Early Childhood: The Perfect Time to Introduce the Performing Arts.

The Academy is proud to offer a wide array of programs for children ages infant - 8, from our award-winning Kindermusik classes to the popular Kids Club concert series, to private and group instruction in music and dance. Explore our classes, observe, and choose something to inspire your child!

Kindermusik

For infants - age 7.

Kindermusik is the community of families and teachers passionately committed to bringing music to children's lives through developmentally appropriate curricula, CDs, books, instruments, and activities for our classes and for family time at home. The Academy's Kindermusik program, founded by Joy Granade, allows you to learn and experience music along with your child. Parents and children take these classes together for a fun, bonding educational experience. Kindermusik classes last 15 weeks and range in price depending on the age of your child and the curriculum you choose.

Click here to learn more about Kindermusik.

Kids Club

For ages 3 - 8.

Kids Club programs are a fun way for children to learn about music and dance. Each event features activities that encourage your child to explore music and dance. Kids Club is the perfect way to introduce your child to a lifetime of enjoyment and appreciation of the performing arts. Join us for the 2009 - 2010 season as we Whistle and Roar! Kids club membership is $32.00 and includes admission for your child and one adult companion to all four Kids Club events, as well as a Kids Club T-shirt.

Click here to learn more about Kids Club.

Creative Movement

For ages 3 - 7.

Creative Movement I for ages 3 – 5
Saturdays, 11:15 a.m. – Noon
Start date 8/29/09, end date 12/19/09
Students will begin to understand the basics of ballet and start to develop their own movement vocabularies. Children will also learn simple rhythms, stretching and lengthening muscles, and performing sequences of movement that combine elements of space and time. Participants in this class will begin to prepare for the January 10, 2009 performance of The Secret Garden as part of the UMKC Conservatory Kids Club concert series. $178.00

Creative Movement II for ages 5 – 7
Saturdays, 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m
Start date 8/29/09, end date 12/19/09
Students will continue to work on and develop techniques introduced in Creative Movement I. They will expand their dance vocabularies with a further understanding of rhythm, muscle strength and control, and movement sequences. Participants in this class will begin to prepare for the January 10, 2009 performance of The Secret Garden as part of the UMKC Conservatory Kids Club concert series. $178.00

Click here to learn more about all of the Academy's dance classes.

Group Piano Instruction

For ages 4 - 5.

Piano-Ready Class for ages 4 – 5
Saturdays, 10:30 – 11:15
Start date 8/29/09, end date 12/19/09
Piano-Ready Class is a preparatory program for children ages 4 – 5 who are interested in piano lessons. It serves as a transition from early childhood programs such as Kindermusik to a one-on-one setting in private piano lessons. Learning to play the piano requires good coordination, technical skills, and intense concentration all at the same time. Piano-Ready Class is designed to provide the basic foundations of piano playing, music theory, and ear training in a friendly group environment to help students ease into private piano lessons.   Piano-Ready Class emphasizes both learning by ear and music reading skills. No memorization of solo repertoire is required. Class activities include playing the piano both individually and in groups, as well as singing and movement. Parental participation is recommended. Class fee includes 8 15-minute private lessons in addition to class time. $400.00 ($250.00 for current Academy students, Musical Bridges and CITS students, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City members).

Private Music Lessons

For ages 4 and up.

Some young children are developmentally ready to start private lessons in piano or violin. Private lessons can be a good option for a child who has already had experience with Kindermusik, Piano-Ready Class, or other music instruction. Learn more about private music lessons here.