A Rockin’ Good Time in Music for Aardvarks
I had a really fun opportunity this week to take my almost 2 year old little guy to his first Music for Aardvarks class with Mr. Joe. This was our first time in a music type class and let me tell you, this was a great time for him and for me!
Maybe you’re wondering: what is Music for Aardvarks?
Music for Aardvarks is an early childhood music class. On their website they say, “Music for Aardvarks is a refreshing alternative to the traditional music class for kids ages 8 months to 5 years old. Song, dance, and rhythm combine for a rockin’ good time. It’s a foot stomping, jingle shaking, drum drumming hullabaloo for both kids and their parents!”
I want to share our experience in our first class this week. We attended a class with Mr. Joe in East Memphis at the Shady Grove Presbyterian Church. We walked into the room to music playing, big bouncy balls that the kids could toss around, and a comfy carpet for us to all sit on. All of the moms were very welcoming, which was really nice and instantly put me at ease. Once everyone was gathered, Mr. Joe took out his guitar and started singing the welcome song; every child’s name was sung as we went around the circle. Will was so excited to hear his name! We then transitioned to singing a few songs that included movements and dancing. Mr. Joe got out the maracas and egg shakers for the the next few songs (including Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes).
After that we got up on our feet for some fun “Copycat” songs, including a follow the leader circle and more dancing. Mr. Joe then gave the kids a dance break with a bubble machine and scarves to Will’s favorite dance song “Let’s Groove” by Earth Wind and Fire (seriously, the kid requests it from Alexa daily!). We transitioned into parachute time with fun foam balls that were “popcorn” and sang a song about popcorn popping which was so much fun!
Just when I thought we had all the fun we could have, Mr. Joe got out the instruments. Will picked a drum and drummed along to “Lowrider” while other kids played other instruments. We put our instruments up, Mr. Joe dimmed the lights, and we calmed down to him playing the guitar and singing a slower song. The next thing I knew it was the end of the spectacular class and we were singing a goodbye song, complete with each child’s name!
My review of our first class is that it is such a great time and I’m looking into signing up for a 10 week session with Mr. Joe.
Here’s what I loved about it: it’s 45 minutes (not too long, not too short!), there are a variety of times and locations to chose from, and I especially loved that it wasn’t the typical toddler music that (let’s be honest) we are all a little sick of! It’s catchy, fun music with a great beat that is fun for adults and kids. Mr. Joe is such a fun leader. It’s definitely a great activity for the summer and a wonderful opportunity to meet other moms and kids.
THE 5 WEEK SEMESTER BEGINS SATURDAY, JUNE 8th
- The cost is $105 and $50 for additional siblings.
- Siblings under 8 months may attend free
- If you have taken Music for Aardvarks classes before, sign up with a friend who is NEW to Aardvarks this semester and take $10 off your tuition for the semester. Just adjust your payment when you send it in and include the name of the new family.
THE 9 WEEK SEMESTER BEGINS MONDAY JUNE 10TH 2 LOCATIONS: FIRST CONGO/MIDTOWN SHADY GROVE PRES./ E MEMPHIS
- Tuition is $170 for 9 weeks
- Includes a Music for Aardvarks CD
- Siblings over 8 months can enroll for $90
- Siblings under 8 months may attend free
- If you have taken Music for Aardvarks classes before, sign up with a friend who is NEW to Aardvarks this semester and take $10 off your tuition for the semester. Just adjust your payment when you send it in and include the name of the new family.
We recommend that you register ahead of time in order to reserve your spot in class, especially if your schedule is not flexible or if you desire to be in a class with friends. Many classes fill up quickly, so please do not wait until the last minute.
