At Sawyer we have the privilege of working with hundreds of inspiring educators around the country. The curricula always foster enriching atmospheres for children of all ages to discover their love of learning and grow as people.

We got the opportunity to chat with Marni Konner, the founder and CEO of Little Maestros, which provides music education to children in NYC and the surrounding areas. In our conversation, we learned more about the benefits of out-of-school enrichment activities, inspiring moments in and out of the classroom, and so much more.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! I’d love to hear a bit more about you and why you started your business.

Thank you for the interest and opportunity! I’m Marni Konner and I founded Little Maestros in 2002 because a quality music class for my infant didn’t exist. My career was in marketing at Atlantic Records, I was a new mom, and my life-long passion is music so it made sense for me to start Little Maestros. I became obsessed with creating the best original, live, early-childhood educator-approved, relevant, and FUN music program.

Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator?  

Little Maestros has an accomplished and devoted team of employees. I love watching our Director of Product train Broadway performers to teach our award-winning curriculum. To see the enchanted reaction on the faces of the community and how well the program translates, resonates and impacts families is endlessly rewarding. The icing on the cake is hearing accolades from educators enrolled in Little Maestros - it is not only inspiring but confirms the plan to take the brand global.

What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children?  

I think the most rewarding thing about teaching children is seeing their progress and growth in class. We have the joy of witnessing milestones in our safe and encouraging space that we provide for young families to gather, connect, and grow. A couple of examples of these special moments include a child’s first smile, first step, first bubble, and first friend. We also love getting to know multiple generations of family members who come to class to create core memories and enjoy the entertainment and good vibes!

What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day?

The kids are enamored with the performers in their class. They often show signs of glee when the vocalist greets them, they seem star-struck getting hi-5’d from the guitarist, and they are obsessed with the percussionist. One day recently, a child came running up to ME saying “I love you, Marni”!  I couldn’t believe this toddler even knew my name, so his hug made my day to say the least!

On a similar note, what’s the funniest thing a child has done in your class?

I don’t think I’ve ever actually found something funny about what a child has done in class - my smiles and emotions from a child’s unexpected reaction to the music are more heart-warming. We hear infants squealing in delight in a room focused on an instrument demonstration; this, of course, takes our breath away that they are feeling the music!  Watching a toddler dancing “like no one’s watching” in the middle of our big circle has us convinced we are achieving.

Why is after school/extracurricular enrichment and camp so important for children?  

We see the importance of after-school activities in our sibling classes and also in Maestros University class, our program designed exclusively for kids ages 3 and 4 years old. The kids love coming to a space outside of school, making new friends to have fun with, and meeting new teachers. Here they can continue to learn - and different from their experience in school, this is learning through music and entertainment. We also have a Maestros University x Pre-School offering for extracurricular enrichment for classes where we go to schools to do a weekly class or for kids to come with their classmates to one of our locations.

How do you think children can discover their passions when they’re not in school or your programs?

Adults should talk to their kids about what they are seeing and explain what they are doing.  The grownups should introduce them to the sounds around them on the bus and train and in the park. Point out people exercising outdoors and firefighters in uniform. Take them to the zoo, socialize with neighbors, walk around a museum, watch a family member cook or bake or fix something in the house. The adults can show the importance and demonstrate their passion when describing and experiencing this and judge from the child’s reaction what excites them!