Early Childhood Music Classes
The Thomas Family Early Childhood Program
Introducing babies, toddlers, and young children to the joy of music.
Music Classes for Babies, Toddlers, & Kids
🌞 Now Enrolling: Winter/Spring & Summer Semesters!
In The Thomas Family Early Childhood Program, Merit’s specialists incorporate song, chant, movement exercises, and instrument play to develop a child’s imagination, musical awareness, and expressiveness.
Your child will have a blast learning essential musical building blocks and taking their first steps on a lifetime journey of musical appreciation.
✨New to Merit?✨
Request a FREE Trial Class!
Fill out the form below and our team will be in touch soon to schedule your free class.
2 Convenient Chicago Locations
Why Music Classes for Infants, Toddlers, & Kids?
Improved Perceptual Skills
- Language and literacy aptitudes
- Spatial reasoning
- Fine motor coordination
- Planning, prediction, and understanding of syntax
Benefits in School
- Music students show better memory, vocabulary, and reading levels over the course of a year
- Musical children are more likely to pursue higher education
Stronger Sense of Self
- Enhanced communication and interpersonal skills
- Added motivation and ambition
- Greater self-regulation, discipline, and focus
Keep Reading: Benefits of Music Classes for Babies & Toddlers →
Parents Love It Here
Meet Your Teachers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch classes or class times?
Nap times change, students advance and grow faster than we expect…YES. Simply reach out to Ms. Frances at fkennedy@meritmusic.org and she’ll work with you to switch you into a class that works.
If we miss a class, can we make it up?
Yes!* Three make-up classes are allowed per semester with 24 hours notice to your child’s instructor and Ms. Frances at fkennedy@meritmusic.org.
If you’d prefer to make up your class at a specific location (West Loop branch or Near North branch in Old Town), please let us know!
*Please note: make-up classes are not available for the Ukulele and You! class.
How long is an Early Childhood semester?
The length of Merit’s Early Childhood semesters varies slightly depending on the time of year. Most semesters are 14 or 15 weeks long. Certain classes, such as Music Masters 2, span the full academic year.
You’re able to join the current semester at any point after it’s begun, as long as your preferred class is still available!
The current semester has already begun. Can I still join?
Yes, you can join at any point during the current semester! When registering, your tuition will automatically update at checkout so you only pay for classes remaining in the semester.
Do you offer a free trial?
We do! Merit is happy to offer one free trial class for new families. Fill out the form at the top of this page to get started. Someone from our team will be in touch with you to confirm the details of your trial class.
Do you offer Class Packs or Drop-in Classes?
Yes, we do!
We’re happy to offer a limited number of 6-Class Packs for our baby and toddler music classes. This flexible option is perfect for busy families or those looking to try our classes before committing to a full semester. Class Packs let you customize a schedule that works best for your family—music on your time, your way.
What is a Class Pack?
A Class Pack is a bundle of 6 flexible Early Childhood music classes that you can schedule on your own time throughout a given semester. Instead of committing to a full Early Childhood semester, you can sign up for any available Early Childhood class that fits your child’s age—whether you plan week-to-week or build a custom schedule ahead of time to lock in your preferred dates.
Please note:
- Class Packs are currently only available at our West Loop branch
- Class Packs are non-refundable and must be paid in full at the time of purchase.
- There are a limited number of Class Packs for each semester, so reserve yours early!
- Spots in classes are available on a first come, first served basis. Families are responsible for scheduling their 6 class days/times within the given timeframe. Class schedule subject to change.
- Parent/caregiver attendance required in all classes.
How do I schedule my classes?
- To purchase a Class Pack, visit Merit’s SmartRec store and select the “Multipass” tab. Add a Class Pack to your cart and check out.
- To schedule your classes, log in to your SmartRec account and choose from available class times that fit your child’s age group. Click on “Drop-in”, pick a day from the calendar, and then click “Register”.
- Remember, you can schedule your classes all at once or week by week—it’s up to you!
- Here’s a how-to video that walks you through the full process. Reach out to Ms. Frances if you need help!
Which classes qualify for Class Packs?
Almost all Early Childhood classes at Merit’s West Loop location are eligible for Class Pack use, with the exception of Music Masters 2, Ukulele & You!, and Meet the Orchestra. You’ll also need to select classes that match your child’s age group and have available spots at the time of scheduling.
What happens if a class is full?
Class availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend scheduling early to secure your preferred times. If your first choice is full, you can pick another session that fits your schedule.
Can I use my Class Pack after the semester ends?
Class Packs are only valid for the semester you purchased them in (e.g., Summer Class Packs are valid only during the summer semester). Unused classes will not be carried over or refunded.
Can I get a refund if we don’t use all the classes?
Unfortunately, Class Pack purchases are non-refundable. Be sure to plan ahead to make the most of your sessions!
What if I need to miss a class? Can I reschedule?
We’re happy to help! Contact Ms. Frances ahead of the class, and she will help transfer your reservation to a class that fits your schedule.
Who do I contact if I need help?
We’re here to help! Email Ms. Frances with any questions about scheduling or using your Class Pack.
Where can I view the course catalog?
Looking for info on Merit’s Early Childhood music programs for your baby, toddler, or young child? Request a copy of our Early Childhood catalogs!
Am I able to set up a payment plan?
Yes, you can set up a monthly tuition payment plan at checkout. Read more about payment plans on our FAQs page.
Find the Right Music Class for Your Newborn, Toddler, or Young Beginner
With music and movement classes for ages 0-8, the right class is just a click away!
