Toddler Music Course in Brooklyn, New York


An Interactive, Play-Based Music Program for Children and Their Caretakers
At Brooklyn Music Workshop, we believe that a strong musical foundation begins at the earliest stages of development. Our Toddler Music Course is designed specifically for children aged 1 to 3, along with their caretakers, and provides a joyful, engaging environment to begin exploring music through movement, sound, and creativity. This small-group class nurtures early childhood development and musical sensitivity, combining fun with educational value in every session.
Led by experienced music educators with a deep understanding of childhood learning, our curriculum introduces young children to the core elements of music—pitch, rhythm, and expression. Through singing, rhythm games, hands-on instruments, and interactive group play, toddlers begin developing tunefulness, beatfulness, and a strong musical ear. In Brooklyn’s vibrant cultural hub, our classes stand out for their developmental alignment, musical depth, and child-centered approach.
Located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, our studio welcomes families from across Kings County and nearby neighborhoods. Each session is structured yet flexible, allowing children to explore music in a way that suits their age and attention span. Caretakers are encouraged to participate, creating bonding moments and reinforcing musical experiences at home.
For over 25 years, Brooklyn Music Workshop
has been a leader in nurturing young musicians through developmentally appropriate programming. Our Toddler Music Course blends foundational music theory with play-based learning to spark curiosity, confidence, and creativity in even the youngest learners. It’s more than an activity—it’s the beginning of a lifelong relationship with music, rooted in the culture and community of Brooklyn.
Benefits of the Toddler Music Course
Development of Tunefulness and Pitch Recognition
Through engaging singing games, call-and-response songs, and tonal pattern repetition, toddlers begin to recognize and reproduce pitch accurately. These early vocal experiences cultivate tunefulness and melodic memory, forming the basis for future musical training. Children learn to listen, match tones, and develop pitch sensitivity—essential skills for private lessons, choral singing, or instrumental studies later on.
Rhythm and Coordination through Movement
Using clapping, tapping, bouncing, and dancing, toddlers develop internal rhythmic stability and physical coordination. These movement-based rhythm activities engage both body and mind, allowing children to feel musical pulse naturally. Strengthening rhythmic ability at this stage promotes timing, pattern recognition, and gross motor development—all crucial for later success in music performance and general physical growth.
Foundation in Music Theory Concepts
Fundamental theory ideas such as tempo, dynamics, pitch, and rhythm are introduced in a fun and developmentally appropriate way. Children explore contrasts like high/low or loud/soft using movement, voice, and instruments. These playful exposures build an early understanding of how music is structured and prepare toddlers for more advanced learning in future musical settings.
Enhanced Social and Emotional Growth
Group classes provide structured opportunities for social engagement and emotional development. Children learn to take turns, listen to others, and express themselves through music. This fosters empathy, patience, and positive peer interaction. Music becomes a tool for emotional release and joyful connection, helping toddlers grow more confident and socially adaptable in group learning environments.
Strengthened Parent-Child Bonding
Shared musical activities between children and caregivers deepen emotional bonds and reinforce learning through modeling and repetition. Singing, swaying, and playing instruments together foster trust and communication. These positive shared experiences often carry into the home, creating musical rituals that strengthen relationships and support continued engagement with music in everyday family life.
Early Exposure to Musical Instruments
Toddlers get hands-on experience with child-safe instruments such as shakers, rhythm sticks, drums, and bells. These tactile activities build fine motor skills, enhance sensory development, and spark early curiosity about sound-making tools. Exposure to real instruments builds familiarity and confidence, laying the groundwork for future study of piano, strings, or other traditional instruments.
Course Features and Offerings
Small Group Instruction
Classes are intentionally kept small to ensure a calm, nurturing, and personalized learning environment. This format supports individual attention while allowing for natural group interaction and peer modeling. Children feel safe, supported, and included, creating an ideal setting for early musical development through listening, movement, and play.
Interactive Singing Activities
Each class features singing games, echo songs, and melodic improvisation. Children begin to experiment with vocal pitch and sound while developing listening and memory skills. These activities help children become more tuneful, build self-confidence, and prepare for future structured singing instruction in choirs or private voice lessons.
Guided Movement and Rhythm Play
Teachers lead structured movement activities such as scarf dances, body percussion, and beat marches. These routines reinforce musical concepts like tempo, form, and meter while enhancing spatial awareness. Movement is central to learning, helping children physically experience rhythm and energy in music in a joyful, expressive way.
Age-Appropriate Music Theory Games
Music theory is taught through playful storytelling, puppetry, and hands-on games that introduce contrasts and repetition. Toddlers learn to hear and feel musical patterns, dynamics, and tonal shifts. This playful approach makes abstract ideas tangible and supports cognitive development through real-time sensory and social interaction with sound.
Caregiver Participation and Support
Each class encourages active caregiver involvement, creating a shared musical experience that extends beyond the classroom. Parents are provided tools, songs, and strategies to reinforce learning at home. Their participation enhances the child’s comfort, focus, and retention while modeling positive engagement and emotional connection through music.
Exposure to Live Musical Performance
Instructors occasionally demonstrate traditional instruments such as violin, guitar, or flute during class. These moments offer toddlers a live connection to real musical sounds and forms, enhancing auditory awareness and musical interest. It also introduces children to professional-level sound and technique in a format they can understand and enjoy.
Creating Musical Foundations Through Joyful, Playful Exploration
The Toddler Music Course at Brooklyn Music Workshop is more than a weekly activity—it’s an introduction to a lifelong appreciation for music. By focusing on being tuneful, beatful, and artful, we give toddlers the tools they need to grow into confident, musically literate individuals. The curriculum is crafted to be developmentally appropriate, balancing fun with education and structure with exploration. Whether your child is singing, dancing, or discovering rhythm for the first time, every moment in class is designed to support their creative and cognitive development.

As a well-established music education provider in Brooklyn, we understand the importance of reaching children at the right time with the right approach. Our toddler course blends interactive learning, social engagement, and family participation to create a nurturing, inspiring environment. Children leave each session smiling, singing, and building skills that go far beyond the music studio.
In the heart of Brooklyn, surrounded by families who value the arts, Brooklyn Music Workshop proudly offers this course as a stepping stone into the world of music. We invite you to join a community where music education begins with joy, where every beat and every note is a building block for future learning. Let us help your child take their first musical steps—playfully, confidently, and surrounded by support. Whether you’re in Park Slope, Fort Greene, or any nearby neighborhood, our doors are open to your little one’s first musical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is eligible for the Toddler Music Course?
This course is created for toddlers ages 1 to 3, accompanied by a caregiver. Activities are tailored to support early musical development, short attention spans, and age-appropriate social interaction in a nurturing, engaging, and structured group learning environment.
Do caretakers need to participate during class?
Yes, caregiver participation is an essential part of the class. It reinforces bonding, models musical engagement, and helps children feel secure while learning. Participating adults support the learning process both during class and afterward in everyday routines at home.
How long is each class session?
Each toddler music class runs for about 45 minutes. This duration is intentionally designed to match young children’s developmental needs, allowing for meaningful interaction, skill-building, and enjoyment without overwhelming their natural energy or attention span.
Are musical instruments provided?
Yes, all instruments used in class are provided and carefully selected for toddlers. They are safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate, offering tactile and auditory stimulation that introduces musical concepts through fun, hands-on exploration and guided use.
Can my child join the class at any time?
Enrollment is typically seasonal, but mid-session registration may be possible depending on space and readiness. Our team assesses individual developmental fit to ensure each child thrives in the group and benefits fully from the program experience.
What if my child has never participated in a group class?
Our classes are designed for all experience levels, including first-time group learners. Instructors gently guide new participants, creating a welcoming, low-pressure environment where each child can gradually build comfort, confidence, and joyful musical engagement.
Will my child be ready for private lessons afterward?
Yes, this course builds early musical foundations in pitch, rhythm, and group awareness. Many toddlers transition naturally into private lessons after completing the program with improved listening, coordination, and enthusiasm for learning music one-on-one.
Is musical background required for caregivers?
No music experience is necessary. Caregivers are supported throughout the class and encouraged to actively engage. Participation strengthens the child’s learning while promoting shared enjoyment and meaningful interaction through song, movement, and rhythm-based activities.
What our customers have to say...
Testimonials
Shane is a great teacher! He's very patient, but also encourages you to challenge yourself. It's clear he loves what he does. I would highly recommend Shane and Brooklyn Music Workshop.
Cara
Shane is professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. He is great at breaking down the tasks/skills into smaller more manageable steps when I am learning something new. You can tell that he loves music and he loves to teach!
Brittani D.
Shane is such a great teacher, and is clear that he loves what he does. The course structure is great, It can be overwhelming learning guitar and music theory but he breaks it down and explains it really well!
Kayla G.