The Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts

Loved the online version of the baby beats class! I was so excited to try it, and wish it was longer than 30 minutes because it’s that great. Instructor McKenna is amazing all around, she’s so friendly, warm and has a beautiful voice singing and reading to babies!

I was quite disappointed when I tried the in person baby beats class over the summer as the online one wasn’t offered. I registered for the Scout Coffee location which was uncomfortable as there were no mats or chairs to sit on and often the hard floor was sticky. The instructor Donna would sing her own songs so nobody knew the words. At one class she handed out her business cards which I found odd as if trying to promote herself outside of MCMA. The quality of music also lacked as for instruments Donna handed out “drums” which were plastic take out containers and the “parachute” was a bedsheet. I’ve attended free programs in the city that had actual age appropriate tambourines, drums, shakers and violins for my baby to play with. This baby beats class was sad considering I had to pay for it and this is what was offered. The babies were also not allowed to touch the instructor’s ukelele of puppets. Lastly, the instructor had told me, in front of everyone to be quiet as I was talking to another mom and baby. I was absolutely appalled as I’ve never been told to keep quiet at a baby group or activity! A mom told me after class she didn’t think I was speaking loud and not sure why Donna said that to me. As a new mom, activities like this give me an on opportunity to connect with other new parents and build a sense of community. The following week there was a group of mothers chatting loudly and Donna didn’t say anything to them which made me think she was just being discriminatory against me. I will certainly not be doing an in person baby beats program again but look forward to an online offering with McKenna!