The benefits of taking a music class—even at a few months old—are endless. Children will learn about rhythm and tone as they discover the “language” of music. They’ll have the opportunity to interact with other kids, play a few instruments and even learn about other cultures.
Many wonderful music classes for kids of all ages are available throughout New Jersey. Here are some of our favorite options.
FasTracKids
FasTracKids offers four types of classes, with locations around the state. The program aims to boost your child’s social, cognitive, language, literacy and physical skills in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Sing and Play, for children one to two years old, mixes music, movement and fun in a sensory-rich environment. Wiggle and Grow lets toddlers explore and discover instruments, singing and dance. Preschoolers will adore Laugh and Learn, where they can nurture their creative sides. And older kids, ages four to six, can explore various musical styles and instruments as they learn fundamental concepts.
More info: www.fastrackids.com or call 303-224-0200
Gymboree
Gymboree has four music classes at many locations around NJ that use games, instruments, song and dance to enhance your child’s development and love of music. Classes for babies six to 16 months old will help them discover melody, pitch and rhythm. The next class is for 16 to 28 month olds, where toddlers dance and sing classical, Latin and other musical styles. Preschoolers (28 months to five years old) can express their signing voice as they learn about tempo, rhythm and pitch. And the whole family gets musical in a group class featuring instruments, song, dance and games, aimed at children six months to five years.
More info: www.gymboreeclasses.com or call 1-877-4-GYMWEB
Kids’ MusicRound
These fun-filled classes blend traditional, original and world tunes to expose your child to the diversity and joy of music. Choose from nine different classes, such as MusicRound, a music and movement class for infants, toddlers and preschoolers that promotes learning across ages. Or try BabyRound, a mommy-and-me-style class geared toward the developmental needs of newborns and infants through interaction with a parent or caregiver. You can find classes throughout the state.
More info: www.kidsmusicround.com or call 609-333-0100
Kindermusik
At Kindermusik, with classes offered around New Jersey, kids will experience various genres, styles and culture of music. They’ll develop vocal skills and learn to appreciate music. Children will interact with each other as they participate in engaging rhythm and vocal activities. They’ll even get to play various age-appropriate instruments during class. Older kids will also be taught to recognize and understand musical symbols, concepts and terms.
More info: www.kindermusik.com or call 800-628-5687
Little Rockers
Little Rockers believes that everyone has musical ability in them, no matter how old they may be. That’s why all children are invited to their classes, regardless of whether they can sing, dance or play an instrument. The interactive parent and child Tot Rock is a great way to introduce your little one to music, aimed at children three months to four years. Kids can rock out on their own in Rock N’ Me, a preschool drop-off class. Children are exposed to simple musical concepts, such as note reading and rhythmic counting. Classes are held in Colts Neck, Manalapan, Marlboro, Point Pleasant, Red Bank, Scotch Plains, Toms River and Wall.
More info: www.littlerockersmusic.com or call 732-872-4354
Music for Aardvarks
This high-energy class teaches students with interactive activities like singing, dancing, instrumental jam sessions, musical storytelling and puppet play. Kids (and parents) love singing along to fun, hip songs such as “Taxi” and “Bagel.” The program provides children with enriching and vital musical experiences to help them gain a sense of themselves and their connection to their world. Classes are available in multiple locations throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Monmouth counties.
More info: www.musicforaardvarks.com or call 718-858-1741
Music Together of Bergen County
The fall program for Music Together features 12 weekly, 45-minute classes for children from birth to age five. Fun and engaging classes include movement, instrumental play, finger play, songs and rhythmic rhymes. Your child will learn about tonality and keeping a beat while shaking, dancing and drumming along to the tunes. They offer classes in Englewood, Rutherford, Teaneck and Tenafly.
More info: www.musictogetherofbergencounty.com or call 973-981-8584
Musical Munchkins
These classes, held in Emerson and Ridgewood, focus on hands-on fun for babies and kids 1 to 4 years old. The course introduces children to music so they gain an ear for different melodic and rhythmic sounds. Musical Munchkin classes include singing, instruments, dancing and puppets, with a variety of American and ethnic musical selections. Your child will learn how to keep a beat and enhance his sense of pitch, meter and more. Social skills, such as sharing and taking turns, are also encouraged.
More info: www.musicalmunchkinsnewjersey.com or call 201-891-1807
Rockness Music
Rockness Music (a division of Preschool of Rock) aims to acclimate children to new noises and sounds. Live music is performed by an instructor who brings a different instrument to each class, such as a ukulele, drum or acoustic guitar. Children are encouraged to play instruments each week–they’ll love getting their hands on drums, bongos and shakers. All sessions are capped at 15 kids for an intimate feel. Classes are available at locations in Hoboken, Jersey City, Madison, Metuchen, Montclair and Scotch Plains/Westfield.
More info: rocknessmusic.com or call 732-205-1971
Hero (Top) Feature Image: Monkey Business/Adobe Stock
Additional Body Images (in order) Courtesy:
Facebook/FasTracKids International
GymMark, Inc.
Kids’ MusicRound, LLC
Kindermusik International, Inc.
Facebook/Little Rockers
Music for Aardvarks
Music Together of Bergen County
Musical Munchkins of New Jersey
Preschool of Rock
