Hi there, I’m Holly, founder, owner and director here at Grow and Sing Studios. 15 years ago, when my son was 6 weeks old, I created my studio which offered a very simple TWO Kindermusik classes per week total. I had previously taught Kindermusik and worked as a music therapist but had been on a break to have my second child.

I began my Kindermusik journey because I yearned for connections with other parents. I discovered Kindermusik through my first passion, music therapy, and it seemed like the obvious fit because Kindermusik is about how music affects a child’s development. I found Kindermusik to be a happy, smiley, positive place, and I wanted to create that for as many families as I could.

Even during the 2008 recession, Grow and Sing Studios thrived. It not only thrived, but won awards. Lots of awards. Through the years, I’ve added various classes, a wonderful staff, birthday parties, piano lessons, voice lessons… frankly, the list is VERY long because not all things I tried stuck.

Yet, throughout it all, the goal was simple.

Though I’m not sure I saw it for a long time. On the surface it was to have a career and support my family. I wanted to be the best I could be in my field. But it was also to make music and inspire my own children. However, it took many years to realize that the ultimate goal was to help inspire laughter, smiles, and connections.
So, I finally figured it out. It’s the constant Kindermusik joy guarantee in a life full of variables.
And boy has 2020 thrown us some major life variables!

I am always trying new things, testing the waters, figuring things out. Due to Covid-19, I’ve had to think WAY outside the box so that the laughter, smiles and connections didn’t stop.

That is where our Kindermusik Virtual program comes in. Back in March, I had NO idea what I was going to do. I had to take a step back, breathe, and remember that the ultimate goal was to create joy through music. Thankfully, we have an incredibly talented and DEVOTED team of teachers who were ready to try anything I put in front of them.

You know what? It worked!

Our Kindermusik Virtual program has been a complete success over the past several months. A community of families from ALL OVER have embraced this new way to learn with their young children. I can’t express enough how heartwarming it is to witness! Friendships are being made between parents, between children, and even closer connections are forming between our teachers.

I’m starting to realize that if you can find a constant that makes you the happiest, you WILL succeed even in the middle of a pandemic. So, I finally figured it out. HAPPINESS is my dream. LAUGHTER is what I long for. CONNECTIONS are what I strive to create each and every day.

Mission accomplished.

So, what’s your story? I’d love to know more about YOU!

May your day bring you much happiness, peace, and many giggles.
Thanks for reading.
Love, Holly

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR UNLIMITED TRIAL WEEK

A note from your owner/directors, Holly and Will.

We would like to address some questions that are always asked at this time a year (typically cold and flu season) due to the inevitable conversation about coronavirus. Our class guidelines state to not attend class if you or your child is sick. A good guideline to follow is to be fever free for at least 24 hours, and for a nose not to be running with anything other than clear. It is VERY common for babies and toddlers to have runny noses due to teething. It is VERY hard to distinguish that from being sick. If you at all feel that you or your child is under the weather, remain home and schedule a makeup class.

We do feel that Kindermusik is a low risk activity as we keep our classes very small group, and ask that anyone who is sick to stay home and schedule a makeup class which are unlimited.

We wanted to let everyone know our studio wide procedures for attempting to keep our classrooms as sanitized as possible. While it is scientifically impossible to guarantee you that our instruments and props are 100% sanitized (as in anything else you come in contact with), we do our best to minimize sickness. We spray all instruments and props with Seventh Generation constantly, and tumble dry all fabric items in the dryer. As those in our classes know, we keep this product ON HAND at all classes so that we can all make an effort together to help avoid the spread of germs. If a child has mouthed an instrument during class, we ask parents to bring it up to our  “sanitation station” when finished and spray it with the Seventh Generation. Also on hand in the classroom are sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, soap/water and tissues. If we all make an effort together, we can try to eliminate spreading sickness to each other. Though again, there is never anything we can do to “guarantee” as in any public setting.

We stand by the most important way to avoid sickness – WASH HANDS!! We suggest that before class begins, and after class ends, you and your child wash hands for at least 20 seconds with SOAP and WATER.  We have been using these procedures and guidelines for over 10 years, and they have worked well.

Here are some tips from the CDC:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Stay home when you are sick.
4. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
6. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
7. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Thank you Quilty’s Quality Nannies for the wonderful blog post about our studio!! We LOVE our Kindermusik nannies. Did you know that we welcome ALL loving caregivers? Parents of course, but also amazing nannies, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, you name it! SO, if you aren’t able to bring your little one, but have someone that can, we welcome you with open arms!

Oh, and if you need a nanny, check out Olivia’s Quilty’s Quality Nannies, and tell her you learned of her service through Grow and Sing Studios. YAY, we love community partnerships!

We can’t wait to get started with classes next week! Interested to see all that we are offering? Look no further. Well.. maybe ONE click, and it will lead you to all the information you need to get started with our studio. Happy new school year!

To enroll now click here.

Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and has been married to her husband Will for 20 years.  Holly is the Kindermusik International Brand Ambassador for the U.S., and always happy to collaborate with brands and businesses she believes in.

Hello Central Florida Families!

Did you know that the study, practice, and discipline of making music gives the brain and body a complete workout? Imagine activities that are designed to encourage multi-sensory learning, which employs and integrates several senses at once, stimulating multiple areas of the brain.

Our program focuses on each CHILD’S BRAIN, BODY, AND HEART.

The benefits of music are truly transformational. When paired with movement and instrument play, it creates neurological magic, lighting up a child’s brain and positively impacting all areas of development.

Here at Grow and Sing Studios, we use the power and joy of music-making to help children learn and grow during the years most critical to brain development. Our research-based curricula and interactive music experiences establish a foundation of early learning that supports sustained growth, confidence, and creativity throughout the life of a child.

What is Kindermusik?

Kindermusik is music-making with a purpose. Science has shown that children of any age learn more when the learning is playful and fun. Kindermusik kids laugh, smile, stomp, play, kick, clap, jump, sing, and dance. But having fun is just the beginning.

Steeped in educational theory, our programs engage the potential found in every child.

In our classes, children newborn through age 7 experience music of varying styles, genres, and cultures. They interact with other peers and engage in movement, rhythm, and vocal activities that develop far more than just music skills. Our approach to early childhood education primes children for success in school and in life.

Each class focuses on all areas of development including:

• Receptive Language
• Whole body movement
• Social-Emotional Development
• Sensory Awareness
• Musical Skills
• Fine Motor Movement
• Expressive Language
• Cognition

Our classes begin in just two weeks! Enroll now. Discover the power and joy of music-based learning by clicking here to view classes and enroll.

For a limited time, new families to our program receive $20 off their first month. So, for one month you receive all the amazing home materials included in class, plus a month of classes for $48. Only days remaining on this offer. Enter NEWFAMILY20 in the additional information field when you register here and we’ll adjust your first payment.

In addition to that all registrants previous and new, are invited to attend a SECOND class each week, FREE. Learn more about our subscriber benefits.

Have you already registered? Great! We can’t wait to see you (and look out soon for your music downloads!). Has your child aged out? That’s okay, we KNOW you know someone who could benefit from this email. We thank you for sharing.

We are ready to help you build a strong foundation for your child for a lifetime love of learning. Let’s go!

Oh by the way! We are giving away free prizes on our live event this Friday. Click GOING right now! Join us at 11am on instagram or facebook, to perhaps win a REMO hand drum, tushbaby carrier (as seen on shark tank) or a FREE MONTH OF CLASSES. See you there!

What is something you absolutely love to do? What are you good at? What is your favorite band? Who are your best friends?

Now, imagine how different your path with any of these things would be if you only went by your very first impression. Did you know instantly that you loved to do that thing? Or did you need to try a few times before you realized it was something you liked to do, or were good at. Maybe running, or dancing, or sports. What about your favorite song or band? Did you sing along the first time you heard it?

Think about it. How long does it take you to sing along to a song? I mean ACTUALLY SING ALONG. On first listen, you are most likely processing. Thinking about if you would like to hear it again. The second time, you may be tapping your foot, or humming along. The third time, maybe you are singing along to the chorus. You get the idea. It takes time to process experiences. It takes time to decide if it’s something we want to do again. It takes us time to form relationships, or skills.

As parents, we just want our kids to be happy. We want them to have fun, and feel safe. But the truth is, there’s growth in a bit of the unknown, in the processing.

Time and time again, we witness families with their babies or toddlers in a first time preview of one of our music classes. New experiences are challenging for children and adults. It takes time to process new environments and take it all in. Many times, as young children are easing into their first class, they may be quiet, cry, or even the opposite, it may overexcite them. This is all part of processing and it’s only the first impression.  In fact, what we are really talking about here is a parent’s first impression of their child’s first impression.

“She’s never like this at home”. We hear this a lot. As educators, we aren’t surprised. Why? Because Kindermusik is a sensory rich environment filled with sights, sounds, socialization, brain work, team work and the list goes on. It would be surprising to think that a child isn’t processing this new environment. To either clam up quietly as an observer, or to run around wildly as a kinesthetic learner. All of this is part of the first impression. When a parent decides to not enroll based on this first impression, could it be that so much learning and growth opportunities are missed? Imagine an environment that allows for these first impression moments in a non-judgmental way, and allows for a 2nd, 3rd or even 4th impression before making a final decision. Imagine the possibilities.

Consider giving your child the gift of time.

Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and celebrated 20 years of marriage with her husband Will.  Holly is the Kindermusik International Brand Ambassador for the U.S., and always happy to collaborate with brands she believes in.

Click here for offer for new families to Grow and Sing Studios. 

You know, I read recently that we have more wrinkles in our necks from looking down at our phones. Imagine that, more wrinkles because we are lacking in being present with those around us. It’s a crazy notion, but if you think about it, makes a bit of sense. I’m not going to lie, I just bought neck cream.

This picture is the one I selected for this topic, because well, first, it’s festive isn’t it? Jingle bells! But looking closer, it’s also a message of connection. There is eye contact. The adult’s head is up and looking directly at the child. There’s presence.

Obviously we all love our phones and I’m no exception. I check it often, I network, I shop. But the idea that there is a physical sign letting us know that we aren’t quite tapping in to the magic around us makes me want to pause. Put the phone down. Look into my loved ones eyes, be present and PLAY.

As we head into this crazy busy time of year, I challenge anyone reading this to find some balance. I’m not at all saying put the phone away entirely. Not realistic, and not fun! But perhaps spend some quality time. Perhaps in a Kindermusik class like this family does, or maybe doing something else as a family.

I challenge you.
I challenge myself too.

Happy Holidays!

Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and this past September celebrated 20 years of marriage with her husband Will. 

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Welcome to our BABY DAYS 2018 at Grow and Sing Studios!!
Kindermusik Foundations, for children newborn to walking, incorporates the most current research on early childhood development and provides families a special place for learning and connecting with other parents and babies through music and movement.

Our Foundations classes offer a sensory-rich yet caring and gentle environment where babies can explore and react to new sounds, sensations, objects, and movements. Classes include instrument play, scarves, dancing, singing, rocking, massage, exercise, drumming and SO much more!

Check out our baby days schedule below.

Parents. I woke up on this first day “back to school” not thinking of the child headed back, but someone else.

I’m truly not intending for this to sound preachy, or be a guilt trip to those that this will most likely resonate with. But more as a “something to ponder” as you head back into the next school year.

I’m thinking of that little one in the back seat. The little one holding your hand, who is getting dragged along for the ride. The one woken up from her nap to go pick up your older one at school. The one falling back to sleep in her carseat while you bring the older one to piano lessons or soccer.

When you had your first child, that child was the center of your world. You were there for every moment; every first. You took him to classes, mommy groups, and playdates. Then you had your second child. You most likely realized that you didn’t need to do ALL of those things the first time round. That being at home and playing in the grass was a GREAT way to spend the day.

But this younger child is an individual little human. A child that needs time alone with you. A child that needs your presence.

As a music therapist and educator, I immediately thought about something I read on first2000days.org. There are only 2,000 days between the time a baby is born and when he or she will begin kindergarten. During that time brain architecture is forming, creating the foundation for all future learning.

Wow. That sort of puts that time period in a quick little bubble, doesn’t it? As a mom of 2 teens, I can most definitely say that it flies by faster than you can blink. I know, you don’t want to hear that because you’re EXHAUSTED. I get it. I remember those days well.

However, I’m really thinking about all those parents that I see in our Kindermusik classes with their first children. Parents that are truly present with them. Parents taking in every single second. Parents that say that the one hour they spent at Kindermusik each week was the most joyful and memorable time they ever had when their child was a baby and toddler. Parents we never see return when they have their second child.

Of course that takes me right back in my brain to that little baby or toddler in the back seat. That little human who is depending on you to enrich their first 2000 days but who is only a passenger in their older sibling’s life.

Of course, I would love to see you enroll in our Kindermusik program, or one where you live because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful that program is. But honestly I just want to perhaps suggest that you take one hour each day and devote it to being present with your younger child however you choose to spend it.

Have a fabulous return “back to school”.

Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and in September will celebrate 20 years of marriage with her husband Will. 

There are so many healthy benefits of music. Here are 7 reasons that may inspire you. Let your child’s healthy music life begin at #Kindermusik. growandsing.com