Hi, I’m Tammy, founder of Joyful Hearts Music.

Below, you can learn a little more about me, my background in music, and why I am so excited to bring Music Together® classes to families in our community.

My Background in Music

As a piano teacher with over 15 years of experience, it has been a privilege to teach students from early childhood through adulthood. I have worked with beginners taking their very first lessons, as well as students preparing for recitals, exams, auditions, and more advanced musical study.

Working with young children has always been especially meaningful to me. They bring so much energy, curiosity, imagination, and personality to each lesson, and it is a joy to watch their confidence and musicality grow over time. Now, I am especially excited to share music with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grownups through Music Together®.

Through years of teaching, I have seen how meaningful music can be in a child’s life. Music gives children a way to express themselves, connect with others, build confidence, develop focus, and experience joy. Children who are introduced to music early often develop a strong sense of rhythm, pitch, and musical expression which are skills that can support them for years to come.

Becoming a Mom

In January 2025, I became a mom, and I was excited to bring music into my son’s life. However, even with my background in music, I did not always know how to naturally bring music into our everyday routine. I played music for him and sang to him, and he loved it, of course, but I often found myself repeating the same nursery rhymes and looking for new ideas while also wanting to avoid too much screen time.

That is what led me to start Music Together® in our community.

I immediately connected with the research, history, and intention behind the program. Music Together® is built on the understanding that all children are musical, and that young children learn music much like they learn language: through immersion, repetition, play, and meaningful interaction with the grownups they love.

Through the Music Together® teacher training, I was also inspired by the richness of the curriculum. Music Together® introduces children to a wide variety of musical styles, rhythms, tonalities, and traditions, including jazz influences, complex rhythms, and modes such as Dorian and Mixolydian.

These concepts may sound advanced, but young children do not need to understand them intellectually right away. They are listening, feeling, moving, absorbing, and building a strong foundation for future musicianship. Through this training, I came to better understand how early musical exposure can make a meaningful difference.

Creating a Safe and Welcoming Space

After meeting more moms and families in the community, I was also inspired to create a safe and comfortable place where children are free to be themselves. In class, children can sing, dance, crawl, observe quietly, meet new people, and express themselves in their own way, all while learning music in a playful and natural environment.

I also want parents and caregivers to feel comfortable here. Parenthood can be wonderful, but it can also be tiring and overwhelming at times. Music gives families a chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy being together. Singing, moving, and making music with your child can be meaningful for children, but it can also be calming and joyful for grownups, too.

My hope is that Joyful Hearts Music feels like a place where families can connect, breathe, and enjoy a little time together through music.

I’m so glad you’re here, and I look forward to welcoming your family to class! Whether your child is ready to sing, dance, crawl, watch quietly, or simply take it all in, there is a place for you here.

-Ms. Tammy