Did you know that our brain tries to protect us when we feel danger? At the base of the neck lays the brain stem that sends us into fight or flight when traumatic events arise and it also cuts off the limbic system and pre-frontal cortex – the parts of the brain responsible for emotion, processing experiences, and language. Until we feel safe again, we may really struggle to learn our ABC’s or understand how to problem solve in life.

When we dance, hum, or sing, we can loosen that brain stem and get the nerves communicating back to the rest of the brain. Teacher Brittany is here to provide music and imagination to help you and your kiddo find the healing and growth that you (and all of us) need!

source: www.CRIresilient.org

Yes! Teacher Brittany has received a background check by the Walla Walla Community College, where she teaches some of her classes to her local community. You can view the results here! BACKGROUND REPORT

Teacher Brittany feels that is not only common for kiddos, but totally natural! If you are in your home space during the Moonshadow Classes, then your child may feel as if this time is no different from playtime, snack time, or chilling with YouTube running in the background. Here are a few small ways to adjust your living space for class that can really helpful to you and your kiddo!

1. First and most importantly, sit the class with your child! This signals to them that this screen time may be different from streaming and that this class is important to you! The more you sing, clap, and dance freely, the more your child will absorb through the class, truly! You are their best model!

2. Clear the room of clutter and lay down a pillow, yoga matt, or blanket to sit on during class.

3. Put away the phone device to avoid distractions and view the class on a laptop, computer, TV or tablet.

All in-person classes observe the utmost caution to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Students and Teacher Brittany decide individually about wearing a mask based on comfort levels and infection rates and class is held outdoors whenever possible. When indoors, the students and Teacher Brittany maintain at least a 6-foot distance, masks are encouraged and Teacher Brittany sanitizes all surfaces between lessons.

You will see that there is a class offered for every age range and they are taught in both English and Spanish, as Teacher Brittany is bilingual. Moonshadow is reaching out to local ASL interpreters in the hopes to soon offer ASL content for our Deaf and HOH community on YouTube and in-person. Private guitar is held at Teacher Brittany’s residence, which can be made wheelchair accessible if that is what you require! Moonshadow operates on a sliding scale to help families of lower income access the music and community. Please reach contact Teacher Brittany if you need help accessing a class financially!

Teacher Brittany would LOVE to learn from you on how to better include members of our community! Please email Moonshadow Music on our Contact page!

Teacher Brittany has created Moonshadow Music as a platform to share music with individuals either online or in-person at her residence in Walla Walla, Washington. The philosophy of Brittany’s teaching is that we ALL deserve to experience music – it belongs to every body and voice – and when we make it together, magic happens!

Did you know it’s super tricky to play guitar with long nails? Please trim your left fingernails before lessons and practice. The right side can certainly grow out, if you like!