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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    Fall 2023 Classes

    • Class Dates: September 11 - November 18, 2023 (10 weeks)
      Classes will be 45 minutes long per week.

    Infant Classes (Birth - 18 months old)

    Mondays 5:30 p.m. Lizabeth Desmet
    Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. Denise Travis
    Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. Carin McEvoy
    Fridays 9:00 a.m. Lizabeth Desmet
    Saturdays 9:00 a.m. Kate Port

    Toddler Classes (18 months - 3 years old)

    Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. Denise Travis
    Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. Carin McEvoy
    Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. Katie Pike
    Thursdays 5:30 p.m. Lizabeth Desmet
    Fridays 10:00 a.m. Lizabeth Desmet
    Saturdays 11:00 a.m. Katie Port


    Preschool Classes (3-5 years old)

    Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. Denise Travis
    Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. Katie Pike
    Thursdays 6:30 p.m. Lizabeth Desmet
    Fridays 11:00 a.m. Lizabeth Desmet
    Saturdays 10:00 a.m. Julia Albany

    View Early Childhood class pricing

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Musical Parenting (for parents of newborns through age 3) - Not Offering for Spring 2023

Want ideas for making music and playing musically at home with your child? This is a "flipped classroom" version of our early childhood music classes. If you are interested in early childhood music with your child, but concerned about synchronous online interactions, this class offers a new alternative. An experienced early childhood music educator will meet with this class of parents/caregivers weekly to offer suggestions for how you might integrate music listening and music making into your everyday interactions with your child(ren). Children are welcome to be a part of your participation but the focus of the class will be interacting with the teacher who will offer suggestions for ways to promote and extend musical play. The teacher will share asynchronous content that you can use to help you practice or you can play with your child. You can choose to post videos of your child's musicking to a private site for the class to discuss.

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.

 View all Early Childhood Music Education pricing

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

Children and Youth