Interview with Maureen Hopkins, owner and founder
How did you get involved in this business?
It found me, and luckily I was able to see the window opening while waiting for the door. After graduating from Colorado State University with two degrees (music therapy and psychology), sending off hundreds of brochures to different medical facilities, nursing homes and schools with very little response, I decided to take a job as a nanny until I could get my feet off the ground as a music therapist. Life really is all about the right time and the right place. Mine happened at a children’s play facility the day after first talking with the owner. When I arrived, I was welcomed warmly and enthusiastically.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
All music classes are small, age-specific and led and designed by a teacher who is both a board-certified music therapist and a neurologic music therapist. We pride ourselves on the use of live music, in giving babies and children a hands-on opportunity to play real instruments and on using music as a fun and engaging way to facilitate learning to crawl and walk.
What do you like best about your line of work?
There are so many great things: watching the growth, learning and development of each baby/child, introducing a little one to a new instrument and watching their face from an intense focus to a huge proud grin when they succeed or watching the look of amazement on a new parent’s face as they watch their new baby and how contagious the kids’ positive, enthusiastic and carefree energy is that my day is instantly better as soon as the first child walks through the door.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is finding enough time in the day or night to get everything done to my perfectionist standards. Followed very closely by the struggle to reach new parents about our infant-specific music class.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
Something that people would be most surprised to learn about Altitunes is that it is just me (with the exception of my mom, who helps me transfer registration forms and cut stickers) and my ability to remember children’s names.
Business: Altitunes Neurologic Music
Address: 5134 W. 29th Ave., Denver
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday; afternoons by appointment only
Founded: 2010
Contact: 970-231-5456,
Employees: 1
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail sshultz@denverpost.com.
