Parenthoot with Neha

In this Parenthoot Spotlight episode, we sit down with Mukta Dharma, founder of Tootly, to unpack what it really means to introduce children to music. Mukta traces her journey from growing up in a deeply musical household, training for over a decade in Hindustani classical music, and performing from the age of three, to a demanding career in investment banking, and finally to motherhood — the turning point that reshaped how she thought about learning, work, and childhood. Tootly emerged when she realised that traditional, outcome-driven music pedagogy simply does not work for toddlers — and that children learn best when music is woven into movement, stories, repetition, and joy. The conversation moves through early brain development, music as a form of language, screen-time ethics, the power of live music, and the radical idea that children don’t need to be taught creativity — they need to be immersed in it. Why You Should Listen You’re a parent of a young child (0–6) and feel unsure about when or how to introduce musicYou’re overwhelmed by “enrichment culture” and want a calmer, more child-led approachYou’re curious about how music supports speech, memory, and cognition — without turning into pressureYou want to rethink screens, stimulation, and what “learning” really looks like in early childhoodYou’re building something of your own and navigating identity shifts after parenthoodThis episode is as much about parenting and slowing down as it is about music. Notable Quotes “Children don’t learn by sitting and being instructed. They learn by doing, experiencing, and enjoying.”“Don’t decide what your child can or cannot do before giving them the chance.”“Music is a very specific case of language — patterns, rhythm, repetition.”“We underestimate what children can sit with, simply because we don’t slow down enough to offer it.”“This isn’t about creating singers. It’s about raising music-loving humans.” Practical Takeaways for Listeners Start with exposure, not instruction: From birth to age five, variety and repetition matter more than formal lessons.Music before outcomes: Singing, chants, lullabies, and listening build the foundation long before performance.Live music matters: Even brief exposure to real instruments and musicians can deeply hold a child’s attention.Short, frequent engagement works best: 5–10 minutes a day beats one long weekly class for young children.Be the model: Children absorb what parents do, not what they’re told to do — joy is contagious.Screens need intention: If used, keep them minimal, slow, and non-addictive — content should serve learning, not hijack attention. Resources and References Tootly on Instagram (program philosophy, sample videos, parent journeys): https://www.instagram.com/tootlymusicResearch on music and early brain development:For parents: introduce chants, rhymes, folk songs, and diverse musical traditions at homeFilm reference mentioned: The Sound of Music (“Do-Re-Mi” as joyful musical pedagogy About the Guest Mukta Dharma is a trained Hindustani classical vocalist, IIM Ahmedabad alumna, former investment banker, and the founder of Tootly — an early childhood music program designed for children aged 3–5. Blending music, movement, stories, and neuroscience-informed learning, Tootly focuses on nurturing a lifelong relationship with music without pressure or performance anxiety. Mukta is also a homeschooling parent and lives in Hyderabad with her family. Join the Conversation Review & Subscribe: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and family! Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenthootwithneha/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parenthoot/Support Us: https://buymeacoffee.com/gargneha Your support helps keep the show running.