It Takes A Village…Or A Music Class
By Julia Halsey
Mid-Hudson Music Together is more than just a music class — it’s a way to strengthen the Hudson Valley community.
Since 1992 the program has worked to offer early childhood music and movement education, which is something that Director Sabrina Ferguson says is more important than we think.
“…Repetition and continuous exposure to music is crucial from the ages of 0–7 if we hope our little ones will be the music makers we are all born to be in life.”
Ferguson has served as the director of Mid-Hudson Music Together since 2011, and its focus on research-based music teaching methods is what drew her to the program years ago.
“There is great repertoire, paired with age-appropriate activities and a flow to the class which suits both children and grown-ups,” she explained. “It is a fantastic exposure to music of different cultures that make up our ever-changing American experience.”
When it comes to planning each of the 45-minute classes, which are adjusted accordingly for different age groups, ritual and repetition is key.
“There is a time to get wild and let your hair down and a time to focus in and get grounded with rituals worked into each class such as a special lullaby and both a beginning greeting and ending goodbye,” she said. “The rituals are very helpful for children as they develop they serve as anchors in their ever-changing bodies and selves.”
Above the musical education children learn in each class, Ferguson says that the sense of community is what keeps families coming back.
“For some parents it’s about the friendships they make in class,” she said. “When parents come to class they can let off some steam dancing and singing and just connecting with other families. Many just want that contact with other adults going through similar experiences.”
Brittani O’Hearn is one of those parents who found her tribe through Mid-Hudson Music Together, so much that she felt called to become a music instructor herself.
“I’m a musician, I’m a mom, I’m a teacher. It just felt right and is a great fit for my life as a mostly stay at home mom with multiple side hustles and part-time jobs,” she said.”
Classes are held at various locations throughout the Hudson Valley like Waddle n Swaddle in Poughkeepsie, the Unison Arts Center and St. Andrew’s Church in New Paltz, The Beacon Music Factory, and the High Meadow Dance Studio in Stone Ridge.
What helps Mid-Hudson Music Together stand apart from similar programs is its organization of classes, which are offered for “Mixed Age” (0–5 years) or “Babies Only” (0–9 months).
“This design tends to eliminate feelings of ‘competition’ and the children can all learn from each other and their caregivers who model what I’m doing,” O’Hearn explained. “ It gives children the freedom to experiment with music on their terms; they are free to move about the room as they wish, ‘participate’ in the activities or not. It allows them to have very positive, expectation free first experiences with music.”
O’Hearn agrees that one of the most treasured things about the program is the community it creates.
“My favorite part of teaching Music Together is the relationships I get to build with my students and their families,” she shared. “We’re building a little musical community each semester and it’s so powerful!”
O’Hearn is the newest of four instructors who are bonded by a love of music education. She and Ferguson envision themselves remaining a part of the Mid-Hudson Music Together community for many years to come.
“There are so many reasons why I stick with Mid-Hudson Music Together from year to year,” Ferguson said. “There are some things in life that are just worth it!
