Have you ever searched for a Kindermusik class and wondered what that circular “Top Program” icon really means? Each year, we award Kindermusik Top Program status to studios across the globe with the highest registrations and other factors that contribute to their offerings being the best early childhood music and movement programs around.
This year, the very TOP of the Top Programs is My Little Conservatory in San Jose, California. Owned by Accredited Kindermusik Educator, Amelia Vitarelli, My Little Conservatory’s recipe to an award-winning program is a mix of listening to families’ needs first, requiring the highest standards from teachers and team members, and ensuring that a heart for and belief in early childhood music education is at the center of every class.
Meet Ameilia and take a peek inside the #1 Kindermusik Top Program for 2025.
8 Questions with a Kindermusik Top Program:
How did you originally hear about Kindermusik and what was your journey to becoming an Accredited Educator like?
I first heard about Kindermusik from a friend who encouraged me to explore the program. I was immediately drawn to the way it blended joyful, research-based music education with a strong foundation in child development. I became accredited in the late 1990s and began teaching for Kindermusik of Northern California.
After a few years, I stepped away when I moved out of state to complete my master’s degree in flute performance. In 2012, I returned to Kindermusik with a bigger vision to create an entire community where children and families could grow through music together. That return to accreditation was both inspiring and affirming, and it reminded me that Kindermusik is more than a curriculum—it is truly a calling.
How many years in a row has your studio been awarded a Top Program status?
My Little Conservatory has been recognized as a Top Program for 9 years in a row and has spent 8 years in the top tier, known as The Conductor’s Circle.
Tell us a little bit about your community.
San Jose is an incredibly diverse and highly educated community. Families here deeply value giving their children the best start in life, and they already understand the power of music in building strong minds and character. Parents and caregivers are eager to give their children the brain-boosting benefits of music, and they see Kindermusik not only as a joyful activity but as an advantage that helps their children grow cognitively, socially, and emotionally.
Rather than simply offering a curriculum, we made [our families’] needs our main talking points. By centering our studio around what families told us mattered most, we built trust and loyalty, which in turn fueled growth.
How have the families you serve influenced the way you structure your classes and ensure you’re meeting their needs?
One of the most critical steps in our growth has been listening closely to our local families and turning their hopes and expectations into the heart of our program. Rather than simply offering a curriculum, we made their needs our main talking points. By centering our studio around what families told us mattered most, we built trust and loyalty, which in turn fueled growth. I also created a clear pathway that moves from supporting the development of the whole child in the younger years to cultivating the development of the musician in the older preschool years.
Families want something more than what their child receives in preschool, and by elevating the musical experiences in our older classes, we have met that need in a meaningful way. This has really paid off in both enrollment and family satisfaction.
What standards do you hold for yourself and any employees as educators, and how do you keep that top of mind?
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism, warmth, and joy. Every class should feel safe, welcoming, and structured in a way that allows children to flourish. I continuously provide trainings and conduct observations with my team to ensure we are all growing, consistent, and excellent. I also take great care in hiring. New teachers start as teaching assistants, and I only move them into the Kindermusik classroom if they demonstrate a true passion for young children and music. I would rather wait for the right person than hire someone who is not a fit. Excellence is never a one-time achievement—it is a habit we live out daily.
…parents often share how the songs and rituals we practice become part of their daily routines, providing comfort and connection at home.
Any “a-ha” moments from teaching classes?
What I love most about my work is witnessing the way music brings children and families together and helps them grow. Over time, I have seen lasting friendships form as families connect week after week and become part of one another’s lives. Within the classroom, it is deeply rewarding to watch a shy child slowly come out of their shell, gaining the confidence to participate and shine. That same spark often leads to moments when a child discovers the instrument that feels like their own special voice, opening up new ways to express themselves. Beyond the classroom, parents often share how the songs and rituals we practice become part of their daily routines, providing comfort and connection at home.
Perhaps most meaningful of all is seeing the progression from whole-child development in the early years to true musicianship as children grow older. Together, these experiences remind me that Kindermusik is far more than just a class—it is a journey that nurtures connection, confidence, and creativity for families.
What makes a Kindermusik class different?
Kindermusik isn’t an enrichment. It’s an investment in a child’s brain, heart, and development. It builds cognitive growth, literacy and social skills, and grownup-child bonds in ways that few other activities can. Many families share that it becomes the best and most meaningful time they spend together each week.
What vision do you have for your studio in the years to come?
My vision is to continue reaching more children by expanding our programs and growing our nonprofit arm, My Little Conservatory Cares. Through this initiative, we can bring the gift of music to underserved children and families who may not otherwise have access. I believe every child deserves the chance to experience the power of music, and this is the next chapter in our studio’s story
Find out more about Top Program studios like My Little Conservatory, and locate one near you. If you’re interested in becoming an Accredited Educator like Amelia, check out our training options. If you’re in the San Jose area, check out all that My Little Conservatory has to offer!