A spark amongst all those lights caught my eye. There was someone looking at me—a young girl, so excited to see me, and it melted my heart. It was pure joy, and I just wanted to give her a big hug and wish her a wonderful show too.

A great assembly of children was preparing to showcase all they had learned during the year in a fantastic gymnastic performance. I went backstage looking for my two children, but instead, I saw her. I can’t remember her name, but she had attended one of my Music Together classes and loved it. Her mother did too, but the timing wasn’t right, so they didn’t enroll.

I can’t brag too much, though—or fool myself. That eruption of happiness wasn’t really for me. When she saw me, she saw all the opportunities and possibilities to make music, all the fun she’d had exploring a whole new world she could create just with her voice and hands.

Coming to my class had sparked her love of making music, and I can only hope she’ll be able to keep it alive, in one way or another. Of course, I believe Music Together is the best program, but if she signs up for something else, so be it. Or if she plays at home with her family, or keeps singing by herself until the day comes when a new door opens.

Making music is a human birthright, a way of expression like no other. She had tapped into it, and that is now a source of energy, growth, and so much more. Any child can sing in tune and dance to the rhythm, and all of them should be able to do just that, particularly with the music of their own culture. Discovering the music of other cultures is a way of knowing the other, of connecting, of growing in empathy and cultural richness.

It’s not just her, of course. Just this week, my youngest got frustrated—angry, really—at his dad. He got a “no” for an answer when he absolutely needed a yes! I was bracing for a huge domestic drama, but instead he left the room furious and went to the piano. He started playing it, first hammering it, then gradually melting into it and playing more like himself. I was moved. As a parent, I can only hope that music will continue to be such a powerful way for him to process his feelings and find peace.

Meanwhile, a mom from class sent me a video of her toddler. Her son was saying he wanted to come to my classes every day—not preschool, but to make music with me. Now it’s my turn to get overwhelmed with emotions. I’m in the car, so I start singing. He can’t hear it, but I’m singing to him, wishing him to continue making music every single day—when he’s happy, frustrated, or like me, overcome with gratitude.