Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Lawson.
Hi Sheila, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I established Kindermusik of Charleston in 1987. I earned my degree in Music Therapy from the University of Minnesota and following an internship in Savannah, GA moved to SC where I worked in both Columbia and later Charleston with children, adolescents, and adults, primarily in psychiatric treatment settings.
I found myself specifically drawn to my work with children and after 12 years of working as a therapist, I discovered Kindermusik, the premier early childhood developmental music program known internationally for its thorough research into early childhood development, excellent training of educators, and focus on enhancing overall development in the crucial first six years of life. Kindermusik of Charleston has grown to a staff of 6 and three locations in the Charleston area. It has become the focus of my life’s work to give as many children and families as possible the tools they need to grow to reach their own best potential and become lovers of music and the arts and thereby compassionate human beings.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The obstacles and challenges have been few and far between over the years until we faced how to continue to provide classes during the pandemic. We moved all classes outside for a year and at times did classes over Zoom links. Although this was not our ideal way to provide classes, we were able to give families some sense of normalcy and keep many little ones engaged with both learning and social interaction. We are now safely back inside at all our locations and our classes numbers have grown past pre-pandemic levels. The Mt. Pleasant/Charleston community has been incredibly supportive of Kindermusik of Charleston over the past 35 years and we all truly appreciate the wonderful families and other businesses that have helped us to achieve a highly respected reputation for providing the best in early childhood music classes in the Mt. Pleasant/Charleston area.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kindermusik of Charleston. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Over the past 35 years, we have served countless children and families and continue with our mission of “embracing every child and creating joyful, musical connections for each child’s unique developmental success”. We provide classes for children ages 0-7 years with classes offered at each specific age level designed to consistently focus on development in all areas including, social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and neurological as well as musical. We know and understand the impact of music on the human brain and how engagement in music and movement activities are primary influences on neurological growth from birth to six years. We welcome children of all abilities and recognize the specifics needs and unique personalities of each of them.
All our educators are also practicing music therapists and educators who bring their unique skills and background to each class and every child. Classes of 8-10 children meet weekly with parents participating in each class, either though out the classes in age levels of 0-3 years, and for portions of the classes for ages 4-7 years. We recognize parents as their child’s most important teacher and aim to give them the support and tools they need.
I am so proud that Kindermusik of Charleston is named a Top Kindermusik Program year after year by Kindermusik International based on our quality of service to our local community.
Contact Info:
- Email: kindermusikofcharleston@gmail.com
- Website: www.kindermusikofcharleston.com
Image Credits
Kindermusik of Charleston
