[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Jessica Hanson opened Take Note Studio in 2006, the same year that she became a licensed Kindermusik educator. Since 2006, Jessica’s studio has grown to include offering Kindermusik, music theatre, and private music instruction. A busy mom of five, Jessica’s heart for children, families, and the difference that music can make in their lives shines through in everything she does.
[/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?
JH: Building relationships with students’ families and creating systems to provide great communication.
TC: What makes your studio such a special place?
JH: I was taking a video of my Young Child 3 class acting out “Little Feather” the other day, and was standing by the door. I didn’t notice until I watched the video later all the background noise of all the parents talking and laughing in our waiting room. It was so affirming to hear relationships being formed not only with the kids but with the parents. We are definitely a place where friendships and connections happen, and we highly value the support and kindness we give each other.
TC: What do your Kindermusik kids call you?
JH: Ms. Jessica[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/194815177″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: How do your Kindermusik kids (or families) describe you?
JH: I think families would describe me as a confident and calming presence in the classroom. One mom said the other night, “You are so patient yet prepared and equipped!” That is what I want for all my parents – to be enabled to handle any situation in a loving and effective way.
TC: What’s your favorite part of teaching Kindermusik?
JH: So hard to choose! I love fostering parent/child connections and providing an environment for parents to be completely present in our fast paced, busy world. It’s so satisfying to empower parents with tools to be the best parents they can be – teaching them to love their children authentically and feel successful in this challenging and so important job of parenting.
TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik song to sing?
JH: I especially love the ones I can change the words to for use in any context. I use “Rise, Sugar, Rise” a lot, especially when we’re working on patience… “waiting here together two by two”. But we change the verb up a lot! I also love the silliness of “Hey, Lolly”. I ALWAYS have a Kindermusik song running through my head, day and night!
TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik dance to lead?
JH: Hands down, Tants Tants. We call it the “Tuba song”. Both parents and kids love it and it is so fun to see 2 year olds doing deep knee bends and saying “Tuba” in their low voices during the Tuba section!
TC: If you had to name just one secret to success in the Kindermusik classroom, what would it be?
JH: Becoming a better observer and learning how to be more “present” myself. Learning how to relax and gauge the dynamic of the classroom at the moment.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][blockquote cite=”Cheryl Lavender”]“The fact that children can make beautiful music is less significant than the fact that music makes beautiful children.”[/blockquote][vc_column_text]TC: Describe a teaching experience that has impacted you as a teacher.
JH: It’s too hard for me to pick just one. I am weekly impacted by the power of music and its effect on the whole child. First words, first steps, first songs, and new skills happen in the classroom a lot. But I am even more impacted by the stories of parents who come in and report how music has helped their daily life and family connectedness throughout the week.
TC: If you could share one tip with a new Kindermusik educator, what would it be?
JH: The Kindermusik curricula is AMAZING – utilize and learn every bit of it and then as time goes on learn how to adapt, lengthen, and customize each lesson plan as you learn each child and family.
TC: What are some of the goals you have for your studio business?
JH: I am increasingly learning about what energizes me most. The top three are training excellent teachers; providing parenting workshops to support and empower parents; and mobilizing our outreach initiatives both locally and globally.
TC: What’s something new and exciting that’s happening with your business?
JH: We are very excited about our growing teaching staff! We are training two more Kindermusik teachers now to add to our team of four already. We are also looking forward to offering classes at a nursing home this winter, and are preparing for our annual fundraiser for scholarships and outreach.
TC: What is your favorite inspirational quote?
JH: From Cheryl Lavender, “The fact that children can make beautiful music is less significant than the fact that music makes beautiful children.”[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Take Note Studio in Wisconsin has studio locations in Manitowoc, Kohler, and Sheboygan Falls. Regular Blogger and Kindermusik Educator Theresa Case brings us our monthly Educator Spotlight feature. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]