Coming Home to Music: Mateo’s Journey and a Reflection from Singer-Songwriter Ana Rodríguez
Even Before He Was Born, There Was Music
When Kleo’s family let us know they’d be away one week, they kindly offered their spot for a friend to try the class. That’s how Mateo first joined Mini Mozarts — and from that very first day, he seemed to belong.
What began as a spontaneous invitation has since become a joyful, music-filled ritual for Mateo and his mom, Ana Rodríguez — a talented singer-songwriter whose work centers on activism, storytelling, and heartfelt expression.
In every session, Mateo brings a special kind of musicality — soft, focused, and expressive. He listens with his whole body, lights up with the piano, and offers glimpses of something deeper: a child already fluent in the language of sound.
Ana Rodríguez and her husband, architect and researcher Oscar Zamora, awaiting Mateo’s arrival. Even before he was born, music was already part of his world.
His mom, Ana, had been playing classical music to him since before he was born. So when Mateo joined, he wasn’t just trying something new — he was coming home to something he already knew in his heart.
Mateo exploring the violin with focus and curiosity during Mini Mozarts.
Ana Rodríguez during pregnancy — when classical music was already part of Mateo’s world.
Even as a baby, Mateo connected with instruments instinctively—playing what he felt before he could speak.
Full Parent Reflection — from Ana Rodríguez
How did you feel about trying out the Mini Mozarts class that first day Mateo joined?
I felt nervous at first because Mateo takes his time to warm up to new places and people. I was also very curious about how he would react to all the musical instruments.
What made you decide to bring him, and did you expect him to take to it so quickly?
Ana Rodríguez performing live — the same soulful voice her son Mateo heard even before he was born.
I'm a musician, and I've introduced Mateo to music since pregnancy. I've been playing classical music and singing to him since the moment I found out I was pregnant, and he has always responded well.
At first, he would respond by kicking my belly. Then, as a baby, he would make sounds or smile. Now, as a toddler, he dances, plays instruments, and even makes up his own songs. It's very clear to me that he loves music!
Were there any moments early on that stood out — especially when you saw Mateo begin responding to classical music? Was there something in particular he connected with?
Yes. I use music as a therapeutic tool in my life, and it's been essential for both Mateo's and my well-being. Every time Mateo had big emotions or any discomfort as a baby, I would put on calming classical music, and it helped him regulate so quickly.
Ana and Mateo sharing a quiet moment at home — enjoying chocolate and classical music, one sweet note at a time.
Have you noticed any changes in Mateo since starting Mini Mozarts — in how he listens, plays, or expresses himself at home or in daily life?
Mateo explores rhythm with both the frame drum and gathering drum as we feel the pulse of Mozart’s Rondo alla Turca. From Adagio to Vivace, he’s learning to sense tempo changes, beat patterns, and signature rhythms — all through playful group music-making. 🥁🎶
Mateo has a book with classical music and can now identify some of the melodies used in class. He sings them and says, "Like the music class!" He also knows what sheet music looks like and calls it a "composition."
I've also noticed his self-confidence has increased — and of course, he's playing musical instruments even more!
Is there a specific song, composer, or activity from class that Mateo especially enjoys?
Mateo loves the composition activity — it's all he talks about when we come home from class. We hang his compositions on the fridge, and he loves seeing them.
He also loves when it's time to play the violin and has started to pretend-play at home using his hands or whatever he happens to be holding!
Mateo working on his own composition during Mini Mozarts — focused, joyful, and already thinking like a little composer
Does he ever bring it up at home or try to repeat it?
He repeats almost everything from the class!
Would you feel comfortable sharing a little about your own background or career? Has music or creativity played a role in your life too?
I grew up in a very artistic family, and music has always been essential in my life. I play a few instruments and sing. I write my own music and have a personal musical project. I've also worked with children with autism, using music as a therapeutic tool.
What would you share with other parents who are thinking about early classical music education — something like Mini Mozarts?
I would say that every child deserves the opportunity to be immersed in the world of classical music. It's not only pleasant to the ear, but also nourishing to the soul.
During our Hello Song, set to the melody of Grieg’s Morning Mood, Mateo and his classmates take turns at the piano — greeting each other through music and learning how to express their names with notes. A joyful ritual of connection, sound, and self-introduction. 🎶👋🎹
Is there anything you've come to value more through this experience?
Even though the class is for Mateo, I find myself very excited too. The moment the class starts, I can feel my body relax. I become more present with Mateo and enjoy watching him learn and appreciate every part of it.
A tender moment during “Up and Down”: Ana holds Mateo close as they sway together to the rhythm of Mozart — a quiet dance of connection, safety, and sound.
Introducing opera through play — Mateo explores the violin as we sing Brindisi from Verdi’s La Traviata. A joyful first step into the world of classical strings. 🎻✨
Closing Thoughts
Some children are introduced to music in class. Others carry it with them from the very beginning.
Mateo’s story reminds us how music can be both a memory and a mirror — something we return to with joy, familiarity, and deep connection. Through Mini Mozarts, he continues to build on a foundation that started long before his first piano key or violin bow.
In a quiet moment during class, Mateo sits at the piano and begins to improvise — creating his own melody, note by note. It’s a beautiful glimpse into his inner world and a reminder of how freely children express themselves through music when given space. 🎹✨
Music entered Mateo’s life long before he could walk or talk — through melodies sung by his mother, and through a home filled with creativity, rhythm, and care. His journey is nurtured not only by Ana’s artistic spirit, but also by the thoughtful environment shaped by his father, Oscar Zamora — a Nicaraguan architect and researcher whose work explores ecologies, landscapes, and pedagogy.
Together, Ana and Oscar offer Mateo a world where sound and space are both intentional and alive — where artistic expression is not just encouraged, but lived. As Mateo continues to grow, so will the music — echoing the love and artistry that first welcomed him into the world.
Thank you, Ana, Oscar and Mateo, for bringing your light and story to our musical community. We’re honored to be part of your journey.
🎧 You can listen to Ana’s music and follow her work here:
Spotify – Ana Rodríguez
Instagram – @anarodriguezmusic