About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to introduce the joy and the power of music, to create an environment where children can flourish as they learn the language of music, and to instill confidence.
Our approach to early childhood education uses developmentally appropriate curriculum to prime children for success in music, in school, and in life.
Our Story
It's Music Time owners are parents of children who take these classes. They saw firsthand the positive impact this program has on a child's early development and delighted in how much fun the classes are for both children and parents! They see the great benefit to the Redlands community and want to help more families have access.
In January 2024 It's Music Time moved to a spacious new location at 233 E State Street. Founding Teacher Nanci continues to teach, mentor and advise.
Qualifications
Our Early Childhood Music classes use the Music Rhapsody program developed by internationally renowned music educator, Lynn Kleiner.
In addition to a degree in their subject area, each teacher has been trained with certification from Music Rhapsody.
Meet our Teachers
Nanci Harms
Teacher Nanci is the original founder of It's Music Time, having started the group classes from her home in 2017. She is a former kindergarten teacher and a long-time music educator. Nanci has a BA degree in Music Education and certification from Music Rhapsody. She is a member of the California Music Teachers Association and the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. She loves to help young people discover the joy of making music!
Annie Johnson
Teacher Annie is a graduate of University of La Verne with a BA in Music. She has taught private music lessons (voice, guitar and banjo) since graduating in 2017 and has also worked in elementary and high schools as a Music, Choir and substitute teacher. She has had the privilege of traveling through Europe and the United Kingdom performing Irish music in bands and as a solo singer/songwriter. She is passionate about early childhood music education and is excited to implement the Music Rhapsody curriculum in fun and meaningful ways so that students can be lifelong learners and enjoyers of music! Other favorite pastimes are creating fiber arts, sewing and knitting.
Alaina Francis
Teacher Alaina is a transplant to Southern California from Maryland, with a degree in music production from Prince George's. She teaches voice and guitar at Glendora Music School of Upland. Alaina completed the Music Rhapsody certification with flying colors last spring and was a star at this year's annual conference. She loves to help young children develop confidence through music!
Mat Troy
Teacher Mat is the husband of It’s Music Time owner Kate Troy and dad to three young boys. Mat has twenty years of experience as a band leader, choir director, and youth minister. Favorite instruments include drums, guitar, and bass. Mat pursued his BA degree in Photography with Cal State San Bernardino and taught Film and Photography at Aquinas High School for nine years. He loves to help students find their passion and help to grow confidence. His favorite treat is pumpkin pie, all throughout the year!
Kate Troy
Teacher Kate became the owner of It's Music Time because she saw the wonderful benefit of this program for our community and convinced Nanci to help keep it going, and growing!
Kate worked for ten years in New York City in the field of arts education, for The Frick Collection and Academic Arrangements Abroad. Kate holds a BA in European Studies from UCLA, an MA in Art History from Sotheby's Institute, and an MBA from Taylor University.
Kate believes that music and art make the world a better, more beautiful place, and is passionate about introducing children to the wonder of the arts at an early age. Kate teaches the Art Adventure series at It's Music Time.
Some Testimonials
Teacher Nanci is dedicated and passionate about her love for music and it shows through how she interacts with her students. Her music class has taught my son music vacabulary, learning rhythm, and has exposed him to a variety of instruments in such a short period of time. She has a creative way of using age-appropriate techniques such as puppets and props to engage and captivate her students' attention.
J. Nate'-Biles
I love how the kids are learning how to play different instruments and learn music vocabulary! The class also incorporates teaching the kids pitch and how to sing! It's great!!
Y. Mercado
My 5 year old daughter absolutely LOVES this music class. She was very hesitant to try it in the beginning but halfway through the 1st class she came to me and whispered that she wanted to keep coming. She has just begun her 3rd set of "It's Music Time" classes and is thoroughly enjoying music! Mrs. Harms provides a very fun, active and positive environment for the kids to learn music. And they learn a lot!!
J. Winters-Ambriz
"It's Music Time has been a one-of-a-kind opportunity for our grandkids (2 and 5 years old) to be in her classes. Teacher Nanci's style and passion are unparalleled"
C. Guadiz
So grateful to have found this (Toddler) music class for Adeline! She's pretty quiet and observant in class - she participates but doesn't say much - but at home, she LOVES to sing the songs and dance around! I am amazed by how much Adeline has picked up from the weekly 45 minute classes. And Teacher Nanci Harms is wonderful with the kiddos! You can tell she loves what she does.
B. and C. Wenzel
Teacher Nanci is so amazing! I have all 3 of my boys, ages 3, 2, and 7 months, enrolled and they love it. They can't wait to get to music class each week and learn new songs, play their instruments, make new friends, and have fun! I highly recommend signing your littles up for music class.
C. Ornelas
"It's Music Time" is a great way for kids to get acquainted with music and gain an early foundation of music concepts. I loved having my kids participate in the classes. They had a lot of fun and I must admit that I did too. We even enjoyed doing the homework - like practicing moving our fingers and learning right/left!! So important for their development!
L. Schmidt
My daughter LOVES music class, especially the big drum. I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to enrich their child’s development!
B. Grano
Hours of Operations
See class Schedules for scheduled classes
Private lessons by appointment.
Please confirm via phone prior to visiting:
Monday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Conveniently located in Historic Downtown Redlands
Our location is in Downtown Redlands on East State Street (right above the popular McDuff restaurant)
233 E State Street, Redlands, CA 92373.