This past week, we were starting up the "Hello" song in one of my classes and my friend Hannah, who is not yet 3, came running in a little late and joyfully shouted "Jane! I'm home!"Can I just say this sweet exclamation MADE MY DAY?!?!
Many of my sweet friends think that the studio is my "home." Some have asked where my bed is or where my shower is. When they see me out and about at the grocery store or somewhere else they are truly puzzled!
While this may be what she was thinking, I've decided to interpret it differently ~
What does "home" mean to us? To me it means comfort, family, love, life. I call my house in Ellington "home" but I also refer to Minnesota, where I grew up, as home. I've lived in CT longer, but my feelings of comfort, family, love and life are still so very strong that when I visit, I want to shout out "I'm home!"
Perhaps Hannah has come to associate the studio as a place full of the things that make a "home" ~ comfort, family, love and life.
"Arts from the Heart" was chosen as my business name because I have long envisioned a place where families can gather and feel "at home." As I picture the expansion of my business I envision creating opportunities for families to come make music, find peace, support each other, learn from each other, laugh with each other.
In Music Together classes, many families find a place where they can relax and play. They create friendships and enjoy being in a community with others who value the role of music and connection in the lives of their children. I think that many of them feel "at home" and this makes me so happy!
Families often begin Music Together because they have heard (or believe) that music is good for young children. SO SMART! More and more research everyday shows how important early immersion in music is to the development of young minds and bodies. But, I think they choose to keep returning because in addition to the learning they see happening, they have found a "home."
My wish is that the families who still feel like they are visiting will return again and again until they find that feeling of "home." I hope that those who come through the doors of Arts from the Heart know they are always welcome!
One final thought… the Music Together "family" is growing across the globe ~ our music making communities are connected in a very powerful way, strengthening the relationships between parent and child, friends and neighbors.
Our sweet revolution has the potential to change the future ~ it's much harder to hate or fight with others, friends or strangers, when you are busy singing and dancing with them. Want to join us? www.artsfromtheheart.net
