Early Childhood

View the Spring class schedule (PDF).

The NMS Early Childhood Program gives younger children their first introduction to the joy of music and movement through classes that are fun and age-appropriate. Classes for younger children (ages 6 months-3½ years) are designed to include a parent or other adult. Older children (ages 3-4) can continue their musical development and explore their independence in classes without a parent present.

Early Childhood classes are offered at

For questions about class placement or progression, please contact:

Geraldine Parent, Early Childhood Program head;
203-624-5189 x 18 or gparent@neighborhoodmusicschool.org

Early Childhood Class Descriptions

Classes with a Parent or Other Adult

Making Music I

Ages 6-14 months. This class focuses on fine motor skills such as clapping and patting is developed through songs and early rhymes. Music is explored through fundamental motor skills, such as bouncing, kicking, crawling and, later, walking. Shakers, drums, wood blocks and triangles introduce early instrument playing. Parents or caretakers participate with their child.

Making Music II

Ages 15-24 months. Action-packed and full of early gross motor developmental skills! These new “walkers” and “movers” explore music through much movement. Walking, running, tip-toeing and jumping are practiced during class with an emphasis on beat keeping. Continued instrument exploration is fostered and new musical games and songs are introduced that cater to babies’ early language development. Parents or caretakers participate with their child.

Making Music III

Ages 25-36 months. A rich, language-based curriculum that is designed to foster early dramatic and imaginative play. New gross motor skills are explored, such as galloping and group circle dances. Early note reading and instrument orchestrations are developed. Musical phrasing and form are introduced. Parents or caretakers participate with their child.

Rhythmic Movement

Ages 2½ - 3½. As these toddlers and early preschoolers continue to grow, so does their repetoire. Children march, bounce, shake and play using props such as scarves, hoops and ribbons. A variety of rhythmic instruments are introduced to teach basics such as dynamics and tempo. Attire: non-restrictive clothing.

Teddy Bear Rhythms

Only offered at Guilford. Teddy Bear Rhythms is designed as a pre-Suzuki approach. It teaches very young children with small positive steps, as they would learn their native language, through listening, repetition and imitation.

Level 1: Ages 6 months - 2 yrs. Teddy Bear Rhythms foundation class takes the child from the “babble stage” to develop basic musical skills. The goal in this class is to help young people feel comfortable in a group activity and confident of their bodies as they discover the joy of singing and moving to music.

Level 2: Ages 2-4 years. This class expands the child’s basic musical skills. More challenging melodies, rhythmic patterns and movements are taught. Harmony is introduced with echo games and rounds. Combining a two-year age span, this class provides a wonderful opportunity for siblings to participate together with a parent.

Classes without a Parent

Making Music for 3 Year Olds

A world of dramatic and imaginative play is the common thread throughout these preschool-aged classes. Pitch, rhythm and beat keeping are further expanded through stories, games and instrument play. Also, a focus on gross motor skills with new movements, such as skipping, leaping, and hopping.

Making Music for 4 Year Olds

At age four, note reading, staff exploration, beat keeping, pitch awareness and phrasing are all further expanded throughout the duration of the school year. These older preschoolers continue to develop their musical skills through many movement-orientated activities. It is an action-packed class designed to teach musical concepts through much movement.

Rhythmic Movement II

Ages 3 1/2-4 1/2.
The Rhythmic Movement II curriculum offers a wider variety of rhythmic instruments and props, more singing and a stronger focus on musical concepts. This class serves as both a pre-instrumental and pre-dance experience. Attire: non-restrictive clothing and bare feet.

Register for New Haven classes.
Register for Hamden classes.
Register for Guilford classes.