Educator Spotlight: Carol Stringham

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Joy. Connection. Family. Growth. Heart. These are the values embodied by Carol Stringham and her lovely team at Song of the Heart Studios in Salt Lake City, Utah. Song of the Heart Studios was established in 1998 by Carol Stringham. Since then, her studio has grown to include over 350 students with a team of five talented Kindermusik educators, each dedicated to providing a spectacular experience in learning for the families at Song of the Heart. It comes as no surprise that Song of the Heart Studios is an award winning Conductor’s Circle Maestro program ranked among the top ten studios nationwide and the top 1% worldwide. Carol describes the last 18 years teaching Kindermusik as nothing short of amazing.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: How did Song of the Heart Studios get its start?

CS: I opened in 1998 in the family room of my home where I taught for 3 years. When the parking got a little crazy I moved into a ballet studio where I rented space and hired 3 teachers. We were there for 10 years. For the last 5 years we have enjoyed our own space with 3 studios and a team of 6. We are so grateful for our own space because we love to constantly add new instruments, props, and puppets. We’re always discovering something new to add to our collections that we know our families will enjoy. We also have a small satellite studio about 30 minutes away from our main location.

TC: What makes Song of the Heart Studios such a special place?

CS: I would definitely say our team! We have a talented family of educators but more importantly we have a dedicated, loyal, loving, encouraging group of women who strive to do good in the world. And they do. Every time they sit on the floor with Kindermusik families, they do good.  I am so grateful to learn from and to work side by side with each of them.

TC: What do your Kindermusik kids call you?

CS: They call me Ms. Carol

TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik song to sing?

CS: I love ALL of the hello songs because when I open my mouth to sing it means class is starting![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/AEirM6FYGI0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik dance to lead?

CS: I adore all of the Young Child dances but I think my favorite is Heel and Toe Polka. It’s such an accessible dance for this age group and there’s nothing like having the kids teach their grown-ups the dance. Circle dances are such a beautiful way to create community and bond with friends and family.

TC: What’s your favorite part of teaching Kindermusik?

CS: There are so many favorites in teaching Kindermusik. But, if I could only choose one, it would be witnessing the power of Kindermusik to build family bonds. At our studio we say that Kindermusik is joy, connection, growth, and family time all wrapped up in a musical package. There’s nothing we love more than seeing the JOY as families grow closer, or witnessing the CONNECTION as parents really come to understand and support their children, or watching the GROWTH that both children and parents exhibit. And it is such a privilege to design and provide the unparalleled FAMILY TIME where all are together in a spirit of love and encouragement. We have a favorite quote at our studio that we give to all of our parents. It says “There are no days of our childhood that we live so fully as those we spend with our mothers and fathers in play.” To be able to facilitate that experience for our families is our joy and our best work. I feel immeasurable gratitude for the opportunity.

TC: What’s the most touching thing that’s ever happened to you as a Kindermusik teacher?

CS: Oh my gosh, there are so many! One touching time was when we had a Kindermusik toddler pass away in a tragic accident. The moms in the class came together to comfort and support the grieving mother with thoughtful gifts, cards, and attendance at his funeral.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1471552518163-6d90f666-7fcd-0″ include=”9229,9227″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][blockquote cite=”Carol Stringham”]People first. Always.[/blockquote][vc_column_text]

TC: What are some of the funnier moments you’ve had as a Kindermusik teacher?

CS: Some of the funny moments – the time a Kindermusik daddy lifted his little guy up over his head and the baby promptly sent a waterfall of spit up all over Dad’s head and into his mouth. There was also the time when one of our toddlers lost her drawers as we were doing a circle dance. She just didn’t want to let go of the hands that were holding hers!  Like many Kindermusik teachers who have been doing this a long time, we have a joke in my family that we can’t go ANYWHERE without running into a Kindermusik family, even Disneyland but mostly Costco!

TC: Describe a favorite Kindermusik family that has impacted you as a teacher.

CS: I have a family whose 4 children have gone through our program from beginning to end. They have been a part of our studio for 14 years, with their youngest beginning Young Child in a few weeks. They credit Kindermusik with so much of the good in their lives and constantly express gratitude for the difference it has made. They credit Kindermusik with teaching mom and dad how to be better parents, with their children’s work ethic, with their school success, their musical success, and most importantly with their family bond. Amy, the mama, tells me that some of the happiest moments she has ever had with her children have been in my Kindermusik class. That has to have been one of the loveliest things anyone has ever said to me.

TC: What are some of the goals you have for your business?

CS: For a good long while, I thought I wanted to continue grow bigger. Now, I realize that I want to sustain and maintain while providing our families with such a stellar experience that they will feel the impact in their lives for years to come.

TC: If you could share one tip with a new Kindermusik educator, what would it be?

CS: Jump in! Try and put any fears you may have aside and have the courage to move forward onto this meaningful, life-changing path.  You will make a difference.

TC: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

CS: I have so many! The one that immediately comes to mind is “Children are the only future the human race has. Teach them well.” Another favorite is “All I really need is love in my family and a song in my heart.” Raffi  This quote was part of the inspiration for the name of our studio.

TC: If you had to name just one secret to success in the Kindermusik classroom, what would it be?

CS: People first. Always. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

One Reply to “Educator Spotlight: Carol Stringham”

  1. I have loved Ms. Carol and her studio and have traveled to it for almost 12 years. Such a rewarding time to spend with my children singing, dancing, exploring, and most of all having joy in music!

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