The Lullaby Project is a fun, creative, songwriting workshop! It’s an opportunity for parents to write a personalized lullaby or song for your new baby (or for a baby on the way), with one-on-one support from an experienced musician. The Lullaby Project was created by educators at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute in New York City (visit the Carnegie website here). More than 1300 lullabies have been written by parents and participants in the program since it started! In Middletown, Wesleyan students and staff volunteer as Lullaby Project musicians; we have worked with parents through ACES/Early Head Start and other community partners, including the Family Wellness Center at Community Health Center.
Left to right: Wesleyan students Langston Lynch & Harrison Nir with Monique & Stephen Hennessey at ACES/Early Head Start in Middletown.
How does it work?
In a series of 3-5 sessions (about an hour each), we’ll get to know each other and talk about your stories, hopes and dreams for your baby. Then, we’ll turn those ideas into song lyrics, and create a melody to go with them. We’ll record as we go (on a phone) to keep track of your ideas, trying different things till you have a song you love, creating at your pace. If time permits and parents are interested, we might have a more involved recording session, with instruments, and/or a final group sharing of finished songs. You are welcome to bring your baby to the songwriting sessions, and our musicians are able to conduct sessions in Spanish.
What if I feel like I’m not musical?
You’re not alone in thinking that, but you have everything it takes to do this! Your thoughts for your baby are the heart of your song. And your baby loves your voice more than any other sound in the world, so whatever you sing (or speak) to him or her, they are going to love. Remember that lullabies can be very simple: even just the name of your baby, repeated over and over, is a beautiful song. Your Lullaby Project helper is present to listen, encourage, and offer suggestions when you ask for them.
Can I hear and see some examples of Lullaby Project songs from Middletown?
Sure! Below is a video of Amelia and Amara’s lullaby, written by Monique and Stephan Hennessey with Wesleyan students Langston Lynch and Harrison Nir, at ACES/Early Head Start, Spring 2018.
The doctor said that there were two
We’re so glad we have both of you
You complete this house
Amelia Moose and Amara Mouse
Bella Bear, Alley Cat,
Amelia Moose, Amara Mouse
Mmmmm
Below is an audio track of Caden’s Lullaby, written by Chrissie and Langston at Family Wellness Center in Fall 2018. Chrissie made a poster of the lyrics and hung it in Caden’s room for Christmas. She wrote, “We sing the lullaby every day!”
You’re like a star in the sky
You’re so rare and we know you’ll never change
The world needs you even through you’re ours
The world without you is a sky without stars
In Spring of 2019, Langston Lynch, Ginger Hutchinson and Mika Yaakoba-Zahar worked with Olivia, Brittany, Janelle and Jeri in Middletown. Here are their songs!
Janelle’s lullaby for JJ (7 months)
Jeri’s lullaby for her baby boy, due in August
Brit’s lullaby for Jaelah (4 months)
Olivia’s lullaby for Jaden (toddler)
Where can I listen to more Lullaby Project songs?
The Lullaby Project began as a partnership between Carnegie Hall in New York City and Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx. Now, through the dedication of teaching musicians at Carnegie Hall and at dozens of other partners, the Lullaby Project has spread around the US and across the globe!
Carnegie Hall Lullaby Project Videos
Carnegie Hall Lullaby Project Soundcloud (more than 600 songs!)
