Classes for families of children ages 0 to 5 made flexible for all abilities, access
McGRATHPR.com – Family Music Time (FMT), a new original family-centered music program resource, launches on September 14, serving families of children ages 0 to 5, for all abilities. FMT is founded by longtime Hingham resident and early-childhood music educator Jana Kahn. A business model that is flexible to accommodate families online and in person, through weekly classes, unlimited membership, private lessons and special events offer flexible options for families throughout the South Shore, and virtually nationwide.
“Since adapting to teach family music classes online this spring I have actually cherished the opportunity to make music with families in their own homes! While I’ve enjoyed teaching families for more than 12 years in a traditional classroom space, in this moment I am grateful that I can support music-making in such an authentic way, which has been an important part of my goal all along!” shares Kahn. “Music is a powerful bonding agent, and as a facilitator I hope to nurture families to play with music all week long rather than just a once-a-week experience in class. The stories of what we did during the pandemic will be with us for generations to come. Sustaining meaningful bonds of family music time is core to my mission, and I can’t think of a better time than now to make Family Music Time a regular practice.”
Family Music Time is a highlight of our week! Both my children love the intimate feel of class and enjoy singing familiar and new songs. Jana Kahn’s love of music and teaching is contagious, a wonderful way to explore making music with your child!
Carola LaCoste, mom of Laird and Adelina
Family Music Time’s mission connects family and community by nurturing the magic and reinforcing family bonds by collectively creating music. The facilitated music experience enables families to build a musical foundation by sharing quality time at home or in person by playing, singing and dancing together, infused with sentiment. FMT’s mission is inclusive of providing programs for families facing challenges to in-person attendance by offering virtual resources. “Some families face challenges – health, developmental, learning, behavior or transportation obstacles – that best allow their participation online, which means participation for everyone – a facet that is very important to my vision,” shares Kahn.
Kahn envisions FMT programs to be driven by the concept that “children can be themselves” – less rules – where they jump, dance and move any way that suits them. Parents enjoy a break from their daily task of instilling the boundaries of their growth, about “keeping them under control” or fitting in. If a child is having a bad day, she agrees that it’s fine to take a break and come back when the time is right. Children bring snacks, toys and stuffed animals to class. One week they might be ecstatically dancing and playing along the entire time, and the next they may be laying on the floor playing with their toys, still influenced by the music making around them. Families are encouraged to sing along with their facilitator in virtual classes from home, made easier for more tentative participants, aware that their audio is muted during group classes, and they are the only ones that can hear the sounds of their home environment.
Kahn designed the program to ensure that families are not stationary while participating via computer, but rather following along in musical play with their teacher, allowing parents and children to organically participate in their own way. She assures parents that all children are born with the knowledge of teaching themselves by playing and observing their surroundings. “Children want to be involved in everything their parents are doing. When they see you share your own appreciation and joy for music by singing, or tapping along to a beat, or dancing, they naturally want to do the same,” she shares. “Listening to songs and participating in musical play can often settle a child, diffusing a difficult moment. It can also inspire joy and moments of family closeness. The resulting playfulness is a stress buster disguised as a very effective parenting survival tool!”
Jana’s music classes are fantastic! My son, Christopher, and I really look forward to her classes every week. As a professional in the performing arts, it was important for me to find a music program for my son that, not only was fun, but also taught him musicality. Jana teaches in a fun and nurturing environment that encourages each child to participate and grow their musical abilities. Even through Zoom, Jana is able to engage the children and refers to each of them by name throughout the class, which my son loves! I highly recommend Jana’s music classes!
Tricia Patton, mom of Christopher
As a longtime educator of families, Kahn has had many wonderful experiences that inspire every day. Parent and program participant Katie Greenberg says “I joined music classes with Jana when my Gabby was just a few months old. Jana’s creativity, passion and enthusiasm for integrating music into Gabby’s life was contagious. At two and a half years now, Gabby still asks for music class every day. The astonishing achievement is that music has helped her to grow, come out of her shell and explore the world. Jana’s classes have allowed us to manage the limitations of the pandemic with such joy. I absolutely attribute Gabby’s love and joy for music to these programs. It is the most precious time we spend together each week.”
FMT founder Jana Kahn has been facilitating family-centered music programs since 2008, delivering a love of music and song that nurtures the bond between children and their parents and caregivers. Her teaching style is infused with heart, known for creating lasting memories for families, inspiring them to enjoy quality time together. She has raised two daughters by the method she teaches, successfully raising two creative young adults. Through the diverse experiences and experimentation, children find their individual path to expressing themselves musically as they grow.
FMT classes are infused with fun and inspiration, providing the musical foundation for young children to learn about rhythm and tonality through play. In time, children develop the ability to accurately express themselves musically – tapping and moving to the beat and singing in tune. Classes are offered in 10-week sessions (which include two 40-minute classes) during fall, winter and spring. Families seeking a more flexible experience can opt for the unlimited weekly class membership, which includes an annual special event. Private lesson arrangements and customized programs for homeschoolers and preschoolers are available upon request.
For more information about Family Music Time’s fall schedule, its facilitators, plans and pricing, visit familymusictime.org, or email Jana Kahn at info@familymusictime.org.
About Family Music Time
Founded in 2020, Family Music Time (FMT) is an original family-centered music program resource, serving families of children ages 0 to 5, for all abilities. Its mission connects family and community by nurturing the magic and reinforcing family bonds by collectively creating music. The facilitated music experience enables families to build a musical founding by sharing quality time at home or in person by playing, singing and dancing together, infused with sentiment. FMT’s mission is inclusive of providing programs for families facing challenges to in-person attendance by offering virtual resources. FMT classes are infused with fun and inspiration, providing the musical foundation for young children to learn about rhythm and tonality through play. In time, children develop the ability to accurately express themselves musically – tapping and moving to the beat and singing in tune. Classes are offered in 10-week sessions (which include two 40-minute classes) during fall, winter and spring. Families seeking a more flexible experience can opt for the unlimited weekly class membership, which includes an annual special event. Private lesson arrangements and custom programs for special events are available upon request. For more information about Family Music Time schedules, facilitators, plans and pricing, visit familymusictime.org, or email info@familymusictime.org.
