BENICIA, Calif. — In 2003, Bay Area native Justine Chadly founded In Harmony Music with a mission to nurture young minds through music. The organization emphasizes the importance of family and community in a child’s growth, offering classes led by local educators and musicians from the Bay Area.
In Harmony Music believes that childhood is a critical period for personal development, and music serves as an ideal medium for that growth.
“We consider ourselves the go-to for modern music education,” Chadly explained. “We’ve completely transformed what music education can be. It’s a vibrant, engaging experience that makes kids eager to learn.”
Tom Foote, the creative director at In Harmony Music, met Chadly at a music conference a decade ago, and their collaboration has flourished ever since. Together, they have been instrumental in introducing young families across the Bay Area to their innovative musical learning techniques.
“There was an undeniable connection when we first met; we knew we’d be part of each other’s journeys,” Foote shared.
Chadly added, “We’re incredibly proud of the collection of over 100 songs we’ve written and rearranged for children and families.” The duo is dedicated to continually crafting new pieces and refreshing classic tunes to keep their musical offerings fresh and relevant.
Not only do they have class space throughout the Bay Area, in Benicia, San Anselmo and the Richmond District; they also bring their classes outdoors in community parks and recreation areas.
“Music, movement, and play are so impactful, and creating as a community then being outdoors adds a whole other level of health benefits, right? Just being outside and together,” said Chadly.
Harmony’s staff is comprised of like-minded musicians and educators, most of them hearing about the program and wanting to be involved.
“We have the best team, our team, they align with what we want to do,” said Chadly.
Along with music for child development, the team has also created The In Harmony Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to support future traumas and help heal past ones by providing musical healing tools in a community setting.
“Emotional education is such an important thing in this decade and our next phase of life. We really need to focus on social and emotional growth, so we are really proud to offer these programs to the community,” said Chadly.
The importance of learning at a young age is detrimental to a child’s growth and learning through music stimulates young minds and unites families together.
“There is nothing better for a child than music. Because it supports all of the developmental domains simultaneously, it is just the perfect thing for children,” said Foote.
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