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: $160 per student per session

Three 9-week sessions for the 2024-2025 school year:

Fall Session: September 28- November 23, 2024
Winter Session: January 11 – March 15, 2025 (no class Feb. 22)
Spring Session: March 22 – May 24, 2025 (no class Apr. 19)

NEW! Summer 2024 Session: July 6 – August 3, 2024 (5 weeks, more information at our Summer site)

Three 9-week sessions for the 2025-2026 school year:

Fall Session: September 27- November 22, 2025
Winter Session: January 10 – March 14, 2026 (no class Feb. 21)
Spring Session: March 21 – May 23, 2025 (no class Apr. 4)

Registration Instructions

Click Here to Register

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.
  • 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

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
September 18, 2024                   Notification of Fall Session Enrollment
September 21, 2024                    Deadline to register for or cancel Fall Session
September 28, 2024             Fall Session begins  (Last cancellation date is September 16)
December 27, 2024                    Registration Deadline for Winter Session
January 2, 2025                          Notification of Winter Session class time and location
January 11, 2025                   Winter Session begins  (Last cancellation date is December 30)
March 7, 2025                             Registration Deadline for Spring Session
March 12, 2025                             Notification of Spring Session class time and location
March 22, 2025                      Spring Session begins  (Last cancellation date is March 9)

Other Classes and Ensembles for Young Children

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