Children can soon experiment with musical instruments and jingle bells, scarfs, props, rhythm sticks and a parachute, with proceeds going to a good cause.
Music Together will host its second annual Jingle Jam this year, with all profits from the event going Tickets For Kids, which provides free trips to low-income and at-risk youth.
Music Together, which is under the umbrella of Monroeville Music, offers classes in Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakmont, Irwin and Latrobe for children up to age five.
Owner Megan Woods Held, who purchased the business in August 2023, said she wanted to donate to a Pittsburgh charity geared toward underprivileged children.
“I wanted to find something local and something that had to do with the arts,” Held said. “Tickets for Kids really spoke to me. The charity is for kids who may not be able to have these experiences otherwise. I read their purpose statement, and I could really connect with that.”
Jingle Jam is a music together, mixed ages class featuring holiday themed music. The first half of class will be guided, while the second portion will be more of a “play along,” where children can experiment with instruments and free dance. Milk, cookies and social time afterward will follow.
Tickets are $25. The event will be held at 4 p.m. at the following locations:
Dec. 14 and 22 — Monroeville center, 4366 Old William Penn Hwy.
Dec. 15 and 21 — “I Am Music” building in Irwin, 222 Pennsylvania Ave.
Born and raised in Plum, Held grew up playing the piano and violin.
“Voice is my main instrument,” the mezzo soprano said. She has a bachelor’s degree in music and master’s degree in music education from the University of Akron. She taught general music for five years and a choral and general music specialist and a private voice and piano teacher.
He husband Mike has a music technology degree and works in information technology.
Their children — Alex, 6, and Annie, 4 — also are musically inclined. Alex plays the guitar while Annie takes piano lessons; both participated in Music Together’s recital in October.
“It’s really great for kids to experiment with an instrument and make it their own,” Held said.
Monroeville Music has 10 teachers who offers lessons in voice, piano, guitar, drums and percussion instruments. In addition to Mosaic Melodies, the studio offers Rhythm Kids, Piano Play and other classes.
“The classes teach kids the way they learn,” Held said. “There’s exposure to different tonalities, meters and cultures around the world – and in a way they’re really going to be able to understand.”
Monthly membership offers families unlimited classes at any of the five locations; all parents need to do is register in advance. For questions or to register for Jingle Jams, visit mtmosaicmelodies.com or email mtmosaicmelodies@gmail.com.
