Meike Sillevis Smitt-Huizinga, teacher/director 

I was born and raised in the Netherlands. After a 2 1/2 year expat adventure in Malaysia I landed in California in 2006 with my husband and our two daughters. I started volunteering as a music docent in our oldest's first grade classroom and loved the interaction with children! Within two years I became the official Music Teacher at Booksin Elementary, where I taught until 2016.

When introduced to Music Together^® I wished I had known about this program when my own children were younger. I love the variety of songs, the songbooks for the families, and the support we get as teachers. In August 2011 I was rewarded Music Together Certification Level I by the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, NJ. And in November 2013 I became the Owner/Director of Smiley Notes, offering Music Together in Willow Glen! Through Smiley Notes I strive to build a strong musical bond with families with young children (0-5 years) in Willow Glen, sharing songs, instrument play, rhythm chants, and movement activities in a relaxed, playful, non-performance-oriented setting. 

I regularly catch myself singing or humming a tune without even realizing I started it. Singing makes me happy and has helped me through difficult situations. Teaching Music Together classes, improvising with the music and interacting with little ones and their families keeps me motivated and inspired. I hope to enrich the lives of my students and their parents with my enthusiasm for music and interaction, and I’d love to see you in one of my classes!