WATSONVILLE—Lizz Weihrauch knows firsthand the transformative power of music.
Twenty-three years ago, Weihrauch was a single mother looking for a way to introduce her son, who was born with Down syndrome, to music. They tried out a number of programs and classes, searching for the right fit.
That’s when Weihrauch’s friend introduced them to Music Together, an international program for children 0-8 years old. Created in 1985 in Princeton, New Jersey, the program is now offered at more than 3,000 locations in 40 countries.
Music Together is a non-performance-based, all-inclusive program, focusing on education and movement—both things that were attractive to Weihrauch and her son.
“I showed him the program, and he just lit up,” she said. “He’s now in his 20s… he is so musical, and has a clear direction in life because of it.”
Weihrauch now organizes Music Together classes as director of Musical Me, a program based in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties. For years they’ve held classes at parks and other community spaces in Watsonville.
As of November, the group has a secure home — in a space above Watsonville Yoga, overlooking Watsonville Plaza.
Weihrauch said that JE Properties, which owns the building, offered the space to Musical Me through an “incredible” deal.
“We’re thrilled to be here,” she said. “And with this amazing view—we feel very fortunate.”
Musical Me also utilizes Canta y Baila Conmigo, a Spanish language and music program that began collaborating with Music Together in 2016. The bilingual classes are accessible—regardless of native language, musical background or ability level.
“Everyone is welcome,” Weihrauch said. “We invite everyone to come relax, learn and have some fun.”
Tuition and lab fees include weekly classes, unlimited make-up classes, an illustrated songbook (with a CD and download code), access to the online Family Music Zone and weekly information for parents. Siblings who are younger than 8 months or older than 7 years old, and any number of adults, may attend classes with each child.
Limited scholarships are available.
“Music used to be part of families’ daily lives,” Weihrauch said. “But we’ve lost that. We need to bring it back.”
On Nov. 25 Weihrauch, along with Music Together teacher Genoa Brown and Canta y Baila Conmigo teacher Melissa Gomez, were settling into their new space, inviting the community to come in and check things out. A new session begins in January, with Music Together classes held on Thursdays and Canta y Baila Conmigo on Mondays.
Another drop-in preview class will be held Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. for mixed ages—newborn to 5 years—and 11 a.m. for newborns under 8 months.
“Music is powerful,” Weihrauch said. “It is a window to learning, and can make an incredible difference in the first few years of a child’s life.”
Watsonville’s Musical Me is at 349 Main St. on the second floor. For information visit musicalme.com or call 438-3514.
