For Tewksbury Resident Stacy Dolliver music has always been a way of life.  A Special Education Teacher by trade, Stacy always studied music as a hobby and sang in various choirs including the Treble Chorus of New England.   

Much like Stacy her husband Scott is also a musician.  With a degree in music and a passion for teaching guitar, Scott works full time for an insurance company but admits, “I’m truly a musician at heart.”

About seven years ago, when Stacy was pregnant with her daughter Sophia, she was, like so many mothers to be, looking for a career that would allow her more time at home.  She knew that, on some level, she wanted to continue teaching children and, at the same time, wondered how she could incorporate her love for music into her new plan. 

It didn’t take long, however, for Stacy to come up with a plan for Apple Tree Music and Movement. A unique environment where children of all ages, along with their parents, can experience and enjoy the joy of music, Apple Tree Music and Movement was an immediate success.

A typical class at Apple Tree begins with a chance for parents and children alike to warm up their fine motor skills and slowly builds into a chance to experiment with different instruments, move around, dance, hug a parent or a friend and simply enjoy the music.  There are no strict rules for remaining seated and younger children often move around the room absorbing the music however works best for them.

“There is nothing more exciting than seeing a baby begin listening to and moving to the music,” Stacy explained.

By keeping the classes open to children of all ages, Stacy feels that Apple Tree Music and Movement helps provide parents to enjoy classes with all of their children at once. 

“What’s nice is that parents can come to the same class with any number of children,” she said  “The older kids automatically become role models and help the younger ones to learn to appreciate music.”

As for the parents, there is no experience in music necessary.  Just by being involved in the class they are teaching their child to appreciate music and enjoy movement and dance.  “We are here to provide an experience,” mentioned Stacy.  “It’s the parents that actually teach the children to appreciate what they are experiencing.”

Both Stacy and Scott strongly believe in the importance of music and strongly agree, “We want to expose our own family to the richest musical experience possible.”  With two children, Sophia, age 8 and Clayton, age 2 ½ and a new addition on the way, the Dollivers know just how valuable a strong foundation in music can be. 

“Music gives children an outlet and a chance to express themselves,” remarked Stacy.  “It helps develop an important part of the brain, build fine motor skills, gross motor skills, pre language as well as coordination.”

Scott couldn’t agree more, “Music is a language that universal. It has always provided me with an outlet and a release.”

These days Apple Tree is growing and Stacy is in the process of expanding classes that will be offered in a new Methuen location.  Apple Tree continues to offer birthday parties and Stacy visits local school and organizations for workshops.

Eventually, Stacy and Scott would love to expand further and their dream is to open an Arts Center in Tewksbury.  Ideally, it would be a place where parents could see their children perform and, at the same time, take classes in everything from dance and music to photography and cooking. 

These days, however, the Dollivers are happy to have an opportunity to watch both parents and children enjoy, appreciate and earn about music through Apple Tree Music and Movement.  For more information about classes and location visit them online.