Even infants instinctually react to music and dramatic expressions. Indeed, an appreciation for music, dance, and drama knows no age minimum, but instruction on the performing arts for young children can have lifelong benefits.
These classes have been very important for my daughter’s upbringing and development. I don’t speak a lot of English, so the classes are a great way for my daughter to learn English words through music. Juana Sajbin, mother of Yuliana Gomez-Sajbin (pictured)
These classes have been very important for my daughter’s upbringing and development. I don’t speak a lot of English, so the classes are a great way for my daughter to learn English words through music.
The Community School of Performing Art’s Early Childhood Program formally introduces babies and toddlers as young as 7 months to the wonders of music and the performing arts. Our classes target specific age groupings to best capitalize on students’ capabilities as they explore music, theory, voice, movement, and drama. Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate in the classes with very young children. Advancement is based on skill development so students gain confidence as they gain abilities.
One of the key benefits of our Early Childhood music classes is that our highly trained faculty help parents identify a child’s special interests and abilities for future class placement. That said, our classes are in demand and can fill up quickly. Wait lists may form, so we may add classes with demand. Classes are scheduled on weekdays as well as Saturdays and Sundays.
All group classes will take place online via Zoom, which requires a strong internet connection and computer/tablet.
We’ve created the Early Childhood curriculum to follow an age-appropriate sequence to help students prosper as they develop. Visit the Register page for general registration information.
Registration for Fall 2021 begins on July 19 for continuing students and July 31 for new students.
Register for Fall 2021
Fall orientation for new and returning students is taking place on Saturday, September 18. Parents can meet Dr. Nita Baxani, the Community School’s new Early Childhood Department Chair, ask questions about class placement and registration, and learn more about the program.
Parents and caretakers are encouraged to attend the orientation alone. Please note that all attendees of the in-person session must show proof of vaccination to enter the building. You may upload your vaccine documentation here.
Virtual and in-person options are available:
Our specially trained instructors work with parents and infants to cultivate developmental listening skills with activities to help children absorb music concepts. Teachers design sensory experiences to fascinate and captivate children. As classes progress, infants move from being merely receptive to engaging in an active role.
This family-oriented class encourages toddlers to become actively engaged in making music. Through the use of nursery poems and songs, children explore various musical traditions and styles.
As toddlers gain more motor development skills, they’re more likely to want to move, and this class encourages them to explore movement through music and imagination. Teachers also work with the young students to improve listening skills through play, songs, stories, and games.
Our talented faculty brings nursery rhymes, make-believe stories, and folk tales to life in this class designed for two- and three-year-old children. With the aid of props and small percussion instruments, teachers and students create theatrical experiences through storytelling.
Each week, students experience a musical adventure, with singing, movement, and drama. Oftentimes, the children use small props and percussion instruments to enhance performances.
Students are treated to games and stories that will trigger their imagination, individual expression, and language skills. They engage in exercises to develop body awareness, concentration, group cooperation, coordination, and balance. Activities utilize rhythmic verbalization, pantomime, dramatic play, and creative movement.
Multi-cultural seasonal themes and festivals are the highlight of this class. Songs are chosen to reflect different celebrations around the world.
The class provides musical experiences in the development of motor and ear-training skills, hand-eye coordination, a sense of keyboard geography, finger dexterity, and concentration. This course offers pre-reading exercises to develop the child’s keyboard sense. Students must have access to an acoustic piano or keyboard for daily practice. Students will be required to bring their own portable keyboard for use in class. We recommend the following item which can be purchased on Amazon, limited supply will be available at school. Link to purchase roll up keyboard.
Rhythm helps give movement purpose. In this class, preschool-age children learn to direct their energy into basic rhythms and rhythmic patterns while also improving listening and motor skills. They’re also shown proper playing techniques for small percussion instruments used in classroom exercises.
Classes are designed to initiate instrument instruction with a concentration on various rhythmic styles and techniques on Orff and percussion instruments. Teachers work with students to improve muscle and hand-eye coordination as well as a growing awareness of rhythmic and melodic patterns. Students even begin rhythmic notation reading. Creativity is promoted through improvisation activities.
Pre-requisite: Rhythmic Styles and Tech I
See how your child can progress through our age-specific curriculum, from Early Childhood to instrumental, drama, and dance programs in the Community School and Trudl Zipper Dance Institute.
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