From the lullabies we hear as babies to the songs we sing in our golden years, music is a constant companion throughout our lives.
So why not give you or your little one the gift of appreciating and creating music through lessons?
We’ve compiled a range of classes near you, from sensory and play-based learning for young ones to more serious, instrument-focused lessons for older children and teens.
Music classes are good for:
- Cognitive development
- Creative expression
- Musical appreciation
- Fine motor skills
- Concentration
Music for babies
Music is for everyone, and that includes babies! If you’re tired of singing the usual songs or want to expose your child to more instruments, why not head over to one of the suggested classes near you below?
What happens in a baby music class?
Music classes for babies aren’t just about singing the same old nursery rhymes! You can expect a multisensory experience for your child with varied materials (e.g., shakers, coloured cloths, bubbles, drums, and more!), plus, lots of movement!
Your baby will be encouraged to wiggle their little bodies and clap their hands, all while having fun and developing their motor skills.
Best music classes for babies near you
Mini Mozart caters to babies and toddlers in London and Hertfordshire. Teachers use a variety of materials, ranging from bubbles and mini parachutes to actual musical instruments, to engage little ones!
Hartbeeps in London offers interactive music lessons for babies that utilise props, puppets, lights, and more to immerse your child in the creative world of music.
Moo Music in London takes a calm, soothing approach to introducing music to babies. Your bub will enjoy playing with the many multisensory, musical-making props in class.
Hey Little Songbirds in London uses lots of percussion instruments, songs, colourful props, and sounds to give your child an enriching musical experience.
Bach to Baby and Royal Albert Hall also offer musical storytelling and performances where babies get to enjoy live music and even interact with musicians!
How early can babies learn music?
Music lessons for babies usually cater to those aged six months and up, as it is around this time that they’re more mobile and may show early signs of communication. (1)
However, you can introduce music to your baby at home long before they’re six months old — the process can begin even while they’re in mum’s womb. Experts state that foetuses can hear sounds as early as 20 weeks into pregnancy! (2)
Is music good for a three-month-old?
Yes, music is good for babies as young as three months old. Research suggests that exposure to music during infancy can encourage important cognitive, motor, and emotional skills. (3)
Music for toddlers
Toddlers go through tremendous developmental leaps at this age, and music is a great way to help them along in their advancement!
Find music classes near you: view music classes
What happens in a toddler music class?
In music classes for toddlers, your child will be exposed to the foundational principles of music (including rhythm and tone) in a fun, relaxed setting.
You can expect multisensory activities that engage your little one in different ways! There will be lots of singing, dancing, movement games, parachute play, and exploring instruments.
This will help them develop skills like keeping a beat, following directions, and expressing themselves through music.
Best music classes for toddlers near you
Monkey Music in London provides toddlers with opportunities for musical play, singing, moving, and even creating their own tunes!
Mini Mozart in London specialises in exposing your toddler to interactive live performances with musicians playing actual instruments. They use additional props like bubbles and puppets to add to the fun!
Hey Little Songbirds classes for toddlers in London involve lots of singing, playing, and working with others. It’s a great way to encourage musical, physical, and social development!
Moo Music’s upbeat music classes for toddlers will have your little one singing, dancing, playing, and exploring lots of original music by Moo Music.
Bach to Baby and Royal Albert Hall concerts are also great ways to introduce your toddler to live musical performances.
Is it good for a 1-year-old to learn music?
Yes, it’s great for 1-year-olds to learn music! According to research, learning about rhythm and melodies can help them with language acquisition, spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and more!
Music for kids
From singing to string instruments, your child will get even more opportunities to explore the wonderful world of music as they enter their schooling years.
Find music classes near you: view music classes
What to expect in a music class for kids
If your child is interested in learning an instrument or simply enjoys singing along to their favourite tunes, there are plenty of options available to this age group.
In these classes, they can expect to be introduced to various instruments (e.g., piano, ukulele, guitar, and violin) or styles of music (e.g., classical, pop, and jazz).
They might also learn about basic music theory, like reading sheet music and understanding rhythm.
Best music classes for kids near you
The Strings Club specialises in guitar, ukulele, and violin holiday camps for kids that are known for their fun, relaxed environment, which aims to build confidence. Their holiday camps are located in London and Birmingham.
The Conservatoire in London offers a wide variety of singing and instrument classes to kids, e.g., piano, strings, choir, and brass. They cater to beginners all the way up to advanced learners, so there’s something for everyone!
Royal Albert Hall classical music concerts are a great way to expose your young one to live performances by professional musicians. Watch them get inspired!
Are music lessons good for kids?
Music lessons are great for kids because music helps with their development.
Research suggests that music education can help kids develop motor skills, language abilities, and social skills. (4)
The discipline required to learn to play an instrument or sing can also help kids develop perseverance that can carry over into other areas of their lives.
Plus, it’s also just plain fun!
Find music classes near you: view music classes
What is the best age to start music lessons?
There is no “perfect” age to begin music lessons, as each child is unique in their developmental milestones and interests.
Informal lessons that focus on music appreciation and play-based learning can start from six months old.
Exposure to more formal lessons that involve a systematic study of instruments usually begins around 6-9 years old. (5)
Music for teenagers
Music is a great creative outlet for teens. It can help them express their feelings, build perseverance, and bond with others.
Guiding this interest through music classes can be a great way to hone their passion!
What is taught in music classes for teenagers?
Music classes for teenagers offer a range of great options for beginners to more advanced learners. They’ll also have the opportunity for more focused learning — specialising in an instrument or improving their singing technique.
At this age, they’ll also learn music theory, such as how to read sheet music, understand timing and rhythm, and identify different keys and chords.
Best music classes for teenagers near you
The Conservatoire music classes in London offer a wide range of instrument choices, e.g., piano, strings, and brass. They also have a choir if your teen is interested in singing.
Royal Albert Hall and Chickenshed Theatre concerts are great ways to expose your teen to all that music has to offer through live music performances.
What do you learn in GCSE music?
GCSE music is a course of study for teens who want to study music in greater depth.
You’ll learn a range of skills, from building your musical knowledge through to performing and composing.
There’s also a chance to appraise different musical styles, gain insight into different techniques and approaches, and explore the fascinating history of music.
It’s a good starting point if you’re interested in a career in music or just want to take your passion to the next level. (6)
Music for adults
It’s never too late to start learning music through classes!
Why not indulge in your passion for music and start exploring the wonderful world of music with one of our recommended classes below?
Find music classes near you: view music classes
What to expect in music classes for adults
Music classes for adults usually vary in level, genre, and instrument choices. Depending on your skill level, you may start with introductory courses before moving to more advanced ones. These classes focus on music theory, history, and practical application, so you’ll be well-rounded in your musical knowledge.
Best music classes for adults near you
The Conservatoire holds a variety of instrument and music theory lessons for music lovers of all ages.
Royal Albert Hall and Chickenshed Theatre live musical performances are a fantastic way to inspire your own musical journey!
Best music classes in London
The Conservatoire in London offers a wide range of lessons (from singing and instruments to music theory) for all ages — from babies to retirees!
The Strings Club caters to children in the London area who are interested in string instruments, like the violin, guitar, and ukulele. Their holiday camps are designed to be fun and engaging for young ones.
Monkey Music will have your baby or toddler singing, dancing, exploring real instruments, and even creating their own music! Classes are located in London.
Boppin’ Bunnies creates multisensory musical learning experiences for those in the baby to toddler age group. There will be lots of singing, movement, and even performances from musicians.
Moo Music’s philosophy is to create positive musical experiences for babies and toddlers using a mixture of kid-friendly props and their own range of original songs in their classes.
Mini Mozart’s lively music classes for babies and toddlers in London will have your young one playing with new instruments, listening to groovy tunes, and making friends each week!
FAQs: music classes
Do newborns need musical toys?
Exposing your newborn to music is a great way to encourage their development. But you don’t need any fancy toys to do so at this stage. Simple shakers and singing to them will provide all the musical fun that they need! (7)
Should I play music for my four-month-old?
Yes, playing music for your four-month-old can help with cognitive development and stimulate auditory senses.
Simply choose some calming music that is not too loud or overstimulating for your little one (many find that classical music or lullabies work well).
Is it good for a one-year-old to listen to music?
Yes, studies show that music is great for children from as young as one! Not only is it fun for young ones to listen to their favourite catchy tunes, but it can also help improve cognitive skills, language development, and overall mood.
The most popular hits at this age include those with simple melodies and recognizable rhythms.
How do I teach my one-year-old music?
To start off teaching your one-year-old about music, simply sing and dance along to their favourite songs!
After that, you can expose them to different genres of music and encourage them to experiment with musical instruments, like shakers or a xylophone.
Attending music classes for babies is also a fantastic way to expose them to a wider variety of musical tools and instruments that you might not have at home! See our list above for the best music classes near you.
What is a good instrument for a three-year-old?
Mini pianos, xylophones, drums, and other percussion instruments are great for three-year-olds who need something that will suit their small fingers and short attention spans.
How much are music lessons in the UK?
Group lessons will cost about £5-10 for a 30-60 minute group lesson. Private lessons can cost around £40 for a one-hour lesson.
Is 30 too late to learn music?
It’s never too late to start learning music as long as you have an interest in it! There are plenty of resources available these days (ranging from online tutorials to in-person classes) to help you get started.
References
- “How to Raise Musical Children: Birth to Age 5”, Benjamin Millam
- “How music affects your baby’s brain: Mini Parenting Master Class”, Unicef
- “Baby music: The soundtrack to your child’s development”, Unicef
- “Children and Music: Benefits of Music in Child Development”, Bright Horizons
- “What’s the Right Age to Begin Music Lessons?” Dr. Robert A. Cutietta – PBS
- “GCSE Subject Level Conditions and Requirements for Music”, Ofqual
- “Playing with newborns”, Raising Children Network
