Whether is waiting her turn, rhythm, a new song, or connecting lyrics to real life events - she has learned so much from music class. We use the clean up song at home and my little one (14 months) loves it when I sing songs from class. She lights up and does some of the motions, too! Ms. Clara is wonderful with the children and is also really easy to work with as a professional. She is willing to listen to parent feedback on class times and makes class a great social experience for parents, too!