They don’t have to be musically inclined. It doesn’t matter if their pants are on backwards, or if they prefer to put the star on their heads instead of sitting on them. All that matters is that children come ready for playful self-expression. Board-certified music therapist Maura Nicholson (MT-BC), takes it from there. She uses music, with a clinical, evidence-based approach, to address diverse needs. But to the children, it’s just fun.

“I've known (Nicholson) for a long time and was very happy when she joined our Y Arts team of teachers. I have a strong belief that music is essential for young children because it sparks joy while building confidence, coordination, and early learning skills. When kids are free to dance, sing, and explore rhythm, they're not just having fun - they're growing in ways that support their whole development. This new class is the perfect addition for our little music makers,” said Emily Mirabile, Y Arts director for Boothbay Region YMCA.

Sprouting Melodies, an organization training music therapists, one of whom was Nicholson, reports social, motor, cognitive and academic benefits of early childhood music therapy. According to their website, learning pitch and rhythm benefits children by enhancing skills like memory, language, concentration and auditory discrimination. Further, it improves physical coordination, emotional regulation, and social skills.

Pattern recognition is also key. “Mastery through repetition,” Nicholson said. She weaves a mix of songs, some well-known to the children, some new to them. Songs include actions like finger play, shaking rattles, and a lively rendition of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" (Lyte, 1852) that borders on calisthenics. Amid Bendy Bob stretches, free form boogie breaks and an entertaining debate about whether or not fish take baths, the students’ actions rise and fall with the music and tone of Nicholson’s voice.

Each class appears to follow a three-act story structure, less the conflict. In its 30-minute duration, there’s a warm up, rising action, and an arc followed by falling action and rest. Classes are intentionally small, capped at 12, to support child-centered experiences. Ideal ages are 3-6. This class, Thursdays from 3:30 to 4 p.m., ends Dec. 18. Parents are encouraged to attend the final session.

“Going into winter, dark and quiet, this is a great opportunity for kids to come together and build connections – and it’s good for their parents too, they also need that social connection that feels particularly important in the winter months,” said Nicholson. “Music can help with so many of life’s challenges, including rough transitions. It’s also fun. There’s a lot of learning happening in these sessions, but to them, it’s just a fun release.”

For more information or to sign up for classes, please email emirabile@brymca.org