An Unforgettable First Baby Music Class with Àngels Casas Serrano -Mondemusica
As a new parent in Barcelona, I was on the hunt for activities that would engage my daughter, spark her curiosity, and—let’s be real—give me a break from the endless loop of snack negotiations and toy cleanup. When a friend suggested a baby and toddler music class in Barcelona led by Àngels Casas Serrano – Mondemusica, a musician who creates her own original Catalan children’s music, I was intrigued but unsure. Would my daughter actually connect with the songs since she only had English at home? Or would it just be another chaotic half-hour of rattles and off-key singing?
What I didn’t expect was that this class would be so joyfully immersive, musically rich, and perfectly attuned to little ones that every other music class we’ve tried since has paled in comparison.
Why Àngels Casas Serrano’s Class Stood Out Immediately
Àngels wasn’t just another instructor playing “Wheels on the Bus”–or its Catalan equivalent–on a guitar. She was a true artist—composing her own songs, blending recorded tracks with live instrumentation, and using an array of props to create a multi-sensory musical experience.
From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of intention. Parents and children sat in a circle, and Àngels greeted each child by name with a special song, setting an immediate tone of belonging and excitement.
What Made This Class So Magical?
1. Original Music That Actually Resonated with Kids
Many baby music classes rely on the same tired nursery rhymes, but Àngels’ songs were fresh, melodic, and intentionally crafted for little ears. She played a mix of:
- Her own recorded tracks (professionally produced with rich instrumentation)
- Live guitar and percussion (making the experience dynamic and interactive)
- Catalan folk influences (tying in local culture without feeling forced)
The result? Music that didn’t talk down to kids—it invited them in.
2. Props & Sound Exploration That Held Their Attention
Àngels understood that toddlers learn through touch, movement, and discovery. She incorporated:
- Egg shakers, scarves, and hand drums for tactile engagement
- Bells and chimes to explore different tones
- Different supporting props: our favorites were Froggy Berta (La Granota Berta), a frog sock puppet with cymbals, along with a croaking frog sound block, and a butterfly music box.
Every prop had a purpose—whether it was teaching rhythm, encouraging listening skills, or just making noise in the most delightful way.
3. A Teacher Who Really Understood Child Development
What set Àngels apart was her deep awareness of how babies and toddlers engage. She:
- Paced activities perfectly (short enough to match their attention spans but varied enough to keep them hooked)
- Let kids respond naturally (no pressure to “perform,” just pure exploration)
- Used repetition wisely (familiar refrains gave comfort, but new elements kept it fresh)
- Unique music designed to educate and have fun.
4. Parents, Your Joy Matters! – The Power of Participation
Àngels didn’t just entertain the kids—she empowered the parents. She reminded us:
- Your child mirrors your energy. If you’re engaged, they will be too.
- “Don’t worry about singing perfectly—just model enthusiasm!”
And it worked. Seeing other parents clapping, swaying, and laughing gave permission to be silly, which made the kids light up even more. My daughter was completely captivated, clapping along and reaching for instruments with wide-eyed wonder.
Why Other Classes Haven’t Come Close
After that first class, I assumed all baby music sessions would be similarly enriching. I was wrong.
Other classes we tried fell short because they:
- Used only prerecorded music (no live energy, no spontaneity)
- Lacked originality
- Missed the magic of props and sound exploration (just a teacher with a guitar and a few shaky eggs and scarves)
Àngels’ class wasn’t just fun—it was meaningful. It wasn’t just music—it was an experience.
What to Look for in a Truly Great Baby Music Class
If you’re searching for a music class that goes beyond the basics, ask:
- Does the teacher create original music, or just recycle nursery rhymes?
- Is there a mix of live and recorded music? (Live moments create connection.)
- Are props used intentionally to explore sound? (Texture = engagement.)
- Does the class encourage parent participation, or treat you as a spectator?
- Does the teacher understand child development? (Pacing, repetition, and freedom matter.)
Some of our favorite songs from her repertoire
- Hola Benvinguts / Hello and Welcome
- Cançó de les pessigolles / The Tickles Song
- La granota Berta / Berta the Frog
- Cançó de les mans / The Hands Song
- Cançó del mico / The Monkey Song
You can find more songs on her YouTube Channel, Mondemusica, for more songs and to see some of her wonderful props, like our favorite Froggy Berta.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of a Great First Experience
Àngels Casas Serrano – Mondemusica didn’t just teach a music class—she crafted a moment of pure, shared joy. She showed me that music for little ones doesn’t have to be basic with prerecorded songs and ordinary props; it can be artistic, cultural, and deeply engaging. We were lucky enough to attend two 10-week sessions with her and we would have done more if we had been able. Afterwards, we tried two other weekly classes in Barcelona held by different teaches and companies and they did not come close to measuring up to Àngels and to her Granota Berta.
Most importantly, she reminded me that my presence—my singing, my clapping, my laughter—was the key to my daughter’s enjoyment. That’s a lesson I’ve carried far beyond the classroom.
Have you ever taken a baby music class that completely blew you away? What made it special? Let’s swap stories in the comments!
