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
🌞 Summer camps & classes registration now open to the public!
Save $40* when you register by March 31.
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.
*$40 off available through March 31, 2025. Discount automatically applied at checkout. Valid only on summer Early Childhood classes, Instrumental & Vocal Music group classes (West Loop only), and summer camps. Not valid on workshops or private lessons. This discount can be combined with financial aid. Cannot be combined with other discounts.
✨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? How do I get my tuition prorated?
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.
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!
Request Summer 2025 Course Catalog →
Request Winter/Spring 2025 Course Catalog →
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!
