More than Music Education: Emmanuel Ajavon, Music Parent

Before Emmanuel Ajavon moved from New Jersey to New Hampshire in 2016, he did his research.

“My daughter was 2 years old at the time, and I wanted her to have the best possible early childhood experience,” he said. Not only did Ajavon look at pre-schools and elementary schools, he looked into extracurricular programs — such as music. “Music plays a key part in a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, helping them grow into bright, inspiring individuals.”

He signed up for a Music Together class, an early childhood music and movement program for children from birth through age 5, at Upper Valley Music Center.

“We went to the first session and sat in a circle on the floor with my daughter and a dozen other families,” Ajavon recalled. “I noted immediately how inviting and warm the class was. I remember how friendly Gary, the teacher, was and how good he was working the room, getting the adults to participate, getting the kids to sing. My daughter was already having a good time, making beautiful noise with instruments.”

The Saturday morning class became a much-loved father/daughter outing, and morphed into the next stage of music education after they saw a violin group class.

“These tiny kids, around the same age, were actually playing the violin in a structured environment. My daughter and I were in awe, and it piqued my curiosity in the Suzuki Program,” Ajavon said. “Alicia Casey, Suzuki Program Coordinator, spent a great deal of time explaining the program to me. Her responses were prompt and thoughtful. I was sold.”

Ajavon’s daughter, now age 11, is still going strong as an Suzuki Program student. She takes one-on-one classes with Emma McAlister, is a member of the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, and participates in community concerts and performances.

“Upper Valley Music Center programs are beyond building a child’s musical ability. It’s really about building and strengthening a community,” Ajavon said. “She is constantly making new friends. She has teachers supporting her growth. The program has done all it has said it would do.”

Ajavon encourages others to welcome music into their lives. “You’re going to get so much more than education at Upper Valley Music Center. This is true community,” he said.