First Notes Baby-Toddler Music Classes

My daughter, Maia, began attending First Notes music classes at Plymouth Performing Arts Center in August 2025, when she was just 13 months old. At the time, she could only say a few words—mostly the names of basic body parts. During class, she often preferred to sit back and observe Ms. Morgan and Mr. Paul. I would gently encourage her to stand up and move with the music, but for the first few months, she was hesitant.

Even so, I chose to continue enrolling her because she was clearly interested in what was happening around her. After each class, she would come home and eagerly play with her shaker toys, creating her own little moments of music. As she grew older and began communicating more, she started tapping on the table and saying “ta-ta-ta-ta,” mimicking the rhythms she heard in class.

Now at 18 months, and still attending First Notes, Maia has become much more comfortable and confident. She stands, moves, and dances during class, copies movements without my help, and even sings along to the songs. Attending First Notes has not only instilled a love of music in Maia, but has also helped build her confidence. This confidence carries over into other activities, such as library story time, where she now participates with more ease.

The class has also supported Maia’s fine and gross motor development. At home, she dances freely, engages in pretend play—like acting as a cow—and uses her tiny fingers to carefully move small objects. Watching her growth through music has been a joyful experience, and First Notes has played a meaningful role in her development.