'Music Together' Finds Newest Home at Laughlin Center

While school may be out for summer, a local children’s center and a popular music program are teaming up to support young learners.

For the first time, will host a summer semester of Music Together classes offer by Lisa Rae Music Studios, according to Lisa Rae Vaughan, music director.

Vaughan said the Music Together philosophy fits perfectly with Laughlin’s longstanding traditions of being a special place where every child achieves.

“(Laughlin Center) is focused on learning and having children learn correctly,” Vaughan said. “Music Together has the philosophy that music learning supports all learning.”

Music Together, founded in 1987, involves newborns to 5-year olds and their parents or caregivers participating together in informal singing, chanting, moving, listening and instrument playing activities.

Lauren Garcia-Slawianowski, a Hopewell Township resident and early-childhood music instructor, leads the classes and often explains the music and exercises to adults so they understand the importance of the activities with their children.

But learning doesn't end at the conclusion of a day's session. Parents and caretakers have music and information at home to work with the child and become familiar with the songs. 

, whom students refer to as "Miss Lauren," also works with children on the Autism spectrum and differently-abled kids, Vaughan said.

"Music Together is welcoming of children who have special needs," Vaughan said. 

The 45-minute classes begin at Laughlin and will be offered in the afternoons.  Morning classes will continue starting June 21 at , where Vaughan said the classes are popular.

“The response to our classes in Sewickley has grown by leaps and bounds since our first class in 2009. My families have told me there’s nothing really fun, educational, and musical available for children under 3 years old and we fit an in-demand niche.”

Laughlin classes are at 1 p.m. on Thursdays. Sweetwater classes have the earlier option of 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Classes in both locations meet for a shorter six-week session in the summer rather than the typical 10 weeks.

Vaughan said Music Together has a range of beneifts, from helping young children develop socially and emotionally to exposing them to other cultures.

"Music really does help the brain to think," Vaughn said.

As a child, Vaughan was exposed to music all day long because her mother and music teacher, Natalie Murphy Vaughan, would put her in a crib in her music studio. Her mom was her first teacher, and was also Slawianowski's piano and voice teacher.

Vaughan, a , holds two degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, where she studied electrical computer engineering and classical piano. She's also studied classical flute and jazz piano, chamber music in Germany and previously played in a Latin salsa dance band called Guaracha. 

Vaughan said the Music Together program helps build a musical foundation for children, not to mention strong family bonds, something she believes is valued in Sewickley.

"I really found that families in Sewickley are more forward thinking, a little bit more family-oriented type people who enjoy bonding with their children and creating a good family unit. We're happy we can be a part of that," Vaughan said.  

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Join Music Together

Parents and caregivers can enroll by visiting LisaRaeMusic.com

To celebrate the newest Music Together location, Lisa Rae Music Studios is offering a 20 to 30 percent discount to families who attend classes at the newly-renovated .

Prior to enrollment, interested families can visit one of several ongoing classes in or Moon Township at Play Academy at no cost. To schedule a free family guest pass, contact Lisa Rae Music Studios at 412-638-7598, at LisaRaeVaughan@yahoo.com or at Facebook.com/LisaRaeMusic.

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