The JCC Thurnauer School of Music is renowned as a center of artistic and educational excellence open to all.
The school has inspired thousands of students and families—transforming lives and sharing the joy of music through outstanding instruction, concerts, master classes, community events, and partnerships with local schools.
Classes
Classes for Young Children
Musikgarten® classes are an ideal introduction to music for young children. A fun and welcoming class filled with exciting songs, musical movement, dramatic play, and storytelling. Families receive home materials that reinforce lessons and involve the whole family! All our teachers are highly experienced music educators who love to share their passion and knowledge of music with children. Classes start the week of 9/18. Classes will be held in person.
Music Classes for Babies and Toddlers
3-36 months
Tot Shabbat Sing-a-long
Ages: 3-36 months
Celebrate Shabbat with music! Our classes are designed to encourage joyful, active participation and play through music, both Jewish and secular. Through traditional Shabbat songs, singing games, fingerplays, rhythmic exploration, and movement, we help children explore their voice, learn to keep the beat, and develop their imagination and creativity Jewishly!
Friday, Sept 20 9:45-10:25 am
Free
Musikgarten’s Music Makers
Ages: 3-36 months
Welcome to Musikgarten’s Music Makers, where the enchanting world of music meets the wonder of childhood! Our baby and toddler music classes are a delightful blend of interactive melodies, rhythmic games, and sensory experiences designed to spark joy and nurture your little one’s development. Watch your baby giggle, clap, and sway to the captivating tunes in a supportive, fun-filled environment and stimulate your baby’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth through music. Led by experienced music educators, our class is a great way to connect with other parents and caregivers in a warm and welcoming setting.
Sundays at 9:45-10:25 AM and Wednesdays at 11:00-11:40 AM
10 Sessions – Starts Sept 15
$150/ JCC Member
$160/Public
Musikgarten’s Music Makers 3-4 Years
Ages: 3-4 Years Old
Through music, nurture your child’s ability to use language and participate in dramatic musical play. Children sing, move, play instruments, and improvise through musical activities and storytelling that build your child’s musical ear and creativity.
Sundays at 10:30-11:10 AM and Thursdays at 3:45-4:25 PM
16 Sessions – Starts Sept 15
$480/ JCC Member
$530/Public
Musikgarten’s Music Makers 5-6 Years
Ages: 5-6 Years Old
Give your child the gift of a strong musical foundation. Children develop their voice through musical games and age-appropriate songs, play instruments, and participate in guided listening activities. The students work with written musical notation and create their own simple songs. This developmentally sound approach builds your child’s music literacy, concentration, memory, and self-expression.
Sundays at 1:00-1:40 PM and Thursdays at 4:40-5:20 PM
16 Sessions – Starts Sept 19
$480/ JCC Member
$530/Public
Musikgarten’s Music Makers 6-7 Years
Ages: 6-7 Years Old
This class is excellent for preparing students for Beginning Creative Musicianship and private instrumental lessons. By year’s end, students can read and compose with simple notation. Classes are filled with movement, musical games, and carefully scaffolded lessons on listening and singing music and writing music.
Sundays at 3:00-3:40 PM and Thursdays at 5:40-6:20 PM
16 Sessions – Starts Sept 19
$480/ JCC Member
$530/Public
Introductory Instrumental Classes
Instrument Exploration
Ages: 4-6 Year Olds
Students will explore and begin to play the following: guitar, piano, violin, and flute, in a small group setting and receive 7-8 weeks of instruction on each instrument! Except for the piano, all other instruments are provided for families to take home during the class sessions.
Wednesdays from 3:45 – 4:30 PM and 5:15 – 6:30 PM
30 Classes: Starts Sept 18
$930 / JCC Member
$1,025 / Public
Piano Partners
Ages: 4-5 Year Olds
Discover the fun of playing the piano and learning simple songs in a small class setting that prepares children for individual lessons. Parents are encouraged, but not required, to attend class.
Sundays from 2:00 – 2:45 PM and Thursdays 3:45 – 4:30 PM
16 Classes: Starts Sept 15
$480 / JCC Member
$530 / Public
Young Drummers
Ages: 6-7 Years Old
Students love this fun “drumtastic” class where they learn to improvise, keep a steady beat, play in a group, learn to read music, and develop their own rhythmic and dynamic musical ideas!
Wednesdays from 5:15 – 6:00 PM
16 Classes: Starts September 18
$480 / JCC Member
$530 / Public
Ukulele Strummers
Ages: 6-7 Years Old
If you’re looking for a fun instrument for your child, the ukulele is a perfect choice – learn the basics of ukulele playing!
Tuesdays from 5:15 – 6:00 PM
16 Classes: Starts September 17
$480 / JCC Member
$530 / Public
Learn More About Thurnauer
To get more information or schedule a visit, click below.
Meet the Team
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FAQs
How early should a young child take music classes?
A young child should familiarize themselves with music as early as the infancy stages; even at as young as 6 months, children are able to interact with music through dancing and movement. Our classes are available for children ages 0-5.
Why should a child take a music class so young?
Early childhood music classes help foster a love for music, enhance cognitive development, improve social skills through group activities, and promote coordination and fine motor skills during an age that is crucial for a child’s development. All parts of the brain are in play for the child as they interact with music. These classes are a fun and engaging way for children to express themselves and develop a sense of rhythm and melody from an early age.
Do parents attend the classes? What do they do in these classes?
We love to see parents joining their children in our classes! Our early childhood classes provide an opportunity for parents to connect with their children through music, movement, and fun. Parents will typically be asked to join the class in singing and dancing, which will act as a model for their children to watch and follow.
Early Childhood Center
Private Music Instruction
