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!

Young child learning to play an instrument at the Thurnauer School of Music at Kaplen JCC

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.

Early Childhood Classes

Music Makers (Drop-In Class)

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. Join for captivating tunes and stimulate your baby’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth through music.

Sundays from 9:45-10:25 AM
Wednesdays from 11:00-11:40 AM
1 Class: $21 / JCC Members; $23 / Guests
5 Classes: $99 / JCC Members; $110 / Guests
10 Classes: $189 / JCC Members; $210 / Guests

*Music Makers is a drop in class. No commitment required, classes sold in 1, 5 or 10 packs.

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 3:00-3:40 PM
13 Classes; Starts Oct 11 2026
$351 / JCC Members
$390 / Guests

Tuesdays from 3:45-4:25 PM
15 Classes; Starts Sept 15 2026
$405 / JCC Members
$450 / Guests

Thursdays from 3:45-4:25 PM
15 Classes; Starts Sept 17 2026
$405 / JCC Members
$450 / Guests

Drop-In Options Available:
1 Class: $32 / JCC Members; $35 / Guests
5 Classes: $144 / JCC Members; $160 / Guests

Musical Games and Instruments

Ages: 5-7 Years Old

Children develop their voice through musical games and age-appropriate songs, play instruments, and participate in guided listening activities. Students work with written musical notation and create their own simple songs to build their music literacy, concentration, memory, and self-expression.

Thursdays from 4:40-5:20 PM
15 Classes; Starts Sept 17 2026
$405 / JCC Members
$450 / Guests

Melody Makers

Ages: 7-8 Years Old

This class is excellent for preparing students for beginning Musicianship: Theory and Ear Training class and private instrumental or voice lessons. By year’s end, students can read and compose with simple notation. Classes are filled with musical games and carefully scaffolded lessons on listening and singing music and writing music.

Thursdays from 5:30-6:10 PM
15 Classes; Starts Sept 17 2026
$405 / JCC Members
$450 / Guests

Introductory Instrumental Classes

Instrument Exploration

Ages: 4-6 Year Olds

Students explore and begin to play four instruments; guitar, piano, violin and flute. Students receive 7-8 weeks of instruction for each of the four instruments in a small class setting (up to 4 students). This class is perfect for families and students who wish to explore different types of instruments and find the instrument a child wants to pursue further! Parents are encouraged to attend class.

Wednesdays from 3:45-4:30 PM
30 Classes; Starts Sept 16 2026
$1,035 / JCC Members
$1,150 / Guests

Wednesdays from 5:15-6:00 PM
30 Classes; Starts Sept 16 2026
$1,035 / JCC Members
$1,150 / Guests

Piano Exploration

Ages: 4-6 Year Olds

Discover the fun of playing the piano and learning simple songs in a small class setting (up to 4 students) that prepares children for individual private lessons. Parents are encouraged to attend class.

Sundays from 2:00-2:45 PM
13 Classes; Starts Oct 11 2026
$445 / JCC Members
$494 / Guests

Tuesdays from 4:40-5:25 PM
15 Classes; Starts Sept 15 2026
$513 / JCC Members
$570 / Guests

Thursdays from 4:30-5:25 PM
*FOR 6-7 YEAR OLDS
15 Classes; Starts Sept 17 2026
$513 / JCC Members
$570 / Guests

Violin Exploration

Ages: 5-7 Years  

Students learn the basic techniques for playing violin and develop sensitivity to pitch, rhythm, and musical expression in a small class setting (up to 4 students). This class prepares children for individual private violin lessons. Parents are encouraged to attend class.

Tuesdays from 4:15-5:00 PM
15 Classes; Starts Sept 15 2026
$513 / JCC Members
$570 / Guests

Learn More About Thurnauer

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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. 

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