Kindermusik

Many children are first introduced to music at Northwestern in lively Kindermusik classes, where they explore music through moving, singing, and playing instruments. The focus is on whole-child development, not on musical entertainment or performance. A rich variety of activities promotes music and language development, symbolic thinking, coordination, and social interaction. Please contact Jennifer Merry at kindermusik@northwestern.edu with any questions.

Summer 2025 Registration

The summer Kindermusik term begins June 7, 2025, and ends June 28, 2025.
Register for Summer 2025

Fall 2025 Registration

The fall Kindermusik term begins Saturday, September 20, 2025, and ends Saturday, January 17, 2026, with January 24, 2026, reserved as a make-up week. (No classes on November 29, December 27 or January 3).
Register for Fall 2025

Level 1 (12-24 months with parent/caregiver)

This 45-minute class is a lovely way for babies and parents to interact. Multi-level activities that are appropriate for each stage of a baby's development give lap babies, crawlers, and walkers a chance to experience music, touch, sound and movement. Home materials include an instrument and a family guide related to the theme of the unit which provides additional ideas for sharing the class experience at home. Each session includes digital materials that contain all the songs used in class, a story that can be enjoyed on a digital device, as well as activity suggestions and developmental information for parents to use at home when engaging with Baby.

Theme: I Can Do That!
Class time: Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. with Jennifer Merry
Price: $115 ($92 for NU affiliates)
Register Online

Level 2 (2-3 years with parent/caregiver)

A lively 45-minute class that invites parents/caregivers and children to sing, move, listen to and play instruments while enjoying literature. Home materials include an instrument and a family guide related to the theme of the unit which provides additional ideas for sharing the class experience at home. Each session also includes digital materials that contain all the songs used in class, a story that can be enjoyed on a digital device, as well as activity suggestions and developmental information for parents to use at home when engaging with Toddler.

Theme: Down on the Ground
Class time: Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. or 9:45 a.m. with Tamara Sarajishvili Dominiguez
Price: $115 ($92 for NU affiliates)
Register Online

Level 3 (3-4 years with parent/caregiver)

Children's imaginations are engaged during this 45-minute class with activities that capture their creativity. Music concepts are experienced through moving, singing, listening, creating, and playing instruments. Children come without parents for the first 30 minutes of class, then parents join the fun for the final 15 minutes. Home materials include an instrument and a family guide related to the theme of the unit which provides additional ideas for sharing the class experience at home. Each session includes digital materials that contain all the songs used in class, a story that can be enjoyed on a digital device, as well as activity suggestions and developmental information for parents to use at home when engaging with Preschooler.

Theme: Splash
Class times: Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. with Jennifer Merry
Price: $115 ($92 for NU affiliates) - CLASS FULL

Level 4 (4-5 years with parent/caregiver)

In this 45-minute class, we engage your child in music and movement activities that also promote language, social and emotional skills, early math and literacy, physical coordination and creativity. Your child will learn basic music vocabulary and notation, setting the stage for future school success and formal music lessons. Children come without parents for the first 30 minutes of class, then parents join the fun for the final 15 minutes. Home materials include an instrument and a family guide related to the theme of the unit which provides additional ideas for sharing the class experience at home. Also included are digital home materials which can be accessed via phone, tablet or computer.

Theme: Giggles
Class times: Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. with Maria Hodson
Price: $115 ($92 for NU affiliates)
Register Online

Level 5 (5-6 year-olds with parent/caregiver)

Through imaginative play, children will develop an early awareness of rhythm, movement, singing, and drama. On the Road features the vacation adventures of the Flugelhorn family in their trusty ride, Van Go. We’ll visit their favorite destinations, the beach, the cottage, the campsite and the fair. Along the way, children will engage their imaginations and build social skills while focusing on patterns, listening, vocal development and ensemble play. Home materials include an instrument and family guide, with additional ideas for enjoying activities at home during the week. Also included are digital home materials which can be accessed via phone, tablet or computer.

Theme: On the Road
Class time: Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. with Jennifer Merry
Price: $130 ($103 for NU affiliates)
Register Online

Level 1 (12-24 months with parent/caregiver)

Get ready to sing, play, and move with your little one in this music class designed to be just right for very young children. This 45-minute class focuses on your child’s beginning movement, helping to build the muscles they need to walk, run, and climb; and on vocal development, helping to nurture your child’s speaking and singing voice. With a mix of both parent-child joint activities and child-focused activities, you’ll be able to join in on all the singing and dancing while also getting the chance to observe how your young toddler learns on his or her own. Each semester includes digital materials that contain all the songs and stories used in class, plus fun activities to keep the learning happening all week. You'll also receive instruments and books to begin building your child's collections. A parent or caregiver is required to attend all classes.

Themes: Big Red Barn, Playtime, Yum
Class time: Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. with Jennifer Merry
Price: $360 (approximate)
Register Online

Level 2 (2-3 years with parent/caregiver)

This music-filled class celebrates the unique joys of your growing child. Each week your child will love singing, dancing, and playing instruments with you and their new friends and you’ll love helping them practice a wide variety of abilities such as gross and fine motor skills, turn-taking, social skills, and active listening. In class, we’ll also share tips and ideas for using music throughout the week. Plus, the fun and learning continue at home with the Kindermusik at Home digital home materials, including music from class, musical activities, and each month’s story. You'll also receive instruments and books to add to your child's collections. A parent or caregiver is required to attend all classes.

Themes : Colors & Shapes on the Farm, Family & Friends, Time for Lunch
Class time : Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. or 9:45 a.m. with Tamara Sarajishvili Dominiguez
Price : $360 (approximate)
Register Online

Level 3 (3-4 years with parent/caregiver)

Each week in class we combine your preschooler’s natural love of music, storytelling, and imaginative play with age-appropriate activities that introduce early music concepts and foster independence, social and emotional skills, language growth, and self-control. We also connect you with other parents who share in the wonder of parenting a preschooler. The Kindermusik at Home digital home materials bring the music, activities, and each month’s story everywhere you go. You'll also receive instruments and books to add to your child's collections. A parent or caregiver attends the last 15 minutes of class for sharing time.

Themes : Around the Farm, Home Sweet Home, Outside My Window
Class times : Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.; Instructor TBD
Price : $380 (approximate)
Register Online

Level 4 (4-5 years with parent/caregiver)

In this 45-minute class, we engage your child in music and movement activities that also promote language, social and emotional skills, early math and early literacy, physical coordination, and creativity. Plus, your child will learn basic music vocabulary and notation—all setting the stage for future school success and formal music lessons. The Kindermusik at Home digital home materials extend the benefits all week long with music from class, activities for the whole family, and each month’s story. You'll also receive instruments and books to add to your child's collections. A parent or caregiver attends the last 15 minutes of class for sharing time.

Themes : Jazz Kitchen, Under the Rainbow, Join the Parade
Class times : Saturdays at 9:00 a.m., Instructor TBD
Price : $380 (approximate)
Register Online

Kindermusik Musicians Year 1 and Year 2 (ages 5-7 years with parent/caregiver)

Kindermusik Musicians focusses on providing first experiences with musical symbols and playing instruments such as the glockenspiel, dulcimer and recorder. Each class also includes singing, moving and listening to music from many different cultures. This is a 4-semester curriculum taught over 2 years. Each class is 60 minutes, with a parent or caregiver attending during the last 10 minutes for sharing time.

What a Child Will Experience in Class

• Singing and vocal development — Featuring folk and play songs from many cultures around the world, singing remains an essential component of each class. With a focus on matching pitch and exploring vocal range, your child will discover their own unique voice in an age-appropriate manner.
• Movement —Students will dance expressively to music, giving them the practice they need to coordinate their body movements. This kind of musical play not only improves musicianship, but physical coordination as well.
• Reading and writing — Students will learn basic rhythmic and melodic notation, with an emphasis on the notes on the treble staff, and eventually will compose their own music.
• Focused listening — Students will learn to identify a range of orchestra instruments and their sound qualities, while also gaining an early awareness and knowledge of composers and masterworks in Western arts tradition.
• Exploring and playing musical instruments — Authentic percussion, string, pre-keyboard, and woodwind instruments expose children to the many choices for future musical study, while providing them with the opportunity to make music in a group setting before taking on more formal instruction.

Class time (Year 1) : Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. with Jennifer Merry
Class time (Year 2): Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. with Jennifer Merry
Price: $425 (approximate)
Register Online

Northwestern Affiliates

Northwestern Affiliates receive a 25% discount on their tuition as part of their benefits package.

Eligible Northwestern Affiliates include:

• Full-time benefits-eligible Northwestern employee (faculty or staff)

• Spouse and dependents of full-time benefits-eligible employees

• Full-time Northwestern students

Note that visiting scholars and Northwestern hospital employees are not eligible for tuition benefits in the Academy. Please check with HR Benefits if you are unsure of your eligibility.

Tuition Payment Policy

All tuition and fees are due to the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music.

• The Kindermusik Coordinator will process registration and email billing notices a few weeks prior to the start of each semester. Billing notices will provide links to the payment pages and list payment deadlines.

• Payment is due in full before the first class of the semester. No books or materials will be distributed until payment is made. Missed classes will not be made up.

• Credit/debit card payments (Visa/Mastercard/Discover/AmEx) are accepted on the Academy’s payment webpages. There are no convenience fees for credit/debit card transactions.

• Checks are no longer accepted.

• Music Academy tuition is non-refundable.

Contact the Kindermusik Coordinator, Jennifer Merry at kindermusik@northwestern.edu.