Families are embracing a new way to connect through music and mental wellness.
Launched in January, Sarah Skagen’s I Can Music program offers group music classes for children aged 0-4, and their caregivers.
It blends music exploration with lessons in teamwork, sharing and emotional awareness.
Skagen said her inspiration for the program came from a desire to combine music with mental health education.
“Music is a huge part of development, language, speech and self-expression,” she said.
“But the mental health component can be tied in very easily. We talk about fairness, we talk about sharing and teamwork because all of those things are encompassed within music.”
The growing popularity of I Can Music has prompted Skagen to move the program to a dedicated space at 550 Queen St. W., Suite 101.
The new location features on-site parking, and a secure environment designed to better accommodate families.
Classes are booked in six-week blocks, with each session lasting 30 to 45 minutes.
“Sometimes it’s hard for them to be still and focused for more than 30 minutes, and it becomes just stressful,” Skagen said.
“That’s not my idea of anybody’s good time.”
Group sizes range from four to 12 families per session, with smaller groups available for children needing additional support.
Looking ahead, Skagen plans to expand I Can Music to include older age groups in the coming months and is working on organizing events connected to the program.
“I honestly didn’t foresee myself being as busy as I am as quickly as I am,” she said.
“I just hope to impart more music and more mental health knowledge to as many people as we possibly can.”
Currently, there is a sale offering six-week classes for $80, down from the regular price of $90.
For more information or to book classes, click here.