Alia’s Musical World: A Growing Voice Through Classical Music
Even before joining Mini Mozarts, Alia lived in a world filled with music. At home, she was always singing—making up lyrics, dancing with her little brother, or turning everyday routines into performances. She didn’t need much—just a melody, a rhythm, and a curious audience of one or two.
Alia with her family—celebrating music, growth, and joyful moments together.
Rooted in Culture, Growing Through Music
In our musical community, every family brings something unique—stories, traditions, and the kind of presence that shapes how children grow. With Alia, we see how deeply music can bloom when it’s nurtured by both culture and connection. Whether it’s a cardboard violin or a kaftan passed down through generations, each thread adds meaning to the melody.
Even before joining Mini Mozarts, music was part of Alia’s world. At home, she was always singing—making up lyrics, dancing with her little brother, or turning everyday routines into performances. She didn’t need much—just a melody, a rhythm, and an audience of one or two...
As her teacher, what stood out to me wasn’t just her natural joy around music, but how quickly she embraced the structure and expressiveness of our Mini Mozarts classes. In class, she’s curious, focused, and proud of what she creates. At home, her mom Melissa tells me she’s teaching her brother the “Up and Down” song and turning her ukulele into a violin.
Watching Alia grow in this environment—surrounded by instruments, stories, and friends—has been a beautiful reminder of how classical music meets children where they are and helps them become who they’re meant to be.
Alia and a classmate exploring pitch and finger movement—focused, playful, and deeply engaged.
Q&A: Interview with Melissa (Alia’s Mom)
What inspired you to enroll Alia in the Mini Mozarts class?
Alia loves to sing, dance and perform—she will regularly request dance parties for herself and her brother, costumes, instruments and all. We wanted to get her enrolled into a music class to encourage her interest and expose her to different types of music and instruments.
Alia has such a natural musicality and confidence in class.
Alia is outgoing and enthusiastic. We saw this class as a good opportunity to help her channel that enthusiasm and build on her interests.
Do you remember any specific moment in class when you felt especially proud or surprised by something Alia did—musically, emotionally, or socially?
I love how all of the kids get an opportunity to perform their "compositions." You can see their excitement and pride after their music is performed.
Has Alia brought home songs or ideas from Mini Mozarts—like “up and down,” tempo games, or her favorite rhythms?
Yes! Alia has been working on Up and Down with Emir. A few more lessons and he'll be joining the class 😉
In Mini Mozarts, we introduce different instruments—piano, violin (sometimes even with cardboard violins), and percussion.
Alia has been very excited by the violin in class, and has demonstrated her new-found skills on our ukulele at home.
Alia often shines when she’s leading an activity or improvising.
Alia has been improvising lyrics to beloved songs for the last few months, often changing lyrics to sing about her family, her day, or something we've been talking about—like her stinky shoes!
You’ve now been part of our music community for a while.
This class and classes like it have been a great opportunity to grow neighborhood friendships. We often have to solve for the lowest common denominator, our 1.5 y/o Emir. Often that means going to activities geared towards younger kids. This class has been a good opportunity for Alia to interact with kids her age or older and you can tell she enjoys that dynamic.
You have such an impressive professional background.
I would say that my personal background in music—singing in musical theatre, choirs and a cappella from a young age—has shown me the value in music and music education. For me, music is a part of life and I would love to instill that in my children as well.
What would you share with other parents who are considering a classical music-based class for their toddler or preschooler—especially if they’re unsure about their child’s readiness?
I would tell them it’s never too early to get them exposed to music. These classes have made Alia excited about engaging with music and instruments and she looks forward to it every weekend!
Alia in Class
