In Harmony Music: Learning and growing through the art of music

BENICIA, Calif. -- Justine Chadly, a native of the Bay Area, created In Harmony Music in 2003 to provide a healthy and creative way for young children to learn and grow. In Harmony Music offers classes that support growth through family and community involvement. All of In Harmony's music teachers are also from throughout the Bay Area with backgrounds such as educators and musicians.

It is In Harmony Music's belief that it is the early stages of life where children begin to shape who they are and what better way to do that than through music.

"I would say we are the modern music education go-to. We have completely reimagined what music education looks like. It's this fun, amazing experience that makes children want to learn," said Chadly.

Tom Foote, the creative director of In Harmony Music, met Justine at a music conference ten years ago and since then they have been connected. Together, they spread their unique songs and musical learning methods to the young families throughout the Bay Area.

"As soon as we met each other, we just knew we were going to be involved in each other's lives; it was a connection that was unstoppable," said Foote.

"We're really proud of all the songs that we write and rearrange. We've done over 100 songs for children and families," said Chadly. Writing new songs for their students and rewriting old classics to be more contemporary, the pair are constantly creating more and more music.

Not only do they have class space throughout the Bay Area, in Benicia, San Anselmo and the Richmond District; they also bring their classes outdoors in community parks and recreation areas.

"Music, movement, and play are so impactful, and creating as a community then being outdoors adds a whole other level of health benefits, right? Just being outside and together," said Chadly.

Harmony's staff is comprised of like-minded musicians and educators, most of them hearing about the program and wanting to be involved.

"We have the best team, our team, they align with what we want to do," said Chadly.

Along with music for child development, the team has also created The In Harmony Foundation. The foundation's goal is to support future traumas and help heal past ones by providing musical healing tools in a community setting.

"Emotional education is such an important thing in this decade and our next phase of life. We really need to focus on social and emotional growth, so we are really proud to offer these programs to the community," said Chadly.

The importance of learning at a young age is detrimental to a child's growth and learning through music stimulates young minds and unites families together.

"There is nothing better for a child than music. Because it supports all of the developmental domains simultaneously, it is just the perfect thing for children," said Foote.

For more information: https://inharmonymusic.com, https://www.inharmonyfoundation.org.