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
Musikgarten’s Music for Babies and Toddlers
Babies, toddlers and grown-ups sing, chant, dance, listen, and play simple instruments! Our joyful music classes feature activities for vocal exploration, body awareness and coordination. . Features bouncing and rocking songs, wiggle and peek-a-boo games, a dance party, and other fun activities.
Sun starts 9/24/23 9:45-10:25 am
Wed starts 9/20/23 9:45-10:25 am
Wed starts 9/20/23 11:00- 11:40 am
Parents can drop in once, twice or three times a week. Purchase a “punch pass” for extra savings
Single Class: $30/$33
Five Classes: $140/$156
10 Classes: $270/$300
FREE! Tot Shabbat Sing-a-long
Celebrate Shabbat musically! 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! Traditional Shabbat celebration with challah and grape juice included in the class.
Fri starts 9/22/23 9:45-10:25 am
Musikgarten’s® Cycle of Seasons: Sun Catchers
Ages: 3-4 Year Olds
Through music, nurture your child’s ability to use language and participate in dramatic play within the theme of the four seasons. Children sing, move, play musical games, explore instruments, and improvise through musical activities and storytelling that build alertness and creativity. Family packets include CDs with digital download for use at home to increase family involvement in the learning process.
Sundays from 10:30-11:10 am
15 Classes: February 18 – June 23
$465 / JCC Member
$510 / Public
Thursdays from 3:45-4:25 pm
15 Classes: February 1 – June 6
$465 / JCC Member
$510 / Public
Musikgarten’s® In the Wild!
Ages: 5-6 Year Olds
Through music, children learn about animals, plants, and the environment! Children join in improvised and structured movement, play instruments, sing, and participate in guided listening activities. The students work with written musical patterns and create their own simple songs. This developmentally sound approach to music literacy builds symbolic thinking, concentration, memory, and self-expression. Families receive CDs with digital download, songbooks, posters, game pieces, and a parent guidebook.
Thursdays from 4:40 – 5:20 pm
15 Classes: Starts February 1
$465 / JCC Member
$510 / Public
Musikgarten’s® Around the World
Ages: 6-7 Year Olds
Explore the music of the world and our own Native American and African American heritage. Children learn songs, dances, stories, rituals, and customs of these cultures to help them learn about and understand others around the world. By the end of the year, students are able to read and compose with simple notation. This class is excellent for preparing students for Beginning Creative Musicianship and private instrumental lessons. Families receive CDs with digital download, recordings, games, song pages, and a viewfinder.
Thursdays from 5:40 – 6:20 pm
15 Classes: Starts February 1
$465 / JCC Member
$510 / Public
Introductory Instrumental Classes
Instrument Exploration
Ages: 4-6 Year Olds
Students joining in January will explore two of the following: guitar, piano, violin and flute, in a small group setting and receive 7-8 weeks of instruction on each instrument!
Wednesdays from 3:45 – 4:30 pm
15 Classes: Starts January 17
$465 / JCC Member
$510 / Public
Wednesdays from 5:15 – 6:30 pm
15 Classes: Starts January 17
$465 / JCC Member
$510 / Public
Piano Partners
Ages 4-6
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.
$900/$990
Both sessions are FULL. Please call the music school office to be placed on the waiting list.
Young Drummers
Ages: 4-6 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!
Tuesdays from 4:15 – 5:00 pm
15 Classes: Starts January 30
$465 / JCC Member
$510 / Public
Learn More About Thurnauer
To get more information or schedule a visit, click below.
Meet the Team
See All JCC Staff
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
Let’s Parent Together
Private Music Instruction
