Learning piano is fun and rewarding, and can be transformative. But my real goal is that all new moms and dads have the help they need to be confident in raising kids who are confident, feel safe, and who have internal empathy. And really, we all need help. My deep down hope is that every single parent who wants it, has access to the Baby-Led Piano™ method, regardless of their ability to pay.
But having a cool music program and some great parenting principles only helps when your basic needs are met. So, making an impact in the community is a value I take very seriously.
I invite you to learn more about a few of the organizations Little Bird Piano Academy™ supports & partners with and to join us for the in-person and online events we sponsor and participate in!
Kindering embraces children of diverse abilities and their families by providing the finest education and therapies to nurture hope, courage, and the skills to soar.
Parent Education Classes at Kindering
Kindering offers 90 minute Parent Education classes in partnership with Little Bird Piano Academy™ led by Miss Holly. In these introductory sessions parents and children experience songs, games and activities that they can enjoy together, over and over again.
You’ll learn some of the fundamentals of teaching your baby how to:
- read sheet music
- how to play the piano and
- how to create music together
It’s an interactive class, so come prepared with questions! We recommend babies, toddlers, and preschoolers attend but it’s not required.
Toddler Tuesday with Infinity Farms Issaquah
Infinity Farm! Your littles (children ages 1-8) will get a chance to explore, interact with others, meet & feed our farm animals and engage in structured activities. Please dress accordingly, as our events operate rain or shine! Caregivers are responsible for the safety and supervision of their children.
Each Toddler Tuesday ticket covers everyone in one household!
Our Toddler Tuesdays run all year long!
At Infinity Farm Issaquah, community means everything. Whether we let others utilize our land for celebrations, host community events, or sell our produce to local businesses, the community is the heart of everything we do.
Real Change is a Seattle-based newspaper that provides opportunity to people experiencing homelessness and poverty while taking action for economic, social, and racial justice. Through the Vendor Program, they provide low-barrier employment and services for those who need them. Through independent journalism and community-led advocacy, they provide a voice to those who are often left unheard while advocating for long-term systemic change. Real Change envisions a just, caring, and inclusive community, where people are no longer marginalized by racism and classism and have the means to live with dignity.
Individual donations power Real Change’s jobs, journalism, and justice, and recurring contributions make Real Change possible year-round.
Real Change
I once found myself very close to living in my car, with my youngest son.
I never thought I’d be in a situation like that. I considered myself reasonably intelligent, and I’m a very hard worker. But I unwittingly got myself into a situation I couldn’t get out of without help. Due to the stress of the situation, my health took a huge nose-dive, and I found myself barely able to teach my piano classes. As soon as the moms would leave after class with their adorable little kids, I would quickly lock the door of my studio and collapse on the couch for a nap, so I could make the 10-minute drive home.
There were people who could help, but didn’t. I don’t know why. But I had a friend who stepped up, found me a place to stay, and eventually (when I was ready) a brother who came and got me out of that place. Turns out, when you’re in a situation like that, you’re not always equipped to make the next best decision. It took a while for me to understand that things were not going to get better where I was, and to accept defeat.
And that baby boy from nearly 40 years ago? He’s been here for me for the long haul, along with my other amazing kids. Despite all of my mistakes, they grew up to be people who care, and who do something about it. I couldn’t be more proud of them.
It’s easy to wish that whole scenario never happened, but I’m so glad I was able to take a way some valuable life-lessons.
Sometimes you need help.
Some people will judge you, and others will genuinely help. And I want to always be the latter.
Individually, few of us have the ability to really make a change for all of the people in situations like mine, or worse: actually living in their car or on the ground.
