Thurnauer School of Music

Classes for Young Children and Introductory Instrumental Classes

Ages3 months - 7 years

Our early childhood music classes are designed to encourage joy, fun, and active participation. Through singing, poetry, rhythmic exploration, and movement, we help children discover music, learn to keep the beat, and develop their imagination and creativity. An ideal introduction of music to young children in a fun and welcoming environment!

Teacher holding guitar while toddler touches it.

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.

Toddler jumping off of a drum.
Young child in the classroom Students in a classroom in Tenafly, NJ at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Group of toddlers playing with a xylophone.
Baby touching a guitar.
Young boy playing a bongo.
Three children playing a drum.

Early Childhood Classes

Music Makers 

Ages: 3-36 months

This baby and toddler music class is 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 from 9:45-10:25 AM (Starts Sept 21)
Wednesdays from 11:00-11:40 AM (Starts Sept 17)
1 Class: $19 / JCC Member; $21 / Guest
5 Classes: $90 / JCC Member; $100 / Guest
10 Classes: $170 / JCC Member; $190 / Guest

Sing and Play!

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 from 10:30-11:10 AM (Starts Sept 21)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Thursdays from 3:45-4:25 PM (Starts Sept 18)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Musical Games and Instruments

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 from 1:00-1:40 PM (Starts Sept 21)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Thursdays from 4:40-5:20 PM (Starts Sept 18)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Melody Makers

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 from 3:00-3:40 PM (Starts Sept 21)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Thursdays from 5:30-6:10 PM (Starts Sept 18)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

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!

Wednesdays from 3:45-4:30 PM (Starts Sept 17)
$970 / JCC Member
$1,070 / Guest

Wednesdays from 5:15-6:30 PM (Starts Sept 17)
$970 / JCC Member
$1,070 / Guest

Piano Exploration

Ages: 4-5 Year Olds

Discover the fun of playing the piano and learning simple songs in a small class setting.

Sundays from 2:00-2:45 PM (Starts Sept 21)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Thursdays from 3:45-4:30 PM (Starts Sept 18)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Cello Exploration 

Ages: 4-5 Year Olds  

Students take their first steps toward proper cello position and playing in a small class setting. Rhythm and pitch patterns drawn from the first Suzuki songs are also introduced. 

Tuesdays from 3:45-4:30 PM (Starts Sept 16)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Guitar Exploration 

Ages: 4-5 Year Olds

Students learn the basics of guitar technique and develop sensitivity to pitch, rhythm, and musical expression in a small class setting.  

Tuesdays from 3:45-4:30 PM (Starts Sept 16)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Violin Exploration 

Ages: 4-5 Year Olds

Students take their first steps toward proper cello position and playing in a small class setting. Rhythm and pitch patterns drawn from the first Suzuki songs are also introduced. 

Tuesdays from 3:45-4:30 PM (Starts Sept 16)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Clarinet Exploration 

 Ages: 6-8 Year Olds

This class uses the pocket clarinet, which serves as a great entry point to the regular clarinet.  Students learn the basics of instrument care, proper breathing and posture, finger placement, and how to play simple notes and melodies. 

Sundays from 10:00-10:45 AM (Starts Sept 21)                                                                        
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest

Learn More About Thurnauer

To get more information or schedule a visit, click below.

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. 

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A pair of adult hands and child hands holding a red heart.