So your little drummer boy (or girl) has graduated from the mommy-and-me type music class, but isn’t quite ready to join a band? Fortunately, Los Angeles has plenty of rockstar-in-training options for the post-nursery rhyme set. Read on for the best group music classes (plus a few bonus activities) for kids ages 3 and up. Rock on!
School of Rock
The original rock-and-roll kids school, which has outposts throughout LA, welcomes kids as young as 3 to their Little Wing class. (And we're not too proud to admit that we had no idea Little Wings referred to a Jimi Hendrix until we Googled it.) The classes are kids only—no grown ups allowed. But the teachers, all rockers themselves, are sure to win your little one over as they learn learn about rhythm, song structure, melody, and dynamics through play. Try a first class free and then pay monthly.
Multiple locations
Online: schoolofrock.com
Kid Row
Kid Row's tagline says it all: The antithesis of the boring piano lesson. Founded by a husband and wife team, Kid Row offers private and group lessons, including Little Kid Row, for students ages 3-6. The introductory group lesson teaches future rockers basic musical principles through song, instruments and movement. Each month also includes a "band rehearsal" where kids can jam with their pals. And, of course, there are no recitals here—only a full-on rock concert at the end of the session. (The winter session has already started, but stay tuned for the spring season, starting May 4.)
Kid Row East
2741 Fletcher Dr.
Atwater Village
Kid Row West
McCabe's Guitar Shop
3101 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica
Online: kid-row.com
Silverlake Conservatory of Music
This music academy has serious street cred—it was founded by Red Hot Chili Pepper’s bassist Flea (who is also a classically trained trumpet player). While the conservatory offers private lessons on guitar, drums and more to kids ages 5 and up, younger aspiring rockers, ages 4-6, can try out Bang! Zoom. The class gives little ones an intro to music, rhythm and melody through singing, drumming, movement and even early notation (as in reading musical notes).
4652 Hollywood Blvd.
Silverlake
323-665-3363
Online: silverlakeconservatory.org
Bloom School of Music & Dance
Check out both Intro to Music Fundamentals (for ages 3-5) and Music Fundamentals (ages 5-7) at this popular music and dance school in Eagle Rock. In the intro class, little ones will learn about pitch, rhythm, instruments and more. Then, by the time they complete the subsequent level, they'll have the experience of composing and improvising their own music. Which makes us a little bit jealous.
2116 Colorado Blvd.
Eagle Rock
323-982-1655
Online: bloomschoolofmusicanddance.com
GRAMMY Museum
With interactive exhibits, recording booths, musical instruments you can play and more, this downtown museums is a must for musicians of all ages. (Added bonus: kids 5 and under are free.) And starting Feb. 1, 2020, Sensory Friendly Saturdays returns, giving little ones with sensory sensitivities a chance to experience the museum with fewer crowds, quieter sound levels and lower lighting,
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Downtown
213-765-6800
Online: grammymuseum.org
Guitar Center
While we can't vouch for every Guitar Center location, we have staked out the Sherman Oaks outpost and the place is a haven for music-loving kids. There's a guitar room where kids can strum away (carefully and with parental supervision, of course). In the back, you'll find the percussion section, which includes electronic and acoustic drums, bongos, congas, djembes and even a gong. The final stop? A visit to the keyboards and nearby lighting section where kids can check out the color-changing displays.
14209 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
818-990-8332
Online: stores.guitarcenter.com
-Shannan Rouss
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