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About
Children’s programs offered by the Eastman Community Music School have been developed by Donna Brink Fox, an Eastman School of Music professor who is a nationally recognized authority on early childhood music education. The program has attracted attention throughout the United States and abroad, and has been featured on network television. Eastman early childhood music classes are 45 minutes each, meeting on Saturdays. Class times are 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 12:00 pm. (class times may be adjusted depending on enrollment)
Registration Instructions
Spaces in our classes are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis at the beginning of each school year.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions and a map of campus.
Email earlychildhood@esm.rochester.edu with other questions.
Note: Returning students need to complete onboarding in UR Student once per year before registering.
Please note:
- Registration is not possible by phone.
- Payment is not due at the time of registration. We will bill you.
- You will receive an email with your class information (class time and location) on or before the Saturday prior to the start of the session.
- If you do not hear from us before that time, your child is on track to be enrolled in one of your three chosen class times.
- Notification will be made by email.
- Because we have a limited number of spaces in our classes, please understand that once a student has been enrolled, we are unable to give any refunds.
| Tuition | $174 per student per session |
| Three 9-week sessions for 2026-2027 | Fall: September 26- November 21, 2026 Winter: January 9 – March 13, 2027 (no class Feb. 20) Spring: March 20– May 22, 2027 (no class March 27) |
| Summer 2026 Session | June 27 – July 25, 2026 (5 weeks, more information at our Summer site) |
Classes
MusicTIME
Toddler/Infant Music at Eastman. A unique program for infants and toddlers (ages 4 months to 2 years) and their parents/caregivers. MusicTIME features musical activities that include songs, rhymes, bounces, tickles, moving to music, and listening. Information and guidance on musical development in young children and home-based activities are also provided.
Music Times Two
A continuation of the objectives of MusicTIME for parents/caregivers and children (ages 2 to 3½-years). Children develop rhythmic and vocal skills as they engage in more independent music making activities that include: singing, movement, and playing instruments.
Music Makers
Designed for 3½- and 4-year-old children without parental participation in the classes. Skills in singing, listening, and musical vocabulary are emphasized, with opportunities to play classroom percussion instruments. Visiting musicians demonstrate instruments throughout the session.
Clef Club
This fourth level of the early childhood music program is intended for children who are enrolled in kindergarten. The class focuses on individual musical skills and includes singing, rhythmic activities, moving to music, musical concepts, musical games, and playing small percussion instruments. Children will begin foundational activities in reading and writing music.
What’s Next?
Music is a lifelong journey. If you are about to complete Clef Club and are wondering how to keep your child engaged in music, read on!
Very few children have strong inclination towards a particular instrument at an early age.
For most children it is beneficial to explore different sounds and sound production. To stay connected and continue learning, the simplest way is to sing. The Eastman Young Children’s Chorus and Theory in Motion program combines the social benefits of singing in a group with developmentally appropriate music instruction.
A few instruments are appropriate for lessons at age 5 or earlier, such as string instruments, guitar and piano; however, not all children are ready for individual lessons at that age. If your child is ready to explore instrumental music, the ECMS Bridges Program provides opportunities to try a different instrument each 9-week session to find the best match. These low commitment classes provide instruments to participating students.
Video of MusicTIME Class