Let’s talk PRESENCE. Life is busy, especially during the holidays. While we are in the same space as our children, you might find your mind is in a million other places. Taking some time to be mindful with our children, allows us to focus on the present moment only and not on things that have happened or things that are going to happen. When we are fully present with our children, they learn from us. When we are fully present, our children feel seen, heard, important and special.

How do we do this?
1. Slow down and just take in the present moment through all of your senses.
2. Observe your child without agenda. Simply watching and observing all the amazingness that is your child, will slow your mind down from expectation and future planning.
3. Sing a song. Music is a magical tool that naturally brings presence. It’s very hard to sing a song and think of much else in that moment!
4. Dance together. Moving with baby reduces stress and calms baby down. It also will calm your mind.
5. Come to Kindermusik! Well of course we are going to say that. Hee hee. But seriously, it’s very hard to come to Kindermusik and NOT be present because we do all of the above in class. We slow down, observe, sing and dance. Amazing! That 45 minutes each week is worth SO MUCH for learning, bonding, presence and mindfulness. Give it a try.

Happy Holidays!
Try a class for $5 (in-person & virtual)
growandsing.com

School Year 2022 – 2023 in-person and virtual classes registration is ongoing until May. We know you’ll find an option that will be the perfect learning experience for your child (or YOU, hint hint, private lessons…). Have questions? Just contact us.

We are currently offering in-person $5 preview class opportunities for our baby, young toddler and toddler music classes as well as a full preview week for $5 for virtual classes. Give Kindermusik a try! In-Person Central Florida Kindermusik classes held in Orlando and Volusia at UCF/Oviedo, Winter Park, Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, Winter Garden and Port Orange.

Holly Lesnick is owner/director of Grow and Sing Studios, an award winning Kindermusik accredited program. She is a proud mother of two amazing kids, music therapist and Kindermusik University Coach for Kindermusik Internation Corporate. 

We are back in person which has been SO amazing! The connections, the smiles… it’s something we missed so much during our almost 18 months of being only virtual. Being in person with Kindermusik comes with some common questions from parents.  These are questions we haven’t answered in a while, so we wanted to revisit this topic and see if we can reassure you that your child is thriving no matter their learning style.

Whether you are in our Kindermusik classes, another parent child class, or even getting back out there with playdates and social opportunities, you may be noticing that your child isn’t instantly jumping right in, or seemingly excited to be there. However, what you see on the surface many not be the entire story.

Children learn in so many different ways. Some learn by listening (auditory), some learn by moving (kinesthetic), and some learn by touch (tactile). Some children, especially in new environments may appear disinterested, when in reality, they might just be processing. Many times parents interpret this passive learning as their children not liking the class, activity, or experience. This might not be the case at all. In fact, when you go home, or when class ends and your child is back in their safe place, they might start showing you all that they learned. It’s quite amazing to see!

The best learning experiences are those that integrate the senses, learning domains, developmental needs, and interests of the child. For example, a great integrated activity might involve singing, language, imagination, listening, creativity, problem solving, and pretend play. This level of integration creates an optimal and meaningful learning environment for each child.

Preparing a safe and secure learning environment is a top priority. When in this type of environment, children are able to access the part of the brain which is responsible for learning and memory. With you by your child’s side, you are creating a safe, loving place to return to at any time.  The key is making exploring and socializing an option, but not judging how or when your child may integrate in. Inviting them to join and participate at whatever pace they need without expectation is the best gift you can give as you both return to these kinds of activities.

I hope this eases your mind as you head back to an in-person experience. Wishing you well.

School Year 2021 – 2022 in-person and virtual classes registration is ongoing. We know you’ll find an option that will be the perfect learning experience for your child (or YOU, hint hint, private lessons…). Have questions? Just contact us.

We are currently offering in-person preview class opportunities for our baby, young toddler and toddler music classes as well as a full preview week for our virtual classes. Give Kindermusik a try! In-Person Central Florida Kindermusik classes held in Orlando and Volusia at UCF/Oviedo, Winter Park, Lake Nona, Winter Garden and Port Orange.

Holly Lesnick is owner/director of Grow and Sing Studios, an award winning Kindermusik accredited program. She is a music therapist, and proud mother of two.

Greetings! I want to start by letting you know that practicing gratitude is scientifically proven to increase happiness by 25%. Simply by finding things (even the little things) and stating you are grateful will help you be happy. Not only that, but practicing gratitude also:

I wanted to start this blog post off with that bit of information because Thanksgiving is truly my favorite holiday. Why? Because it reminds us to practice gratitude, which is something we should do each and every day of the year.

It’s been a really rough year. We all know it and we all feel it. However, there are so many blessings, even small ones, that we can feel gratitude for.

Personally, I have had a life filled with a lot of loss. My father passed away when I was four years old of Leukemia. My adopted father passed away when I was in college from a scuba diving accident. It would have been very easy to give up even back then. To NOT have gratitude. To just be sad and dwell on what wasn’t good. I’m not going to pretend that every day was happy. I had some bad ones. BUT, in the journey of losing two very important people in my life, I realized even as a young child and then reminded as a young adult how GRATEFUL I am for the days I got to spend with them.  I KNOW that there are SO many people in the world right now working through this same realization. Whether it’s loss of loved ones, friends, or even a job they loved. I send you love and peace as you work towards the gratitude for the time you had.

Throughout this pandemic, which has now been 9 months long and really scary, I’ve had to go back to that space of gratitude. I’ve had to be intentional each day when I wake up. To look around, take in a breath, and be grateful for another day. Another day filled with breathing, music, laughter, children, nature, animals, amazing co-workers, and yes, binge worthy television (whew thank goodness for Netflix!).

If you are reading this, I want to say THANK YOU. If you are reading this, you are somehow tied into the incredible musical community we have created at Grow and Sing Studios, or tied into me personally. It hasn’t been easy keeping our studio going over the last 9 months and it would be SO easy to find the bad things and dwell on that. However, instead, we are currently serving over 100 students between our Kindermusik classes and private lessons and classes. Now that is something to celebrate and be grateful for!!

THANK YOU for believing in us.
THANK YOU for making music with us.
THANK YOU for being in my world.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENERGY, INSPIRATION, AND CREATIVITY.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING LOVE.

Happy Thanksgiving!

With gratitude,
Holly Lesnick, Owner/Director
Grow and Sing Studios

I wrote a portion of the following article last year, but this year, it’s resonating again and just as important. Thanks for reading. 

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, one who is now a SENIOR, 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. The days where you were counting the minutes until nap time so perhaps you could go the bathroom alone. Seriously, I really do get it.

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.

Another bit that truly sat with me when I watched this video by the NC Early Childhood Foundation, is that “brains are built, not born“. Whoah! 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 curriculum is. But honestly I just want to perhaps suggest that you take one unplugged 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 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.

www.growandsing.com

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. 

www.funboxphotos.com
www.growandsing.com

A Monday reflection from Owner/Director and Mompreneur Holly Lesnick:

I’m often asked how I can do so much or be so busy. How do I do it? How do I manage?

I usually just respond with “I’m not sure, it just works.”

But I’ve thought about it, and the truth to me is completely simple. First, let me explain for those that don’t know exactly what “so much” entails. I own Grow and Sing Studios. 13 years ago, after 2 years teaching Kindermusik for anther studio and as a music therapist on a break when my son was 6 weeks old, I created my studio which offered a very simple TWO Kindermusik classes per week total. I began this journey because I yearned for connections with other parents and through my first passion which is music it seemed like the obvious fit. I craved to be in a happy, smiley, positive place and so, I decided to create it for myself. At the time, my husband did wedding and event video – another happy, smiley, positive place as well. During the recession, his video business was affected, but somehow Grow and Sing Studios GREW. Not only grew, but won awards. Lots of awards. How is that? Through the years, I’ve added numerous locations and various classes, a wonderful staff, birthday parties, piano lessons, voice lessons… frankly the list is VERY long and could go on because not all things I tried, stuck. But, through it all, the goal was simple though I’m not sure I saw it yet. On the surface yes, it’s to earn more money and support my family. Of course that’s mission number one. It’s also to be the best I can be in my field. When I’m “in it” I’m trying to compete, be fierce, stay on the cutting edge of social media. It sometimes seems exhausting but my focus never wavers.

A few years ago we added our photo booth business. To some, this seemed REALLY random. To other’s their response was “here we go, Holly and Will are at it again”, but to the few who REALLY know me, it was, oh WOW this makes sense. Will missed his connections made when doing event video. He enjoys the excitement. I thrive on happy environments. What’s better to merge together than a photo booth business right? Each time I help Will with a photo booth job, one thing just screams out loud to me. Something that happens in every Kindermusik class, every birthday party, every staff meeting I lead, and every photo booth gig we do. LAUGHTER. Let me tell you, the LAUGHTER that spills out of that photo booth is contagious. It’s incredible. Seriously. If you are ever nearby a photo booth. Just go stand near it and listen. I PROMISE your day will become brighter.

On top of all of that, two and half years ago, I accepted a part time contract position with Kindermusik International as a Kindermusik University Coach. My task is to lead KU students through online business AND pedagogy courses, a 3 day face to face conference, and through a vigorous 1 month practicum to ultimately send them into their own journey of starting a Kindermusik Studio. I have students all across sthe U.S. and even some in Canada and beyond. It’s so rewarding helping others achieve their dream. While along the way there is a lot of fun, laughter and I get to work with some amazing Kindermusik professionals that are also part of the KU training team.

I feel like this is becoming a review of my resume. But ultimately, it’s just an explanation of how I do “so much”.

In the end, the most important job of all is being a mother to Anna and Aiden. What a journey parenting is. Oh the laughter. Oh the teenage angst.

Okay, so what do I thrive on, and keep adding to my life and career? LAUGHTER. SMILES. CONNECTIONS. I finally figured it out. It’s the constant guarantee in life full of variables. Is life an experiment? Well yes, we are always trying new things, testing the waters, figuring it out. But I’m starting to realize that if you can find your constant that makes you the happiest, you WILL succeed. And so, I finally figured it out. HAPPINESS is my dream. LAUGHTER is what I long for, and what I strive for each and every day.

May your week bring you much happiness, peace, success and many giggles.

Thanks for reading.

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. 

www.funboxphotos.com
www.growandsing.com

I woke up this fine Tuesday morning, after a nice Labor Day weekend with my family thinking about all the emails and messages I need to reply to. I’m so excited that many parents are investigating a musical experience for their child and themselves. It’s great. However, in reading these emails I am noticing a lot of the following.

“My son loves music.”

“My daughter loves to sing.”

“My child is always dancing.”

or on the flipside:

“I want to try to see if my newborn likes it.”

“I’m not sure my toddler will like music.”

I am not surprised at all to hear that a child loves music and that they like to sing and dance. It’s play, and it’s a child’s work to play.

However, I am surprised to hear that parents of small children want to try music to see if their child likes it.

Who doesn’t like music?

That is the question I asked myself this morning.

Did you know a study by Nielsen Music in 2017 reported that the average American listens to music 32 hours a week? That’s on AVERAGE. That’s a LOT of hours. Music is all around us. It’s in the background in the movies and shows we watch. It’s on in the background while we are doing work. It’s playing in the car. It’s playing in the grocery store. It’s everywhere.

Why?

Honestly, as a music therapist, I could go on all day on the healing elements of music. But I’ll give you a little list today that might help explain WHY your child loves music. Why YOU love music. Why music is everywhere.

First, music can improve cognitive function. Music ignites all areas of the brain. It lights it up, helps those connections, well connect. When parents say their child loves music I always think “of course he does”, because his brain is excited and it’s connecting through music in a way no other thing on earth could ever do. Music is rhythm and almost every function of daily living requires some rhythm. Walking, talking, writing, typing, running, throwing, kicking. All of it.

Another reason we love music is that it relaxes us. It’s scientifically proven that music reduces stress. By listening to music, the nervous system calms and recovers quickly from the many stressors in life. This is why in our classes, we work on the learned skill of relaxation while listening to music. We are teaching children early on to help their body calm and recover.

Have you ever tried to memorize something, and it just wasn’t sticking? But then, when you put the information into a song, or a rhyme, voila, you remembered? That’s because music has been proven to improve memory. Could it have something to do with the fact that our hearts have beats so we have an innate NEED for music and rhythm in our bodies and brains? I think so.

Music is also a great tool for managing pain, boosting mood, reducing depression and improving sleep. Who doesn’t like that?

I’m excited to reply to these parents who are in tune with the fact their children love music. However, in the future, I would love to get messages that read something like this:

“I know that music is one of the most important aspects of life. I’m ready to learn the many ways music benefits my baby, and what I can do at home when we aren’t in class”.

To everyone out there, I assure you, your baby will love it. After 15 years of teaching Kindermusik, I haven’t met a baby yet that hasn’t liked music.

Happy singing!

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. 

Okay, probably a lot. Onesies. Babies. Kindermusik.

Getting personal today. This girl is the reason Grow and Sing Studios exists because she is the reason I walked into a Kindermusik classroom when she was 3 months old. Why share this? Well, first of all, I love recommending local businesses. But more importantly, this picture, despite first appearances represents empowerment, acceptance, individuality, confidence and fun. My daughter Anna has been working with us helping with our online marketing which has been amazing. Need online help, ask a teen! Seriously!

Anyway, with some of the money she earned, she bought this very snuggly Batman onesie. I thought, hmm, okay whatever makes her happy. Last night, our family decided to go for some ice cream. She was snuggled in her onesie when the decision was made and asked if she needed to change. BUT before I could answer she said, “You know what? I’m wearing it, it makes me happy.” All I said was “yes, rock it!” You know what, she made people smile and she smiled during our entire ice cream outing.

She was my very first Kindermusik kid. Now she is a high school Junior. She is an incredible musician. She’s in leadership in marching band. She’s starting her dual enrollment courses at Valencia College.

She learned empowerment, acceptance, individuality, confidence and fun first and foremost at KINDERMUSIK. It shaped her for the amazing woman she is becoming. Hindsight as a mom, Kindermusik was the single best choice we made when she was younger.

By the way, the ice cream shop is Frozen Nitrogen Ice Cream near UCF. We love it there!

I would love to see you at a free preview class. Pressure free always. have a fabulous day.

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.

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.