[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] For Cathy, the magic of teaching Kindermusik is about bringing music into the hearts of children and helping educate parents about the incredible, rich, developmental and musical benefits of music. Her Kindermusik kids lovingly call her Miss Cathy or Aunt Cathy, and one time she was “Miss Poffy.”
With over 20 years experience and an award-winning Maestro program, Cathy has helped make a difference in the lives of thousands of Cleveland-area families, and she has even bigger plans to expand her reach by establishing an Arts Center this coming year.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: How long have you been teaching Kindermusik and operating Kindermusik of Cleveland?
CH: Since 1996. Heading into my 21st year!
TC: What are some of your hobbies?
CH: I love to read, but lament that I don’t read enough. My husband and I like to garden – I point and he plants. It’s a good combination. My dream is to take photography classes and French lessons. Some day…
TC: What is your favorite inspirational quote?
CH: I read so many that come through on Social Media and they touch me depending on my day. Too many to pick just one. Of course after reading the Art of Possibility, being able to say “How Fascinating” in response to a problem has really helped me get through some negative energy days. Not sure that’s truly an inspirational quote but it’s been a big help!
TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik song to sing?
CH: With each new unit, I have a new favorite. Of course I love singing the lullabies.
TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik dance to lead?
CH: Probably Tants Tants Yidelekh from Dream Pillow, but really any dance where we can come into the center and back out, because those giggling, smiling faces are the best.
.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/186258165″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: What’s your favorite part of teaching Kindermusik?
CH: Several weeks into a new session you hit a point where the magic happens. All of a sudden you see those “aha” moments on the adult’s and many times the child’s faces. They get what you’ve been saying from the beginning and realize that what we’re doing is making a difference. My favorite “feeling” of teaching Kindermusik is what I call being “in the zone” – all are present and engaged, and learning, and singing, and exploring, and soaking it all in, and of course loving it.
TC: If you had to name just one secret to success in the Kindermusik classroom, what would it be?
CH: Be prepared enough with your lesson and music, so you can focus on NOTICING without judging. Who is not engaged? Who might not be comfortable enough to make new friends? Why might a child be crying? The more you can notice without judging, the better you can understand how to help.
TC: How do your Kindermusik kids (or families) describe you?
CH: The words I hear most from parents are patient, helpful, understanding, fun. I hear that some of the kids talk about me at home all week long. I’m not able to decipher their lingo just yet.
TC: What’s the most touching thing that’s ever happened to you as a Kindermusik teacher?
CH: Back in the early years, I had a special needs student, Alex, with Downs Syndrome. She had been with us for over a year and was still not walking at 31/2 yrs. We were doing a circle dance in Our Time, walking around to the right. She let go of Dad’s hand and started walking with us. The entire class had tears in their eyes, watching how proud she was of her big accomplishment. I will always remember that.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: What do you feel has made your studio business a success?
CH: I have a business background which helped me from the beginning. I also am able to separate head-making decisions from heart-making decisions. I’ve learned not to take anything personally. I’m also able to see the big picture, rather than allow something little to affect my decision making. The two biggest positive impacts on my business have been 1) taking a week-long course with Dr. Becky Bailey, author of Conscious Discipline, and 2) joining Studio Expansion Program and then becoming a private client of Chantelle Bruinsma Duffield.
TC: What are some of the new and exciting things ahead for your business?
CH: My husband and I are now business partners and we’re opening up a full Arts Center in January. My ultimate goal is to keep the Kindermusik kids longer and have them age into our offerings: music lessons, dance, theatre, visual arts. Hoping this builds our older KM programs as an added benefit!
TC: What makes your studio such a special place?
CH: I think families love being there. I hear from parents that their child’s face lights up when they pull in to the parking lot. It’s the totality of everything you do, from having an amazing staff that are treated well and trained well, to the experience you give your families from the moment they walk in to when they leave and how you communicate with them during the week.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Cathy Huser is the owner and director of Kindermusik of Cleveland, a Maestro program serving the Cleveland, Ohio area.
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