Video of MusicTIME Class

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)

Tuition: $154 per student per session

Three 9-week sessions for the 2023-2024 school year:

Fall Session: September 23- November 18
Winter Session: January 6 – March 9 (no class Feb. 24)
Spring Session: March 16 – May 18 (no class Apr. 6)
NEW! Summer SessionJuly 6 – August 3 (5 weeks, more information at our Summer site)

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.

Please note that:

  • 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 or phone.
  • 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.

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 or first grade or are 5-6 years old. 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.

Dates To Remember

September 13, 2023                   Notification of Fall Session Enrollment
September 16, 2023                    Deadline to register for or cancel Fall Session
September 23, 2023             Fall Session begins 
(Last cancellation date is September 16)
December 22, 2023                    Registration Deadline for Winter Session
December 28, 2023                    Notification of Winter Session class time and location
January 6, 2024                     Winter Session begins  (Last cancellation date is December 30)
March 1, 2024                             Registration Deadline for Spring Session
March 6, 2024                             Notification of Spring Session class time and location
March 16, 2024                      Spring Session begins  (Last cancellation date is March 9)
June 21, 2024                              Registration Deadline for Summer Session
June 26, 2024                              Notification of Summer Session class time and location
July 6, 2024                             Summer Session begins

Other Classes and Ensembles for Young Children

Click here for a full listing of offerings for pre-schoolers and elementary students.