Firefly Music
Our Invitation
Music connects people and fosters relationships. Singing and playing music in group settings enhances communication skills, brain development and memory retention.
Long before language is expressed through speech, reading, and writing, it can be experienced through rhythm, movement, gesture, and song. These shared experiences contribute to communication, emotional regulation, memory, imagination, and social connection.
Rooted in thirty-four years of early childhood practice and shaped by experience across a range of educational settings, Anna Van Massenhoven is an experienced early childhood music educator. She studied guitar with the late Bob Burchill, and guitar/piano/voice with Charlena Russell. Firefly Music invites families and individuals to connect through rhythm, movement, song, storytelling, and nature.
These programs are for everyone, at any stage of musical development. They vary by age group and intention, but all are welcome: the people who were told to mouth the words in choir, the shy ones, the secret shower singers, and those who are skilled enough to play confidently. In a caring and non-judgemental environment, we can learn from each other and feel secure enough to take risks.
Research has demonstrated that children’s development is greatly enhanced through direct exposure to live singing and in-person musical experiences. Singing and sharing music enhances all areas of development, while building connection, trust, and communication with family members and peers.
Three important rules:
1. Forget perfectionism
2. Anyone can do this work
3. These experiences are expressive, rather than performative.
Come join us!
Family Gatherings
One Saturday each month
September – June
For families with young children.
The Family Gatherings establish a monthly rhythm through which songs, stories, movement, and seasonal experiences unfold organically and seasonally, based on the interests of the children in the moment. Each gathering follows a familiar structure while remaining responsive to the season and to those who gather.
Each gathering includes
• Welcomes and Introductions, nature connections
• Child-initiated, supported musical exploration
• Song requests, seasonal offerings, and rhythm play
• Closing circle
Observation, listening, movement, singing, and quiet presence are all welcomed. Participation looks different for everyone.
Registration:
September – June
Ten gatherings
$ 360 per family
or
Two payments of $180
Gatherings will most often be held on the third Saturday of each month, from 10:30- 12 p.m. Participation is limited to a maximum of 12 families. (October 17, November 21, December 19, January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 5).
Homeschool Gatherings
Thursdays
1:00-2:30 pm
For homeschooling and other families seeking a consistent weekday rhythm.
The Homeschool Gatherings follow the same philosophy as the monthly series while providing the continuity of weekly meetings. Through rhythm, movement, storytelling, song, and seasonal experiences in nature, families gather within a familiar framework that supports observation, exploration, and shared experience.
Each gathering includes
- Welcome and Introductions
- Seasonal Nature Exploration
- Child-initiated, adult supported musical experiences
- Rhythm, rhyme, songs and fingerplays by season and by request
- Storytelling
- Closing
Observation, listening, movement, singing, and quiet presence are all welcomed. Participation is never prescribed.
Registration
Five-week session
$160 per family
Includes up to three children.
Additional siblings: $40
Weeks: October 8- November 5
November 12- December 10
January 14 - February 11
February 11-March 18
March 25-April 22
April 29-May 27
Each session will vary according to the season and children’s interests. Feel free to sign up for as many sessions as you wish.
A monthly rhythm where songs, storytelling, movement, and seasonal experiences unfold organically in response to the children's interests and nature's cycles.
Rise Up Singing
Music was always meant to be a shared experience. Rise Up Singing circles are designed to be inclusive, non-competitive and accepting of all. Using the compilation songbooks “Rise Up Singing” and “Rise Again” compiled by Peter Blood and Annie Patterson, we gather monthly in an inclusive and accepting environment. Everyone is encouraged to sing along, lead a song, or choose a song to sing with the group, all according to your own comfort level. Come and explore music and singing in a relaxed, non- competitive environment. Instruments are welcome and encouraged, but not necessary. Let’s make music and sing together once a month!
Age: all are welcome, as long as there is capacity to be a part of a group experience that involves holding space for music, singing, turn-taking and listening with respect. Parents with infants are also welcome to bring them along.
Dates: The third Sunday of each month, (October 18, November 22, December 20, January 17, 2027, February 22, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21)
Cost: 10.00 per person or family per session to cover expenses (book purchases, snacks, maintenance, etc). The intention of Rise Up Singing groups is to offer freely, and only charge enough money to cover expenses. Most of the money will be put towards book purchases. If you have a copy of “Rise Up Singing” or Rise Again, please bring it along.
Pre-registration is required.
Attendance is limited by parking space to a maximum of 15 cars. Carpooling is encouraged.
Weekly sessions supporting continuous exploration, rhythm, and nature observation within a consistent, nurturing framework tailored for homeschool learners.
Musical Round Robin
This evening group is meant for everyone. All interests, genres, musical backgrounds, and abilities welcome. Participants have opportunities to share original or cover songs that they have been working on at home, in an accepting, non-judgemental environment. Other round robin members are free to join in and support, take a turn or pass as they feel comfortable. Suitable for any age, with the ability to hold space for music, singing, turn-taking, and listening with respect. Parents with infants are also welcome.
Cost: 30.00 per family group, no minimum number of sessions. Please register no later than one week in advance.
Additional Offerings
Throughout the year, additional events will take place, including but not limited to house concerts, drum circles, workshops for shy singers, and more. Have a great idea? Let’s make it happen!
About
Anna Van Massenhoven has devoted more than thirty-four years to early childhood education, working across a range of educational settings, most recently within Waldorf education.
An Early Childhood Educator, former child care supervisor, mentor, and writer, her work has focused on the relationship between rhythm, movement, song, and early childhood. She is currently writing Sing With Your Children, exploring the role of shared musical experiences in child development and family life.
Firefly Music is an invitation to restore music to everyday family life, not as a performance, but as a shared practice of connection.
— Anna Van Massenhoven
Join our musical circle
Whether you want to drop into our monthly singing circle or commit to weekly homeschool music exploration, our programs provide welcoming spaces for every age. Spaces fill quickly each season.
