Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Thomas.
Hi Hillary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hillary and Halley met while teaching music lessons to families in Woodland Hills. They both noticed that there was a need for music education options for children under 5 years old. New parents were reaching out to us, lost about what to do with their toddler who loves music, not sure how to fuel their new young passion.
So we developed a curriculum that is age-appropriate (and fun!), that starts the little ones off on the right foot with their first music education experience. Our program becomes the first step in their journey to formal music lessons when they are ready.
Hillary and Halley have also had similar music education backgrounds:
Hillary has been a life-long violinist, and began teaching music in Ohio at the age of 12 by assisting her violin teacher.
Halley has been a life-long cellist, and began teaching music in New Jersey at the age of 12, also by assisting her orchestra teacher.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One particular struggle in our efforts: We’ve noticed that some little ones have a delayed reaction before they start participating or outwardly showing their enthusiasm. It’s not unusual for the first couple of classes for some kids to just watch, and not participate very much. As educators, we know that this is a normal part of the process, and that it can take up to 6 classes for us to see full participation. We’ve learned over the years it’s important to reassure parents to stick with it, and within a few classes, they will start to see the musical activities come through at home during play!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Hillary is not only a music educator, but she is also an award-winning film composer! She has scored numerous movies that play across the country in national and state parks. You can hear her music playing at the Grand Canyon National Park and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. She wrote the music to the movie “Channel Islands – Treasure in the Sea” narrated by Kevin Costner, and the movie “On Great White Wings” narrated by Martin Sheen.
Halley is a rock and contemporary cellist – she has played with the Dropkick Murphys and released an album called “Bad Cellist”. In addition to First Step Music, she also owns a music school in Woodland Hills, teaching private and group lessons.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Along this path, we have learned that one of the biggest components of what we do is supporting parents. A lot of parents feel lost and out of their comfort zone when it comes to music education. We’re not here just to educate the kids, but also to support their parents and families as they move along this journey with their children. They say it takes a village – we take our part in that village very seriously.
Pricing:
- $25/Drop-in First Step Music Class
- $40/Half Hour Private Lesson
- $60/45min Private Lesson
- $75/60min Private Lesson
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.firststepmusic.com
- Instagram: @first-step-music-la
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581371880267&sk=about
Image Credits
William McBride
Halley Feaster
