Making music is child’s play at these three Upper East Side venues catering to children’s music classes.
Whether you’re nurturing a Mozart-in-the-making or looking for rainy-day distractions, music classes are a great way for your children to tap into their creativity and self-expression. Exposure to music education has also been proven to provide an array of benefits to learning other subjects, supporting language development and improving test scores.
Here are the best places on the Upper East Side to turn Mommy and Me into do-re-mi.
344 E. 69th St., 212-396-3977
(Image: Little Maestros)
Founded 14 years ago by a former Atlantic Records marketing executive, Little Maestros provides lively, interactive, performance-based sessions for infants, toddlers and their caregivers. Here, adults are included and encouraged to participate and get to know one another. Meanwhile, children experience music through singing and dancing, puppetry and hands-on exposure to age-appropriate instruments in an educator-approved curriculum. In 2013, the program won a Red Tricycle Award for best music program in New York City. Today, classes are offered at their Upper East Side flagship location, with additional performances set across the city. Classes are 45 minutes long, and the current 16-week season runs Sept 6 through Dec 23, and the next runs January through March. Cost is $680 for the season.
266 E. 78th St., 212-744-0404
(Image: TLB Music)
Geared towards children 4 months to 6 years of age, TLB Music provides music classes focused on learning through play and exploration. Each season, TLB launches a new themed curriculum, providing a framework for classes exploring various genres and instruments. The fall-winter theme, running Sept. 8 through Jan. 14, is “Ollie & The Orchestra,” which will feature the eclectic music of Carole King, The Beatles and Vivaldi, to name a few. A new session begins on January 17. The full 16-week season is $695 and individual classes are $50. TLB also offers a great playroom space stocked with eco-friendly toys and activities, providing an ideal location for drop-in play and private parties.
439 E. 75th St., 212-249-7625
(Image: School of Rock Summerfest)
You’ve seen the movie, now experience the real-life academy. At School of Rock, the focus is decidedly on two things: performance and rock music. Through classes targeting kids and adults, ages 7 and up, at all skill levels, students are encouraged to experience the thrill of live performing as soon as possible. Solo work as well as collaborative group play are emphasized to support not only music education, but also confidence and community. The Upper East Side location’s fall program will pay homage to Prince and David Bowie, as well as the music of legendary CBGB. Visit the Upper East Side location’s website for more information.