Any suggestions for a parent/child music class for my almost-one-year-old daughter who loves music? I am looking for a quality program, something like Wiggleworms (Old Town School's program), with an instructor who plays guitar, etc. My older child loved Wiggleworms but it's too far now that we moved to Oak Park. I was a bit disappointed with the OP Park District music class I took with him last spring. Now I'm hoping to find something good for my daughter. Is Partners in Play any good? They keep moving locations and never seem to get the schedule or any information out until the last minute. All suggestions welcome, thanks.
I don't have a suggestion, but just wanted to say that I'm with you on being disappointed with the Park District's classes. I bet I can guess which instructor you had!
Wiggleworms also has classes out in the burbs (Western Springs, Hinsdale, Evanston and I think Highland Park). I take my 8 month old and 2 1/2 year old to a siblings class in Western Springs and it is great.
I've tried the riverside/brookfield park distict classes and found they just don't compare.
I don't know if they have Kindermusik classes in your area or not, but I know that they are pretty popular in Mt. Prospect and Arlington Heights; Both of my children have been in these classes from before 1 year of age, and they both absolutely love them. (They are 4 and 2 1/2 now; a girl and a boy) They combine songs, dancing, instruments and motion with parent and child up to 3 years old; after 3, the classes continue until 7, I think, but without the parent. I know that in Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights, they are offered in conjunction with the park district, but not BY the park district. They are a bit on the expensive side, though. Go to http://www.kindermusik.com/ to see if there is an educator near your zip code.
HI R.,
Parents in Play are now at the OP Children Museum (Wonder Works, I was thinking about register the music class for my 20-month-old boy as well, however, I don't know anyone who has been to that class. Do you mind forward any feedback that you have received to me?
Thanks.
cj
Hi,
I took the OP Park District class with my 15 month old son and thought it was terrible! I now take a class at the River Forest Community Center, located on Madison and Gale (almost to Thatcher) that is great. Miss Bonnie (this is what she is reffered to!) is the teacher and although she doesn't play the guitar, she plays other instruments and has a great voice. I've been in her class for 4 sessions now and my son, who is 15 months now, loves it. I've referred several friends as well. She seems to be the best around here and has quite a following from what I understand. The phone number to register is: ###-###-#### and the website is: http://www.rfcc.info. I've heard good things about partners in play, although never taken a class there because they all start around 9 am and my son naps around that time. I hope to try it at some point.
Hope this helps,
N.
P.S. If you haven't tried out My Gym in River Forest on Lake Street, we love that as well. Great for little ones to play on safe equipment -- definitely recommend it.
I have done partners and play and i think it is pretty good - it is cheap, and you get what you pay for. First United Church on Lake and Kennilworth has a great music class that people rave about. I am not sure about the price - but I do not a lot of people who really like it... I have never done that one. But look into it!
B.
I was disappointed with the Kindermusic offered in Elmhurst through the park district and library, too. However, I think there are classes offered through Hinsdale Center for Music that might be close enough. You might want to check into that. Good luck.
Amy Pappageorge's Musicgarten program is excellent, she holds it at the church on the corner of lake and kenilworth. We took our daughter starting at 16 months, but she has younger classes. I don't have her number any more but I think you can get it on musicgarten's website.
