Sister Sounds: A Mini Mozarts Reflection from Francesca, Valeria & Anna
After Baby Bach, many families continue into Mini Mozarts — our next step in early childhood classical music education.
I created this program so toddlers and preschoolers could build on their early listening and movement skills while exploring classical repertoire through piano, violin, percussion, and song.
Mini Mozarts introduces young children to classical music in a developmentally appropriate, emotionally rich way. Through singing, instrument play, and movement, we explore musical concepts like forte, piano, allegro, and adagio, using the works of composers like Mozart, Bach, and Tchaikovsky as our foundation. It’s not just about learning music — it’s about learning through music.
Francesca’s daughters, Valeria and Anna, bring such depth and light to this class — each in their own way. Francesca’s reflections capture not just the musical growth she’s witnessed, but the emotional and social development that happens when children are given the space to learn through classical music at their own pace. I’m honored to share her words below.
Francesca, Giacomo, Valeria, and Anna – bringing warmth and wonder wherever they go.
A Reflection from Francesca — Mini Mozarts & Baby Bach Parent
What inspired you to sign up Valeria and Anna for the Baby Bach and Mini Mozarts classes here in Mid-Cambridge?
I really wanted my kids to have an early exposure to music. They have loved it since they were born and dance and sing all the time. When we met Sofija and attended the introductory class, we immediately understood she would give our girls a formal introduction to music following an age-appropriate approach and providing an immersive experience for them.
Anna explores music through our Baby Bach hello song — discovering rhythm, emotion, and social interaction in a gentle space.
Were there any moments during Baby Bach or Mini Mozarts where you noticed how Anna and Valeria responded to classical music — something that surprised you, stayed with you, or felt special to witness as a parent?
Valeria likes to dance and follow the rhythm — however, I usually see her dancing at home. During Mini Mozarts, I observed her learning to dance the Minuetto with her arms and hands, following the music, within herself first, with the teacher then, and finally as a group of students. Seeing the music and the rhythm bringing all the kids together in one big unique movement was a great experience.
Anna is almost 1.5 years old and she loves music, dancing, and loud sounds. What strikes me the most is to see her at the drum — she, of course, follows the loud and strong sounds, but is able to follow Sofija and the music when they play piano, soft. It’s like she is learning to also work on her emotions while changing intensity in her movements with the music. It is beautiful to see this happening at her young age.
Were there any moments in class that felt joyful or meaningful — either as a mom, or just seeing them explore and express themselves in a new space?
Valeria is almost 4 years old and has always been very shy and a bit hesitant in new situations. She would follow the class with attention but always asked for me to sit next to her. It also took a while for her to sing along with Sofija or freely move her hands on the piano.
One day, after about 7–8 classes, she suddenly asked me to stay back and leave her on her own for the class. Magically, from that day on, she started singing, freely playing, and demonstrating for the younger kids with no fear, shyness, or hesitancy. I saw her becoming very aware of her musical learning and confident in what she was doing. It was wonderful.
Anna is young and is always exploring a new environment around her. What I have noticed during music class is that, while she is individually attracted by the classroom, the people, the instruments around her, she then always goes back to the music, to the class circle, to Sofija and the piano to focus back again and follow the melody.
Valeria’s and Ana’s first steps with the violin — where exploration meets imagination.
Valeria practices “Up and Down” on her violin bow, discovering coordination and confidence through Mozart.
Valeria leads by example — showing others how to feel music before reading it.
I know you’ve built such an inspiring path — would you feel comfortable sharing a little about your background or career?
My husband and I are originally from Italy. We moved to the Boston area 8 years ago to continue our training and professional careers.
I am a physician specializing in endocrinology and pituitary disease, and my research evolves around understanding how our brain neurohormones regulate emotions and peripheral metabolism.
Cambridge has been a wonderful hub not only for work, but also for social experience opportunities.
Being apart from our hometown and families, we strive every day to find enriching experiences for our kids. Finding Sofija’s music class — together with several other events and the support network of parents and children around us — adds a piece of home to our routine.
From snowy winters to spring blossoms — the music goes with them.
Is there anything you’d want to share with other parents...
I really wanted my eldest, Valeria (almost 4 years old), to start music class but I had not thought that Anna, almost 18 months, would also benefit so much from it.
Seeing babies, toddlers, and preschoolers growing together, thriving, and learning rhythm at their young age is incredibly rewarding. They also learn to face their personal challenges, overcome shyness, and work as a group. All of this fosters their social development and supports their emotional growth in the healthiest way.
Sofija is an amazing teacher and our family all feels so lucky to have met her.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you, Francesca, Giacomo, Valeria, and Anna, for being part of our Mini Mozarts journey. What you described is exactly why I created this program — not to push children into early performance, but to open a path into music that is joyful, intuitive, and rooted in trust.
Mini Mozarts is built on the belief that early childhood classical music can shape the way a child thinks, listens, moves, and feels. By using the works of the great composers and introducing children to instruments through song and storytelling, we give them tools not just to play — but to understand music as part of their emotional and cognitive world.
This isn’t just music class. It’s a place where something begins.
Valeria performs Mozart with poise and joy at our studio recital — a beautiful reflection of her musical journey.
Ana shines with expressive energy in Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” overture — storytelling through rhythm at 18 months old.