Dante’s Musical World: From Egg Shaker to Beethoven
When Classical Music Finds You Early
When Dante came to his first Baby Bach intro class in November, he was just 8 months old. What started with the simple joy of holding a little egg shaker has since grown into something beautiful—a deep love of rhythm, melody, and musical connection that’s now in its fourth semester.
In the words of his mother, Cinzia, “We were immediately surprised by how calm and engaged he was during the class—and how much he loved playing with a little egg shaker.” That moment became the spark that launched Dante into a world of classical music exploration.
Where it all began—Dante listens to the number song that would soon inspire his first counting moments
That moment became the spark that launched Dante into a world of classical music exploration.
What follows are Cinzia’s reflections, shared exactly as she wrote them, and the videos and images that capture Dante’s journey—from counting with Tchaikovsky and whistling tunes at home to performing with a one-man band and exploring the piano and violin with quiet confidence.
What inspired you to sign Dante up for the Baby Bach class here in Mid-Cambridge? What were you hoping he would gain — musically, socially, or developmentally?
We first heard about a trial music class for babies from a friend last November. At the time, Dante was just 8 months old. We were immediately surprised by how calm and engaged he wasduring the class—and how much he loved playing with a little egg shaker (we even have a video!).
That Christmas, Santa brought him a small backpack filled with instruments, and ever since, Dante and his “music backpack” have been inseparable. It was in that moment we realized just how much he connected with music. We knew then that joining a regular music class would be a wonderful way to nurture his curiosity, and also a great opportunity for him to share this passion and make new friends.
Rhythm at home—Dante performs joyfully with his parents using his Christmas music kit.
Were there any moments in Baby Bach where you noticed Dante connecting to classical music in a way that surprised you or felt particularly special to witness as a parent? (For example, his finger counting during Dance of the Little Swans.)
During the last semester, we had a moment that truly amazed us. One evening, after a musicclass, Dante was having dinner when he suddenly started counting with his fingers—something they regularly practice in class to the tune of Dance of the Little Swans. He was only 12 months old at the time, and it was mind-blowing to see him put together such an advanced skill for his age. Since then, counting with his fingers has become one of his favorite things to do. It’s been incredible to watch how music class has helped him make those kinds of connections, all through playful learning.
Coordinating melody and movement—Dante taps and shakes with musical intention.
What has stood out to you about Dante’s love for rhythm, percussion, or piano — and how do you see him exploring those interests inside and outside of class?
Has improvisation become a part of his musical play at home?
Music has become an essential part of Dante’s daily routine. His music class has given him the chance to explore a variety of sounds and instruments, though piano and percussion are definitely his favorites. We were amazed to see him teaching himself how to play the flute, harmonica, and whistle—and even more surprised when he began whistling along to the rhythms of the music we play at home.
He truly brings his love for music everywhere he goes. One of our favorite memories is a little video we captured of him joyfully playing along with a one-man band at Boston Common—it was such a heartwarming moment that perfectly captured his musical spirit.
Dante joins a one-man band at Boston Common—improvising with joy and confidence beyond the classroom.
Although piano and percussion seem to be his favorites, Baby Bach also introduces instruments like the violin. Have you noticed him responding to the variety of instruments in any particular way?
Tiny fingers meet timeless music—Dante explores phrasing and notes.
Dante’s love and talent for piano and percussion are unmistakable, but thanks to his time in music class, we’ve seen his curiosity expand beyond his comfort zone. When he first encountered the violin, he wasn’t even interested in holding it. But with gentle encouragement and practice, he gradually became curious about how the bow works and how to hold it. He even started learning to play the violin pizzicato, just as Sofija, his teacher, would show him. It’s been so rewarding to watch his confidence grow as he explores new instruments in his own way.
Learning pizzicato and posture through imaginative play.
Have there been joyful or meaningful moments during class — either as a mom or just watching Dante explore music in his own way?
As a parent, it brings me so much joy to see how this activity has helped Dante grow in
confidence and feel empowered. You can truly see the difference in the way he walks into class, interacts with other kids and parents, and expresses himself so freely. It’s been wonderful to witness how his love for this musical community is reciprocated—not just by the other children and their families, but also by the teachers. One especially sweet connection is with Miko, who always shares her piano with Dante. These moments of kindness and connection make the experience even more special.
Guided by the classical stories we use in class, Dante begins shaping melody and form through Beethoven’s Minuet—an early step in developing expressive, intentional playing.
You’ve been with us for three semesters now — how have you seen Dante grow through the Baby Bach experience? Any changes in the way he listens, moves, expresses himself, or interacts?
Over the past three semesters, it’s been such a joy to watch Dante grow through the Baby Bach experience. One of the most noticeable changes has been his developing sense of rhythm. Now, not only does he actively participate during class, he’s started expressing music in his own little ways at home too.
Every composer starts somewhere—Dante’s joyful scribbles on his first music staff paper.
A glimpse into how musical expression begins before written language.
We often catch him humming or even whistling tunes from his musical books, and sometimes he hums little melodies while relaxing in the bathtub. It’s incredible to see how the musical foundation built in class is showing up in his daily life — completely unprompted and so joyfully.
Baby Bach has really helped nurture his natural musicality, and it’s become a space where he can explore and grow, both musically and socially. We’re so grateful for the impact it’s had on his early development and how it’s become a part of his world.
Tiny breaths, big sound—Dante experiments with pitch and air.
Dante discovers tone and airflow with his favorite whistle.
Outside of class, have you noticed Dante bringing home any songs, rhythms, or ideas from Baby Bach? (Things like the number song, fast/slow contrast, “up and down,” or spontaneous musical play.)
He’s definitely brought home the number song — he will show it even at the playground if he spots another child or teacher from class! He’s also been practicing the scale song in his own way, usually by tapping “Do” on his head with so much focus and pride.
From Neuroscience to Nursery Rhythms
From First Shaker to First Recital
A look at how music grows with them—note by note.
““Music doesn’t just fill the room—it shapes the brain.””
You have such an inspiring background in science — would you feel comfortable sharing a bit about your work? Has your research or training influenced how you think about early learning, development, or music as part of parenting?
I’m a neuroscientist with a PhD in Pharmacological Sciences from Italy. I moved to Boston in 2017 for my postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School and MGH, focusing on the brain’s mechanisms of learning and memory. Specifically, I study the hippocampus — a key brain region involved in forming episodic memories, which are our recollections of specific events.
One of the most fascinating things about neuroscience is how plastic the young brain is. This plasticity means that during early development, the brain is incredibly adaptable and responsive to experiences. From a scientific perspective, an enriched environment—full of varied stimuli like music, language, and play—actively promotes the formation of new neural connections and strengthens existing circuits. In other words, the brain’s wiring is shaped and refined by what a child experiences daily.
Despite all the research models and years I’ve spent studying memory at the molecular and circuit level, nothing compares to witnessing firsthand how an environment rich in music and stimulation influences my own child’s brain development. It’s a powerful reminder of the magic and incredible potential our brains hold. Music classes and engaging sensory experiences don’t just entertain; they play a vital role in nurturing cognitive growth and emotional development during those critical early years.
So yes, my scientific background deeply informs how I view parenting and early learning—showing me that every song sung, every new sound heard, and every moment of curiosity is an opportunity to support a child’s blossoming brain.
A Note About Mom
When she’s not at music class with Dante, Cinzia Vicidomini is a neuroscientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University. She studies how the brain develops—especially how tiny changes in the way neurons connect can shape learning, social memory, and emotional responses.
Cinzia was recently awarded the Young Investigator Award from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation as well as the FY2021 FMD Fundamental Fellowship for her groundbreaking research. But as she says, nothing compares to watching her own child grow through music. Her perspective reminds us that early musical play isn’t just fun—it’s helping to build the brain, one joyful connection at a time.
Is there anything you’d like to share with other parents considering early childhood classical music classes like Baby Bach — especially those who might wonder if their toddler is “too young”?
Your child is never too young to begin this kind of experience. We’ve been amazed — and truly fulfilled — by how much this rich, joyful environment has supported Dante’s development. Let yourself be surprised by how deeply music can nurture not only your child’s growth, but your shared connection as well.
A musical journey shared—Dante with his parents, whose support and presence have been instrumental from his very first class to his first recital. Their encouragement reflects the heart of our program: music as a joyful, shared experience that begins at home.
Closing Thoughts: Let the Music Grow with Them
Dante’s story is a reminder of what is possible when we give young children the space to listen, move, explore, and express. What began with a shaker in November has become a rich musical world filled with counting, performing, and connecting—with music and with others.
From the classroom to the park, from Bach to Beethoven, Dante has shown us how music becomes part of a child’s language, memory, and joy. Thank you, Cinzia, Brian and Dante, for sharing your journey with us. It is an honor to watch him grow.
And now, he has taken his first step onto the recital stage.
From Classroom to Recital Stage
This spring, Dante performed in his very first Spring Recital at Zlatanova Music Studio—a proud milestone for a child who began simply by listening and tapping along with a shaker. From learning to count with Tchaikovsky to exploring Beethoven and Bach, Dante’s journey reflects what’s possible when classical music becomes part of a child’s world from the earliest age.
At the heart of our curriculum is a core belief: classical music is not only accessible for young children—it’s also one of the most powerful tools for developing intelligence, memory, coordination, and creativity. Through carefully designed stories, movement, and instrument play rooted in the works of great composers, our method nurtures both emotional and cognitive development.
In children like Dante, we see how musical exposure builds confidence, focus, and a joyful curiosity that carries into every part of life. Even before they fully understand the idea of “performing,” recital moments offer children something profound: a sense of being seen, celebrated, and capable. These early performances plant the seeds of self-esteem and motivation that will stay with them far beyond the piano bench.
As we prepare for our next recital this weekend, we celebrate how far Dante has come—note by note, step by step.
In his first recital, Dante performs Beethoven’s Minuet followed by his own improvisation—blending structure and self-expression through our early childhood classical method
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