What Parents Say
“I cannot say enough about Moni and Whirligig Music. Both of my children have been in two semesters of music programs, and Moni’s class has was so far beyond other experiences. First, she genuinely loves children. Second, she truly loves music. And third, she loves combining those two. She’s great at what she does, always has a smile on her face and my kids continually ask me when they can see Moni again as kids naturally gravitate towards her. Her classes are fun, engaging and energetic… with all sort of new fun things introduced each week. I would highly recommend her program to anyone who is seeking a music program for their developing child. It’s worth it!” ~Melissa R.
“We started attending Whirligig Music Together in March 2010 when my son was 18 months old. He is now 3 and we are still going. We tried the free trial class to see what this was all about and fell it love with it the first time! I was so impressed with how Moni interacts with the kids (she is wonderful) and the interaction between the other kids and parents. I can’t say enough on how much it’s impacted his interest in music, singing, and instruments! Moni has so many instruments! Last session she used a different instrument each class. He loves instruments and can identify them by name, sound, etc. He sure loves it when Moni plays the tuba. It’s amazing how much music has influenced him. Before he could talk a lot he’d hum or move to the beat, then starting singing the words, tapping his foot to the beat, etc. Now he is 3 and continues his love of music and Moni! He makes up his own songs, plays with his instruments at home (loves the guitar) or just pretends he is playing the tuba, flute, accordion, etc. This is a great way to interact and influence your child by singing along with them, playing the instruments, etc. The jam session is my favorite when everyone gets up and dances and plays instruments to the music. We love listening to the CD’s in the car and at home. My husband isn’t able to go the class with us but he knows all the songs and sings along with us. This class is wonderful and I’m so thankful we found it.” ~ Angie M.
“We continued with Moni at Whirligig for almost three years! School will probably interfere with our schedule in the Fall, and I’m certain that the absence of all of the joy and friends at Music Together will be felt. We never missed a class unless we were out of town, because the the songs, laughter and joy that fill that one-hour class somehow manage to carry us through some of the toughest times in the rest of the week–hungry and cranky, fighting toothbrushing, crying in the car, protesting bedtime, you name it. We sing through most all of our rough spots–to calm, to laugh, to reassure, to find some language that we both speak when I think, “who is this alien child?” Thank you, Moni, and Music Together–we love you both!” ~ Eleanor’s Mom
“Music Together gives me an endless number of ‘tricks in the bag’ for the airplane and waiting rooms! Itsy Bitsy spider is only entertaining for so long, but I very quickly gained a repertoire of song, rhythm and movement ideas that entertain my 15 month old daughter that are fun for me, too. When we hit a difficult moment, when she is tired of the grocery store cart or wants to run around the plane, I just start a song or rhythm and often get immediate attention from her. She recognizes the songs and movements from class, so they are familiar to her and divert her interest. I don’t carry toys anymore, and actually look forward to these times that used to be difficult, because I feel confident that I can entertain her myself and have sweet one-on-one moments. It’s been a lifesaver. Other moms watch my ‘magic’ sometimes as their kids get involved. The Music Together class has become a big part of our week, but what we do with it during the rest of the week is the real fun!” ~ Brandy Y.
“This is the best program for children and I am telling so everybody I meet!” ~ Avery’s Grandma
“My 8-month-old daughter and I started attending Whirligig Music Together classes in March of 2011. Our wonderful teacher, Moni Kiraly, always encouraged us to participate in silly, fun, and age-appropriate (for the baby!) ways. I always felt comfortable singing, dancing, and playing the little percussion instruments and kazoos in class. I loved Moni’s habit of bringing in a variety of “serious” orchestral instruments to play for us each week, too. (They seem serious to me, though Moni would never describe them in such an intimidating way!) I think my baby especially enjoyed the deep resonance of the tuba and I loved the sound of the accordion. Moni also encouraged us to spend time singing and making music together at home every day. At first, I thought this sounded a bit like homework, but it was naturally something my husband and I enjoyed doing with the baby in the morning, at bedtime, and in the car throughout the day.
Thinking back, I believe it was after that first class that my baby started clapping for the first time. She clapped almost every time she heard music after that and surprisingly keeps very good rhythm, which Moni pointed out was something babies are often naturally good at. My daughter also rocks back and forth or side to side while sitting or standing and nods her head in time to the beat of music we listen to. At hom, we play together with a little egg maraca, a baby tambourine, a xylophone, and lots of drum-like empty coffee and yogurt containers. Sometimes my daughter drums with me, and sometimes she accompanies me with her clapping, but she’s always engaged and interested in the music making fun.
Just before our second to last class of the semester, when she was almost 11-months-old, my daughter started singing a basic chorus from our Music Together CD, which we listen to and sing along to every day. She has been doing this each day since, all day long, and I usually try to join in with a harmony when I notice her doing it. On a practical note, I’ve also noticed that she can usually be very quickly calmed when I start singing to her while she’s upset, such as when we’re waiting around for the pediatrician, changing clothes or diapers, or sitting in the car during long trips. Moni mentioned this “magical” use of music and it really does work!
I admit I find the Music Together CD pretty fun to rock out to, even when I’m in the car by myself. I also love the group jam sessions during our Whirligig classes and I really let myself enjoy it, especially since Moni tells us that our genuine enthusiasm and joy for making music will transfer to our kids. I’ve really enjoyed the course, had lots of fun singing and playing with the other parents and children, and truly look forward to making music with my daughter for many, many years to come! Moni has been a wonderful, inspiring, supportive, and informative teacher who is obviously quite gifted when it comes to working with kids and babies. I feel so fortunate that we found and were able to participate in this class!” ~ Laura E.
“My 2 and half year old son and I learned about Music Together from our playgroup. After attending a free demo class, we were hooked! The program offers musical education in such a fun, age-appropriate way … with the appropriate age ranging from the tiny to our grandma who had a blast on her recent visit! The class is fast-paced with lots of surprises; the different instruments and props help keep even the littlest ones engaged. The music and song selection is outstanding. I’ve listened to a ton of “kid” music in my mommy days, and this is the first CD that I actually like as much as both my boys. Moni, our wonderful teacher, is full of positive energy and does an awesome job of sharing – and spreading – her love of music. It’s so rewarding and beyond cool to see and hear my toddler singing and playing music spontaneously by himself. Music is important to our family, and this class has showed us even more ways to be musical daily. What a gift!” ~ Penelope H.
“Music Togetheris absolutely the best program you can give to your child! We tried so many other programs with our three kids (gymboree, kindermusik… you name it and we tried it), and MT is by far the best one. As a completely “non-musical”, “non-singing” parent, I love how this program changed it. The songs are so sweet and catchy (but not at all cheesy, like music on most kids’ cds), I love singing them with my kids! (there were a few times when I was driving in the car without kids and I found myself jamming to that CD without even realizing that I could listen to something else). My daughter loves to sing the songs and come up with new words for them (this program certainly promotes creativity and play). With each session I can see how my children change and grow musically and spiritually.
But I must say that a class is only as good as its teacher. This will be our 5th (yes, fifth!) session with Moni, and she is the best! She really connects with kids, she is very loving and enthusiastic, we always come home from the class uplifted and inspired. My children love her and adore her to no end, and I am just really happy that she is the one that they learn music from. Bottom line – try a class, fall in love, get addicted, and SING!” ~ Elya S.
“My 15 month old daughter and I took two Music Together sessions with Moni through Whirligig Music and loved both of them! She was always entertained, engaged, inspired, and excited! Although she doesn’t sing yet, I definitely feel that she’s benefited from all of the exposure to new music and instruments. She loves to dance and clap along to any music we hear everywhere now! We have to stop now because we’re moving, but really enjoyed our experience. Moni’s love and enthusiasm for music are contagious and we’d recommend this class to anyone!” ~ Stephanie O.
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