Early Childhood Music Education Programs

Early Childhood Music Classes (for newborns through age 5) 

Early Childhood Music Education classes are designed to introduce music to children ranging from newborns to age 5. Based on the research of Edwin Gordon and curriculum developed by Dr. Cynthia Crump Taggart, the goal of this program is to increase children’s potential to achieve in music through engaging and entertaining musical activities.

Class activities include singing and chanting, moving to music, playing assorted percussion instruments, and pattern instruction. All early childhood classes are fully inclusive, and several classes are run in collaboration with Early On©.

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    Spring 2025 Session Classes

    • Class Dates: 
      Monday Classes: January 27 - April 7, 2025 (10 weeks) - No class on March 24
      Tuesday Classes: January 21 - April 8, 2025 (10 weeks) - No classes on March 4 & 25
      Wednesday Classes: January 22 - April 9, 2025 (10 weeks) - No classes on March 5 & 26
      Thursday Classes: January 23 - April 10, 2025 (10 weeks) - No classes on March 6 & 27
      Friday Classes: January 24 - April 11, 2025 (10 weeks) - No classes on March 7 & 28
      Saturday Classes: February 1 - April 12, 2025 (10 weeks) - No class on March 29
                           
         *All classes will be 45 minutes long per week.*

    Infant Classes (Birth - 18 months old)

    Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. Carin McEvoy/Katie Pike
    Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. Denise Travis
    Fridays 11:00 a.m. Denise Travis
    Saturdays 9:00 a.m. Kate Port

    Toddler Classes (18 months - 3 years old)

    Mondays 6:30 p.m. Clara Fuller/Ali Clark
    Tuesdays** 11:00 a.m. Karen Salvador/Denise Travis
    Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. Ali Clark/Fiona Breen
    Thursdays 6:30 p.m. Ellie McDonald/Justin Hill
    Fridays 10:00 a.m. Denise Travis
    Saturdays 10:00 a.m. Kate Port

    ** Toddler Research Class: This class is a regular early childhood music class, but will be video recorded for teaching and research purposes. Video captured in this class will be analyzed for examples of teaching effectiveness and selected moments will be used to illustrate research presentations and for professional development for early childhood teachers and music educators. When you enroll, you will receive additional information and be asked to consent for video collection. Please contact the teacher, Dr. Karen Salvador (ksal@msu.edu), if you have questions.

    Preschool Classes (3-5 years old)

    Mondays 5:30 p.m. Denise Travis
    Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. Denise Travis
    Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. Fiona Breen/Clara Fuller
    Thursdays 5:30 p.m. Justin Hill/Ellie McDonald
    Fridays 9:00 a.m. Denise Travis/Stefanie Harris
    Saturdays 11:00 a.m. Kate Port

    New!!! -  Multi-Age Class: Would you prefer to bring your children together, rather than to separate age-based classes? In this class, we welcome caregivers to enroll multiple children, ages birth-5, together. 

    Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. Carin McEvoy/Katie Pike

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Making Music (for children ages 5-7)

Making Music emphasizes introducing children, ages 5-7, to possibilities in instrumental music through games, rhythm activities, playing instruments, movement, and exploring musical instruments. This class offers a developmentally appropriate bridge between our play-based early childhood classes and more formal instructional activities such as group or private lessons. Any child who enjoys making music and expressing their creativity through song and musical play will love this class. No previous experience required.

Vocal Village (for children ages 5-7) 

Designed to build singing voices in children ages 5-7, Vocal Village works on vocal development through singing games, rhythm activities, movement, and musical creation. This class is for any child who enjoys singing, making music, and expressing their creativity through song and musical play. It also offers a singing-focused developmentally appropriate bridge between our play-based early childhood classes and more formal instructional activities such as choirs and group or private lessons. Come sing with us! No previous experience required.

Early Childhood on PBS and WKAR Family

Take a look at the coverage from PBS and WKAR Family on the benefits of CMS' Early Childhood program.

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Learn about the Early Childhood Music Education philosophy and FAQs (PDF)

Children and Youth