"Eva LOVES Rhythm Kids^®! She is asking to listen to her music several nights a week, and she’s getting quite good at singing the songs and drumming the rhythms. It’s great seeing her happy and looking forward to class so much. Thank you!"  ~ Charity, February 2024

What is Rhythm Kids^®?

Big kids know what they like. Telling silly stories. Playing games. Being in charge. Designed specifically for pre-K and early elementary students, our active Rhythm Kids^® classes tap into how children this age are wired to learn, with music games,

animal rhythm stories, and lots of stomping-flying-climbing fun.

Rhythm Kids^® follows through on the Music Together^®® vision to help children complete the pathway of early childhood music development from birth through age 8. Each week kids from 4-8 years old drum, sing, dance, introduce and play rhythm instruments, and begin to play music-based games. Rhythm Kids^® guides children toward developmentally appropriate music and movement activities, where they can begin to take charge, lead others, and be musically creative.

Rhythm Kids^® not only extends a traditional Music Together® experience, but also allows any child to enter a class and start to grow their musical and life skills by emphasizing the best educational models appropriate to their age:

• Social interaction with peers
• Carefully curated musical experiences designed to broaden their horizons culturally, historically, rhythmically and tonally
• A play- and fun-based, yet structured environment in which to grow

While your kids are having fun, they’ll be refining focus, dexterity, coordination, and rhythm – all things they’ll use every day for the rest of their lives.

What makes Rhythm Kids^® different from a regular Music Together® class? 

Rhythm Kids^® is the next musical step for your pre-kindergarten through second grade child.  Your child will explore the world of rhythm through movement, drumming, play and song.  They will learn basic pre-instrument

skills like keeping a beat, improvising, ensemble play and soloing.

Why do Rhythm Kids^® instead of just taking private  instrument lessons? 

When parents ask us, “when should my child start taking piano/violin/guitar/you name it lessons?” We have one answer:  WHEN THEY ARE DYING TO.  Learning an instrument at a young age can be frustrating and discouraging.  Whether as a stand-alone music class (as you determine if your child is ready for lessons) or as a companion to those lessons, Rhythm Kids^® helps children develop the facility, repertoire, mastery and creativity to be confident music students and music-makers throughout their lives.

Do I join my child in class? 

Parents and caregivers are always welcome (especially for younger kids), but your attendance is not mandatory.

What do kids on the older side do in class? 

Once kids have basic beat competence, they will learn, create, discover, and explore music, movement and drumming from cultures around the world.  They will explore traditional drumming patterns and movements and develop new repertoire on various percussion instruments.

This sounds more structured; do they still play?  

Of course!  So much of Rhythm Kids^® involves playing games and introducing concepts of improvisation, composition, and conducting through fun, research-based play.

What are the basics? 

Rhythm Kids^® classes include weekly, 45-minute classes and animal collection songbook and a cd and code to download the songs to your device, and access to online video tutorials and play-alongs. 

Is there anything  I need to know  as I prepare for these classes? 

Drums are available in class, but students may want to have their own hand drum for use at home.  You can Purchase a drum from Djembe Direct and use the code Rhythm Kids^® to receive 5% off. Shipping is free.  (A 9" x 18" djembe is recommended for Rhythm Kids^® K-2. Smaller drums are also available.)

Listen to Song Samples