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Tag: growandsing

Unplugging with Your Little One: Why Kindermusik Music and Movement Classes are a Must-Try for Central Florida Parents of Babies and Toddlers

Dear parents of babies and toddlers in Central Florida,

As a parent, you know that raising a little one can be both incredibly rewarding and downright challenging at times. From sleepless nights to feeding difficulties, you’ve likely experienced a variety of stressors that come with the territory of new parenthood. But did you know that there’s a fun and effective way to help your little one’s development and provide some much-needed unplugged quality time together? Enter Kindermusik music and movement classes.

Young children playing with instrumentsKindermusik is a research-based program that uses music and movement to stimulate your child’s brain and promote development in a variety of areas. From language and social skills to gross and fine motor coordination, Kindermusik classes offer a well-rounded approach to early childhood education that is both enjoyable and effective.

But Kindermusik isn’t just beneficial for your child’s development. It also offers a valuable opportunity for parents to unplug from the distractions of daily life and connect with their little one in a meaningful way. In today’s world of screens and constant stimulation, taking a break from technology and focusing on your child’s growth can be a much-needed breath of fresh air.

At Grow and Sing Studios, we offer Kindermusik classes for babies and toddlers in various locations around Central Florida, including Winter Park, Oviedo – UCF, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, Baldwin Park – Orlando and Volusia County. Our program has been recognized as a top Kindermusik program 16 times, so you can trust that you and your child will be in good hands.

Enrolling for a $5 preview class, or even for our 6 week summer Kindermusik session is a fantastic way to try out this program and see firsthand the benefits it can provide. Not only will you and your little one get to enjoy the fun and engaging activities that Kindermusik has to offer, but you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with other parents in your community and form lasting friendships.

If you’re looking for a way to help your child’s development and spend some quality time together, we highly recommend trying out a one of our Kindermusik classes led by an Accredited Kindermusik Educator. Enroll now and watch your child thrive. We can’t wait to make music with you and your little one!

Learn more by visiting our website. There are quick links at the top once you click, and deeper menu options as well.

xo Holly

Holly Lesnick
Founder / Owner / Director
Grow and Sing Studios

October Kindermusik $1 Demo Days are here!

October is here and that means KINDERMUSIK $1 DEMO DAYS at Grow and Sing Studios are coming! Have you been meaning to come try out a class, or are you just finding out about our program for the first time? We invite you to come check out one of these classes FOR ONLY $1, have some fun, make some music and hopefully fall in love with the magic of Kindermusik! Reservations are required and space is limited.
Kindermusik October $1 Demo Days

We are “traveling minstrels” so our classes are offered at different locations around town throughout the week (including virtual!).

First, choose the class you would like to preview based on the calendar above. If you do not see a class that works, you can also view all currently running classes at growandsing.com/registration (if your chosen class is full, you can always sign up to be on the waitlist). $1 October Demo Days are available in Oviedo/UCF, Winter Park, Baldwin Park, Winter Garden, Lake Nona and Port Orange. PLEASE NOTE – This is not a guarantee of availability. Once you register you’ll receive an auto generated email. Following that, we will send you a confirmation email which will let you know if your preview spot(s) are available in the class you signed up for. If that class has filled with paid members, you’ll be offered another class. If no other classes work for you, you will not be charged and your preview class will be canceled. We reserve the right to cancel your preview class should the class you signed up for reach maximum capacity with paid members. In this situation you can either choose another class or be refunded. Currently due to Covid, there are no more than 12 children enrolled per class at a time (8 in Winter Park). Spaces only count for children, all parents are included free, always.

Read about our covid adaptations and classroom tips here: https://www.growandsing.com/covid/

TO SIGN UP FOR AN IN-PERSON OCTOBER $1 DEMO DAY CLICK HERE.

TO SIGN UP FOR A VIRTUAL OCTOBER $1 DEMO WEEK CLICK HERE.

We will confirm your reservation as soon as possible!
Click here to contact us with any questions. We are here to help!

Hot of the press! Grow and Sing Studios awarded Kindermusik Top Program Award for 2022

Grow and Sing Studios honored with 16th consecutive Top Program award

Hello to our musical community!

Will and I own and operate Grow and Sing Studios, a small family business which was established in 2005. Since then it’s been a roller coaster but one thing has always been at the core of our motivation, and that’s passion for children’s education, passion for music and passion for independent small business. We never anticipated what would happen in 2020, and as we all know it affected EVERYONE professionally and personally.

This award is based on how many children we reach through Kindermusik. Over the last 2 years, not only did we make class sizes smaller to keep safe (therefore reducing our potential numbers), but we’ve had a complete changeover in our team. Our previous team members that were with us for years moved onto new endeavors. Will and I have spent the near part of a year interviewing and interviewing, training and training, and finally we have reached a moment in time where we have a working team again. We just finished training this team a couple months ago. So, to be honest Will and I weren’t sure if we would make the Top Program list this year. We had no idea and we were at peace with whatever happened.

I’m excited and proud to report that even through all of that, we made the list and are once again a Kindermusik Top Program. Maybe not as high on the list as we were in 2020, but still on the list! This one might be the sweetest because even through everything, we kept our heads above water (sometimes treading very very fast) and made it through. Grow and Sing Studios is pushing forward and ready to reach as many children as it can!

I would like to acknowledge all team members old and new because we ALL had a part in this award this year!

Thank you to:

Lisa Petko
Kristen Bozard
Angelyn Rhode
Marisol LaBoy
Grace Warren
Jadyn Johnson
Stefany Rodriguez

Thank you to all who have supported our mission to connect families through the magic of music over the last 17 years.

xo HollyLove, Ms. Holly (and Mr. Will)

Connecting Families through the Magic of Music.
Stay Connected (and perhaps comment on our announcement on our social pages. Thank you!) facebook.com/growandsingstudios instagram.com/growandsingstudios
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LINKS:
Enroll for Summer (we’ll pro-rate if you want to join us now!)
Try an in-person class for $5
Try a FULL week of virtual for $5
Visit our website

It’s happening! Summer Kindermusik 2022 is here!

Kindermusik Summer 2022 starts this weekMany classes are close to capacity but there is still room. Join us for a 5 week session filled with fun, learning, great LIVE music, talented musicians, instruments, amazing curriculum and brain igniting activities. Let’s do this!

How? Head to growandsing.com/classes/in-person/ and read about our classes, then keep scrolling and you can click on the class that works for you! Classes held this Summer in UCF/Oviedo, Winter Park, Winter Garden and Port Orange.

Looking for unlimited virtual classes (1 fee, access to ALL classes) head to https://www.growandsing.com/online-classes-menu/. You can try out an entire week for $5.

We can’t WAIT to meet you and your amazing kiddos!
Kindermusik Accredited Program
Kindermusik TOP program (15 years consecutively)
All educators background checked
EVERYONE WELCOME HERE

Kindermusik Costume Week 2021

COSTUME WEEK IS COMING!
Kindermusik Costume Week

All of the costume fun starts this Monday in all our classes and runs through the week – October 25th -29th, 2021.
We welcome those who haven’t attended one of our classes yet, to attend in-person to demo a class for $1. This offer is part of our OCTOBER DEMO DAYS.
Click here to sign up for in-person ($1)
Those who would like to attend our virtual program can attend an ENTIRE week of Halloween fun for $5. Click here to sign up for virtual ($5)

In person demo days are based upon available spaces remaining. We are very careful not to overfill.
Virtual classes are always available to enjoy!

Classes will include musical songs and activities with a Halloween flair. Costumes encouraged!
Join the fun!

October Kindermusik $1 Demo Days are here!

October is here and that means KINDERMUSIK $1 DEMO DAYS at Grow and Sing Studios are coming!! Have you been meaning to come try out a class, or are you just finding out about our program for the first time? We invite you to come check out one of these classes FOR ONLY $1, have some fun, make some music and hopefully fall in love with the magic of Kindermusik! Reservations are required and space is limited.
Attend a class for $1 during October and see what we are so excited about

We are “traveling minstrels” so our classes are offered at different locations around town throughout the week.

First, choose the class you would like to preview. You can view all currently running classes at growandsing.com/registration. $1 October Demo Days are available in Oviedo/UCF, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Lake Nona and Port Orange. PLEASE NOTE – This is not a guarantee of availability. Once you register you’ll receive an auto generated email. Following that, we will send you a confirmation email which will let you know if your preview spot(s) are available in the class you signed up for. If that class has filled with paid members, you’ll be offered another class. If no other classes work for you, you will not be charged and your preview class will be canceled. We reserve the right to cancel your demo class should the class you signed up for reach maximum capacity with paid members. In this situation you can either choose another class or be refunded. Currently due to Covid, there are no more than 10 children enrolled per class at a time. Spaces only count for children, all parents are included free, always.

Please Note: One $1 demo class per family. If you want to bring a second child, or sign up for a second demo day, the charge will be $5 for each additional child or class. To sign up your second child or for a second class, click on the $5 preview class option

MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ADULTS. MASKS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR CHILDREN. Read about our covid adaptations and classroom tips here: https://www.growandsing.com/covid/

CLICK ON THE $1 CLASS LISTING HERE. VARIOUS DAYS/TIMES/LOCATIONS ARE AVAILABLE BESIDES 10AM ONCE YOU CLICK! Classes held T-W-Th at various times between 9am-12pm. 

We will confirm your reservation as soon as possible!
Click here to contact us with any questions. We are here to help!

Thank a {music} teacher!

National teacher appreciation week🎵This year has been anything but typical. Teaching isn’t always the easiest job in the world but it’s definitely one of the most rewarding. We, the teachers here at Grow and Sing Studios are so incredibly passionate about educating not only young children but their entire families. Sharing how music affects minds and bodies is what we love to do! We have always known that bringing families together through music is a gift like none other, but this year we learned it can be taught in MANY different ways, through many different mediums.

🎵Our team isn’t the only one that pivoted, and adapted to make the learning happen. Each and every teacher in the world has done that! But we couldn’t let this Teacher Appreciation Week go by without a HUGE shout out to team Grow and Sing for not only making it through this challenging year, but STAYING COMPLETELY TOGETHER AS A TEAM! Our team that we had in 2020 is our same team we have here in 2021. That took passion and teamwork from each and every teacher here at our studio. Now THAT is the definition of perseverance, dedication, teamwork and accomplishment.

🙌PLEASE GIVE A “WOOHOOOO” TO:
Lisa Petko
Angelyn Rhode
Marisol LaBoy
Kristen Bozard
Holly Lesnick
Will Lesnick
Aiden Amato
and a big thank you to Jasmin Vilca for volunteering her time!

🎵As we head into our 16th Summer of Music, we want to send our endless appreciation and gratitude to our Grow and Sing Studios families. Thank you for believing in us! Oh and thank you for your flexibility with our pivots!

~Team Grow and Sing Studios

#ThankATeacher #musicteachers #kindermusik #teacherappreciationday #teacherappreciationday2021 #teacherappreciation

A heartfelt COVID-19 update from Holly & Will

October 5, 2020

Hello Families,

We want to check in with you, our community, to update and assure you that we are continuing to take the health and well-being of our community, customers, and teachers very seriously.

We miss seeing you in the classroom, we really do. We feel it’s important to take a moment in an open and honest way, to discuss as a studio where we are coming from as of today. There are 2 strong aspects that have us continuing on in a virtual setting.

  1. As you most likely know, our classes are group interactive classes with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Typically these classes are held in a room, with various props and instruments. When, for example, 6 children are enrolled, it means that at the very least 13 people are in the room because of course our classes include loving caregivers. We know that you, the adults, can remain socially distanced with masks on. However, it’s virtually impossible to require these things of your children. Babies and toddlers naturally explore by putting objects in their mouths. They want hugs and they want to explore with all their senses including touch. When we do return back, we’ll have to consider this aspect so everyone is safe.
  2. The other aspect is our reality as a small Kindermusik business. Without of course getting into all of the ins and outs of running a studio, we hope we can help you, our community, understand our challenges. Typically for a class to run we have to pay our rental fee and our teacher fee. In addition to those, there are administrative fees, insurance, and operating costs. If we were to hold a class at half capacity which is 6 children, we are actually losing money to hold the class. We typically do that because we have faith the class will grow over time. But in this scenario, there is no room safety wise for class growth. As a very small local family owned business, we just don’t have that money to spend in this covid climate. To hold a class past break even would essentially put a large group of people together in too small of a space which compromises safety. For example, 8 children, would be 17 people in the classroom… you get the idea.

As of right now, due to those main reasons, we must continue virtually. As the weather becomes a bit more dependable, and not quite so hot and rainy, we are considering offering some programming outdoors which could eliminate rental fees. We are currently brainstorming that idea.

Here’s the thing though. We’re having a BLAST with our families via our online classes! Our Kindermusik Virtual+ program is NOT a lesser program, but simply a different one. Consider this. For now, instead of enrolling and paying for 1 class per week, you are enrolling and paying for 12 classes you can come in and out of at your leisure throughout the week. We know it’s not the same. We totally do. BUT, we do know (because parents are telling us) that children are learning from our program. Laughter, smiles, bonding… all the things that Kindermusik typically provides is still happening. In fact, there are children meeting other children, and at the end of class they tell each other “I love you!”. Also, we want you to remember that in the end, the goal of Kindermusik is for YOU the adults to lovingly engage with your children. Whether in person or virtual, THAT is the goal. So if you need to put your device up high out of sight and let it guide YOU as you interact with your child, that is great. If you want to interact visually with us too that’s great, but not required.

We do ask that you strongly consider us. We are a small local business who needs you so we can keep this amazing program going. Our focus right now is to keep all our teachers in work so that when it’s safe, they can return back to doing what they love in person. Your registration means SO much, and contributes so much to keeping us in business so we can provide loving classes for years to come.

We invivote for us 2020 family favorite awardste you to try an unlimited week for $15 to see what you think. In addition, a new online Bilingual Birdies unit (Jungle Animals) begins this week if you are interested in Spanish music classes. The Bilingual Birdies route also includes the 12 Kindermusik Virtual+ classes. You may know that we have our private online piano and voice lessons but did you also know that we have adult self care Yoga and Tap classes? New 5 week sessions begin this week!

We are all in this together. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and make adjustments and changes along the way.

One more thing, we are nominated for Best Music Lessons in the Playground Family Favorite Awards. Could you take a moment to vote here, and click on Grow and Sing Studios on page 4? Let us know when you vote so we can give you a big “thank you!”.

All the very best,

Holly and Will Lesnick
Owners, Grow and Sing Studios

Ms. Holly giving thumbs upMr. Will playing piano

 

Kindermusik Virtual+ | Bilingual Birdies+ | Online Birthday Parties | Online Voice Lessons | Online Piano Lessons | Online adult beginner tap classes | Online adult yoga | Online Store

 
 
 
Paid Links:

Healthy and happy

healthy and happy
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.
We hope that by using sanitizing products, washing hands, and not coming to class sick, we can minimize spreading sickness back and forth. All we can all do is try our best!
If anyone has ANY questions about this, please don’t hesitate to ask. We will be closely monitoring what our public schools do, and adjust accordingly. So enrolled families, stay tuned for any announcements that we may send towards the end of Spring break.
Again, thank you in advance for working with us on making Grow and Sing Studios a happy and healthy environment for all!!!

I had to share this “whoa” moment.

Happy December everyone!

Recently I was hired to do a presentation via video conference call for a parenting group in Arizona. This group found me on Instagram where I tend to share a lot of developmental nuggets about how music affects a child’s development. I was honored to be asked and accepted the task. Can I just say that I had the BEST TIME? Sharing my passion with a wonderful group of moms was so much fun and rewarding. I hope I left a bit of an impression that trickles down to their precious babies.

I’m not presenting to you today in my blog post, but I did want to share one “whoa” moment to consider as you enter into what tends to be a chaotic time of year. For a child in their first 2000 days, the days between birth and Kindergarten, it is the time when their brain will form the most rapidly in their entire life. I learned (and then subsequently passed it on in my presentation) that a baby’s brain forms synapses (connections) at a rate of 1 MILLION PER SECOND! The actual “whoa” though is the fact that if those synapses aren’t strengthened, they prune and shed. Like, gone forever. brain connectionThe ones that are strengthened, shape who your baby will become as a person. These synapses are formed for vision, hearing, language and cognitive function, and this all happens in the first year of life. Not only that but social and emotional function as well. Each of us is born with the potential to control impulses and be focused but acquiring these skills happens in the early years when these synapses are forming. It helps create a foundation that will carry through a person’s entire life.

Large bodies of research have reported that high quality Birth-8 years learning environments, with regular attendance help build a strong foundation for the forming of these synapses. (NC Early Childhood Foundation)

Okay, you probably see where I’m going with this.
MUSIC!

Music is magical.
child playing resonator barIt’s is a multi-sensory activity. When children are engaged with music and movement, their hearing and visual senses are fully engaged. When multiple senses are engaged in an activity, more areas of the brain are activated. The more areas of the brain activated, the more brain connections formed. It is a fact that MUSIC is one of the only activities that activates, stimulates and uses the ENTIRE brain. I think that is fascinating, and exciting.

For the last 18 years, I have been SO PROUD to enhance the lives of families all across Central Florida with the gift of Kindermusik. Kindermusik was created with the idea that in a child’s early years, we can use the best tool EVER to strengthen those synapses so pruning and shedding is minimal.

Okay here’s my pitch. A month of Kindermusik at Grow and Sing Studios is $68. That may seem like a lot, but, considering that your baby is forming 1 million synapses a second right now, and each one of those needs love and care, it’s a pretty good deal.

I have an even BETTER deal! For the month of December, you can attend 2 per week until Christmas at 35% off, PLUS you’ll receive an invitation to our Jingle Jam Holiday Party (our entire team of teachers is singing!). To learn more, fill out the form here, and mention our “New Family December Offer”. We’ll hook you up.

If you decide to wait, we’ll hold back the guilt and encourage you to consider asking for a Kindermusik Gift Certificate so you can join us in 2020. Click here for more on that.

Oh, and if you are reading this from far and wide, and are part of a parenting group I would love to share my presentation with you. I’m for hire! Just contact me and we can chat. Also, you can find a Kindermusik class all around the globe by clicking here.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season, and lots of strong synapse forming days with your child!

xo Holly 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 21 years. Holly is the Kindermusik International Brand Ambassador for the U.S., and always happy to collaborate with brands and businesses she believes in.

Reference: First 2000 days information found mostly at NC Early Childhood Foundation.

SCHOOL YEAR 2023 – 2024 CALENDAR


CLICK HERE FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
CLICK HERE FOR CLASSROOM GUIDELINES

This upcoming School Year includes 35 active weeks of classes with some scheduled weeks off which are noted below.

SCHOOL YEAR 2023 – 2024
School Year begins – August 14th, 2023
OFF – Thanksgiving week – Nov. 20 – 24, 2023
OFF – Holiday/Winter break – Dec. 18, 2023 – Jan. 5, 2024
School Year Resumes after Winter Break – Jan 8, 2024
OFF – Spring Break – March 18 – 22, 2024
School Year ends – May 17, 2023

Classes held in-person and virtually. Click here to view options.

$75 per month

SUMMER 2024 CALENDAR


CLICK HERE FOR CLASSROOM GUIDELINES

Our Summer is a 8 week fun filled session (with a scheduled week off worked in for the holiday). We know Summer travel is common, so we are happy to pro-rate the value of up to 2 weeks should you need it. Just let us know when you register!

Summer – 8 weeks
Summer Begins – June 3 – 7, 2024
OFF – July 4th Holiday – July 1 – 5, 2024
Summer Resumes after holiday – July 8, 2024
Summer ends – July 29 – August 2, 2024

Classes held in-person and virtually. Click here to view options.

LOOKING AHEAD…
School Year 2024 – 2025 begins week of August 12th!