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 will be held in person.
Music Classes for Babies and Toddlers
Musikgarten’s 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)
1 Class:
$18 / JCC Member
$20 / Guest
5 Classes:
$80 / JCC Member
$90 / Guest
10 Classes:
$150 / JCC Member
$160 / Guest
Wednesdays from 11:00-11:40 AM (Starts Sept 17)
1 Class:
$18 / JCC Member
$20 / Guest
5 Classes:
$80 / JCC Member
$90 / Guest
10 Classes:
$150 / JCC Member
$160 / 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! Except the piano, all other instruments are provided for families to take home during the class sessions.
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 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 (Starts Sept 21)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest
Thursdays from 3:45-4:30 PM (Starts Sept 18)
$500 / JCC Member
$555 / Guest
Young Drummers
Ages: 6-7 Year Olds
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 5:15 – 6:00 PM
15 Classes: Starts Feb 12
$480 / JCC Member
$530 / Guest
Cello Group Beginners – Yo-Yo Ma
Ages: 4-7 Year Olds
Using the Suzuki Method pieces in the cello volumes and musical games, students focus on ear training, rhythm, and basic techniques such as bowing and finger placement. Classes emphasize group learning, fostering a sense of community, and musical enjoyment. The Yo-Yo Ma group class is for beginning cellists who just started learning until they reach about middle Book 1 in Suzuki volume 1. This cello group class supplements students’ fundamentals of cello playing.
Tuesdays from 4:30-5:00 PM (Starts Sept 16)
$875 / JCC Member
$960 / Guest
Learn More About Thurnauer
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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
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