Biographical Information on Maryann “Mar.” Harman
Class Philosophy
What makes “Mar.” different than other instructors? Why is “Music with Mar.” unique to other
programs? That’s easy.
Maryann, or Mar., is one of a few people in the country who has dual degrees, a BA in Music Education
and an MA in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood. It is this unique combination that
allows her to write music and lyrics that are so functional with each particular age.
When composing music, Mar. takes into consideration the words she chooses: (Will they understand
them? Can I introduce a new vocabulary word?), the amount of times a phrase is repeated, the motions which
will accompany the song (Can this help coordination? What skills can be strengthened?) and the style (What
ethnic style can they be exposed to? What instruments do they need to hear?) Many composers of children’s
music have either one background or the other and seem to focus on that. Mar. combines both sides and
blends both needs. Her knowledge of child development allows her to find music to use with the toddlers as
well as music for older children. (Her music is used in curriculum up to fifth grade.)
“Music with Mar.” classes were started in 1991 through a class at a junior college. Unhappy with the
curriculum, Mar. began her own program and since then has redesigned it to become developmentally
appropriate, educating the adult as well as the child. Whereas many programs focus on developing the musician
in the child, “Music with Mar.” focuses on developing the child through music.
When designing the class structure, parents gave their input. Being a parent herself, Mar. took into
consideration the parents’ needs. Actually, it was the parents in her first few classes that helped to develop
the class structure. They asked for a class where they could pay for the week or purchase a block of classes.
If purchasing a block, they wanted the flexibility of not having to come consecutive weeks, which is sometimes
difficult with a toddler. It was also important to parents that they could attend one class with both children
for one fee. Mar. was happy to meet their requests.
It is not our policy to offer a ‘free’ class. If someone doesn’t like the class, they may leave without
paying. If, however, they stay for an entire class, they are expected to pay for it.
Teachers in various parts of the country have asked how they, too, can teach “Music with Mar.”
classes and as a result of those inquiries, the licensing agreement was put into place. As an outgrowth of the
classes, preschools began to ask if they could be trained to implement the music into their curriculum and thus,
the center certification program was born.
Mar. is a well-enjoyed speaker nationally, focusing on topics such as brain development and music,
enhancing literacy skills through music, using music, books and puppets in DAP and building a multicultural
perspective early. She is a national consultant for SDE (Staff Development for Educators), works with
Educational Activities in NYC and is an adjunct professor at USF (University of S. FL).
Lastly, Music with Mar. is not only for the child; the parent is also learning. Through the classes,
adults learn about child development and music’s role in it and have a place for socialization and interaction
with other parents. The music is meant to extend past the 45-minute class into their daily lives. Parents know
that no matter where they attend, the class will be basically the same. No wonder why adults and children
alike find Music with Mar. to be a safe, fun, learning environment!
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