Tunes N Totz music class

Curious little fingers dance across dozens of instruments lining the floor of Mountain Music.

They may not know the chords and melodies yet, but students in the Tunes N Totz music class keep the rhythm going.

"It's exciting to see a room full of littles, some who can't even walk yet, have a desire to shake, strum, pluck and make music," said music teacher Amy Rodriguez. "They just enjoy that sound."

Guitars, violins, drums, shakers and xylophones are just a few of the instruments available to these little musicians. The majority of the students are between 1 and 2 years old, but Rodriguez said she's had some students as young as 3 months old. Occasionally, the kids take a milk break and nurse in between songs. But they keep tapping their feet to the beat.

"Music before milk," Rodriguez said. "I don't care how young or old, I just want them to play music."

Both Rodriguez and Mountain Music owner Deborah Hand think this early introduction to music is an invaluable lesson.

"It's heartbreaking to hear an 8-year-old child say, 'I can't' sing. Everyone can sing, but some of us need to be taught to carry a tune and it's easy when you're a toddler," said Hand. "Given all the research into the effects of music on the brain and as an aid to socialization, our schools need to find a way to get music back into the schools as part of the curriculum for every child."

"Old MacDonald", "Twinkle Twinkle", and the "Hokey Pokey" are some of the class favorites. Rodriguez believes kids should have the freedom to fully explore these instruments without hesitation. With no children of her own, Rodriguez said she doesn't have that built in parental worry that the kids will break or damage the instruments.

"I say, 'let them grab!'" she said.

After the first lesson, Rodriguez has a pretty good idea whether the child is a strings enthusiast, a born drummer, a serious shaker, etc. The key is to keep the sounds going nonstop so they don't lose interest.

Rachel Monahan and her 1-year-old daughter Chloe just finished their second week at Tunes N Totz. During the last class, Chloe explored all the instruments and this week took a special interest in the large cello in the corner of the room. It was three times her size but that didn't stop her little fingers from making music.

"If we can figure out a way for their little fingers to use the instrument, they'll make music," Rodriguez said.

Tunes N Totz runs Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m. at Mountain Music, 206 E. F Street, Teachapi. Classes cost $6 per child.