Prelude

Early Childhood Music Classes

Early Childhood

Prelude Classes

All children are musical.

Music is a language; children learn by listening, then trying out sounds, words, and phrases. And they learn best when they’re having fun. In the Music Academy’s Prelude early childhood music classes, the natural joy children find in playing with music is empha-sized. Our curriculum integrates the philosophies and methodologies of world-renowned early child-hood educators: Kodaly, Orff, Gordon, and Suzuki, among others.

Parents also play an important role in our Prelude classes, (Yes, all parents are musical too!) You are vital in activating and nurturing your child’s love of music and musical development. Through Prelude, you’ll begin to see your children and music in a new way. You will grow along with your child.

Prelude is a joyful way to increase your child’s self-confidence, broaden your parenting skills, and deepen your parent/child bond.

Call to Register: 815-986-0037 or Register Online NEW!

Our Curriculum

  • Prelude

    (8 Summer Sessions, 10 Fall Sessions, 10 Spring Sessions)

    Ages 6 months-5 Years

    Infants and their caregivers engage in a delightful musical adventure in this class. The objective is to enhance early childhood development through musical activities such as singing, dancing, and playing basic instruments. These activities contribute to the advancement of fine motor skills, language acquisition, and emotional connections.

    Each session is filled with fun, laughter, and the magic of melodies, offering a delightful experience that nurtures a lifelong love for music in the youngest of learners.

    Current Summer 2026 Class Dates:

    June 9, June 16, June 23, July 7,

    July 14 July 12, July 28, August 4

    Upcoming Fall Session (now open for registration):

    • Beginnings- Ages 6 months-18 months Tuesdays at 9:30am: September 8, September 15, September 22, September 29, October 6, October 13, October 20, October 27, November 3, November 10

    • Taking Off- Ages 18 months-3 years Tuesdays at 10:30am: September 8, September 15, September 22, September 29, October 6, October 13, October 20, October 27, November 3, November 10

    • Taking Off- Ages 18 months-3 yearsThursdays 9:30am or 10:30am: September 10, September 17, September 24, October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12

    • Come Together- Ages 6 months-4 years Saturdays 9:30: September 5th, September 12, September 19, September 26, October 3, October 10, October 17, October 24, October 31, November 7,

  • Prelude Bridge

    (10 Fall Sessions, or 10 Spring Sessions)

    -Ages 3 - 5 years

    -Saturday at 10:30 am

    Throughout this class, toddlers and their caregivers will embark on a collaborative musical expedition. The primary objective of this program is to facilitate a seamless transition between our group Prelude Classes and beginning Suzuki Private Lessons through more intentional expectations and parent education. This class will include a deeper dive into instrument exploration, beginning Suzuki concepts, and setting the stage for long-term musical success.

    Fall 2026 Class Dates:

    September 5th, September 12, September 19, September 26, October 3, October 10, October 17, October 24, October 31, November 7,

  • Holiday Prelude

    (3 Winter Sessions)

    -Ages 6 Months - 5 Years

    Join us for a special Holiday-themed Prelude Program. This special, short session is open to all children and their caregivers ages 6 months to 5 years. For 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and the New Year, we’ll sing Holiday songs, play themed-games, and enjoy the Holiday Season together with music.

    Winter 2026 Class Dates:

    Coming Soon

Registration

Join the waitlist!

Prelude class is full? Join our waitlist and receive an email as soon as a new session opens!

“The language of music is common to all generations and nations; it is understood by everybody, since it is understood with the heart.”

-Rossini