I once said that Kindermusik saved my life. No joke. Almost 5 years ago I was in a 2-year slump. Not playing music, not writing, not creating. Just sitting on my couch watching Fox 8.Somehow, I had surrended to the notion that if I couldn't perform music perfectly, and better than anyone else, I may as well not do it. When they hired me here, at Kindermusik, I discovered a new musical philosophy--that it's better to love music than to master it. Only then did I find a well of creativity that I hope to draw from the rest of my life.
Here's more proof. In May, I'll stand shoulder to shoulder to some fantastic local musicians--all women, for the "Ladies Sing the Blues" event: Laurelyn Dossett, and Martha Bassett.
Good thing I got off the damn couch.
5 comments:
"When people ask where I work, I have no problem, in fact I am proud, to say Kindermusik. Then I usually follow it up by saying Kindermusik not only hired me, they “rescued” me.
I spent four years chasing a career in newspapers trying to balance the dream of being a journalist and a singer. It was almost impossible. Newsroom hours never end. There was little to no time for music and my inner creative spirit was withering like a little raisin. But I didn’t want to stop writing for newspapers. I believed and still believe in newspapers and the community purpose they serve. I didn’t think I could ever find a job with as much integrity—until I came to here.
Today, my life is totally different. My creative spirit is steadily recovering. Learning about the philosophies of the Kindermusik classroom has changed my life and I believe we’re changing the lives of the families who enroll in Kindermusik. Where newspapers strive to understand the problems in society that have already begun, Kindermusik strives to undo problems before they start, at the very beginning. We do this by helping families spend more time together, learn to love each other and find a balance in their lives, all through music.
We teach children music so they can become better learners. Not little Mozarts. We teach families how to spend time together. We show them the kind of things that grandparents would have passed onto their grandchildren, such as dancing around the maypole, or singing a song to wash the dishes, fall asleep, or ride an imaginary big, blue boat. So when these children grow into adults, they can use that great musical beginning to soothe and celebrate life when it’s needed most.
The same philosophy is true for this company. We’re all owners. So we treat each other with respect. Every employee has a coach who leads and mentors each one through their jobs. We’re encouraged to think creatively. Join community organizations and volunteer our time to local non-profit groups. We’re not only encouraged, we’re led by example:
• Our CFO started a round table discussion for CFOs in other Triad businesses, so they could discuss ways to stimulate the local economy.
• Our CEO coaches a girl’s soccer team, and is a member of the downtown improvement committee, “Action Greensboro.” He is also known for dressing in odd and often unflattering costumes at each fiscal quarter kick off (think Yul Brenner from the “King and I,” skull cap and all).
• People get pregnant here. In the eight months since I came to Kindermusik, seven women either gave birth or got pregnant. People feel comfortable here about having a family and a career.
Those are just three reasons why I say Kindermusik has changed my life. In other ways, Kindermusik has helped me believe in the possibilities again. You can make a living playing music. You can have a family and a career. You can change the world one child a time. You just have to be willing to sing a little, dance around a maypole, and hold a child in your lap every once in a while."
Okay. My mind is reeling -- who dug this up?
Glad you got off that couch, too, Molly!
And to whomever shared the first comment: thanks for sharing.
:grin:
I found the culprit: the one, the only Kathryn Brown. I wrote that for an ESOP application -- and she dug it up somewhere.
I'm glad you got off that couch too! When I'm feeling a little Kindermusik'd out, I know that if I can find a minute to get to your blog, I'll find myself re-inspired. It works every time. And if I really need to smile, I think of your magical version of "You Are my Sunshine" at convention. I'm smiling right now in fact :) Thanks Molly!!
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