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

Bloom School of Music & Dance via Yelp

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

Emi H. via Yelp

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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Ballet classes offer a wonderful way to inspire your kids to express their emotions through music, storytelling and creativity. Ballet also has other benefits, such as learning to appreciate the art form and keeping your kid active in a fun, graceful and disciplined environment. And, can we talk about how cute they look in those tutus? Several local dance studios in San Diego offer ballet classes for all levels and ages. Read on for nine of our favorites and get your tiny dancers ready to leap into the wonderful world of dance.

photo: City Ballet of San Diego

City Ballet of San Diego
Located in Pacific Beach, City Ballet offers a strong dance curriculum consisting of several classical styles. All the instructors have professional ballet backgrounds and bring their own individual qualities to the school. Classes are offered for kids ages 3 and up and each child is carefully evaluated to ensure that they are physically ready for the level in which they are placed. There are opportunities to perform throughout the year and students can audition for The Nutcracker – voted by The Tommy Awards to be San Diego’s best!

What’s Unique: The school is affiliated with the professional City Ballet of San Diego company. Students may be hand selected for the two year Trainee program, which serves as a stepping stone from advanced student to professional dancer. This could lead to an apprenticeship with the main company. Each year, the school also hosts a summer intensive program, where they invite world renowned guest artists to work with the students.

941 Garnet Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-274-6058
Online: cityballet.org/school

photo: Marissa Mullen

Bunny’s School of Dance
Dancers ages 3 and up will love learning at this longtime dance studio in La Mesa. A combo class of ballet, tap and tumbling is offered at various levels in a relaxed, informal environment. The small, intimate studio features a bright, cheerful atmosphere, with a strong emphasis placed on fun. At the end of the year, students get to show off their skills in an annual dance performance at the San Diego County Fair.

What’s Unique: This studio is especially great for young, beginning dancers. Because the classes are a mix of tumbling, ballet and tap, toddlers and preschool aged kids are never bored. A variety of fun age appropriate games and activities really get the kiddos involved, while learning basic steps and discipline. A free trial class is offered before signing up. And unlike most studios, Mom and Dad are also allowed to stay and watch their little dancer, which helps keep tears to a minimum!

8062 La Mesa Blvd.
La Mesa, Ca 91942
619-466-5890

photo: Proud M. via Yelp

Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy
This state-of-the-art facility has two locations – one in Point Loma, and one in the heart of Eastlake. They accept kids as young as 18 months to their creative dance program. If your kiddo wants to do more than just ballet, they have many other options such as tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acro, creative dance and musical theater. The clean, family environment complements the positive attitude of the staff, which encourages teamwork, discipline and respect for one another.

What’s Unique: Proud parents can view their dancers at class through the one-way observation windows. Live feed flat screen monitors are also located in the lobby. Neisha’s also hosts a monthly Kids Night Out, a fun party at the studio. In addition, they offer music and preschool classes, all at the Eastlake location. And don’t forget about the guys!  Boys only classes are offered for boys ages 8 and up.

870 Jetty Lane
Chula Vista, Ca 91914
619-585-1133
Online: neishas.com

2650 Truxton Rd
Dance Place at Liberty Station, Ste. 107
San Diego, Ca 92106
619-732-6238
Online: neishas.com

photo: May C. via Yelp

Balletcenter Studios
Balletcenter Studios is made of up two studios – Balletcenter West in Mission Hills and Balletcenter East in El Cajon.  The warm and inviting environment provides a high standard of achievement, while working to increase technical skills, stamina, placement, line and style. This dance program specializes in ballet and guides students through a full course of study, starting from age three, all the way up to the pre-professional level. There are two annual performances, including The Nutcracker in the winter and all of the students, (including the adults!) are given the chance to perform.

What’s Unique: This is the only studio to offer Dance On The Spectrum, a special program for autistic students. Designed for ages 3-10, the program utilizes special education teaching techniques and engages children by encouraging them to express themselves through the joy of dance.

Balletcenter West
1111 Fort Stockton, Ste. F
San Diego, Ca 92103
619-322-7328
Online: balletcenterstudios.com

Balletcenter East
Blossom Flinn Station
14860 Olde Highway 80
El Cajon, Ca 92021
619-322-7328
Online: balletcenterstudios.com

photo: Ballet Institute of San Diego via Flickr

Ballet Institute of San Diego
If your little ballerina is a serious dancer, check out Ballet Institute of San Diego. This Studio, located in Kearny Mesa, offers a comprehensive ballet curriculum that ensures each student will receive the training they need if they aspire to be professional dancers. This includes an internationally renowned faculty with a personal, inspired approach to every student. They also provide quality performing opportunities as well as classes in contemporary, repertoire pointe technique, improvisation and character dance. In addition, there is a body conditioning program to help prepare the youngest students for ballet training and increase their physical abilities.

What’s Unique: The studio space is huge, the largest one being almost 4000 square feet. All three studios feature specially designed wood sprung floors and are covered with studio flooring. Ballet Institute of San Diego recently merged with San Diego Academy of Ballet – a move which serves to constantly bring new and exciting opportunities to its students.

7868 Raytheon Rd.
San Diego, CA 92111
858-284-0561
Online: balletinstitutesd.com

photo: San Diego Civic Youth Ballet via Yelp

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, a longtime dance studio in Balboa Park, holds more than 50 classes weekly in the famous Casa del Prado studio. Young ballerinas can start taking lessons as early as 4 years-old. Tiny dancers will love participating in four major yearly performances, including The Nutcracker and Fairy Tales in the Park.

What’s Unique: San Diego Civic Youth Ballet hosts a homeschool program that serves students and families. The classes provide educational enrichment and are an affordable option for families searching for outside arts and culture curriculum in their homeschool lesson plans.

1650 El Prado
Casa del Prado Building
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-233-3060
Online: sdcyb.org

photo: Marie A. via Yelp

Pacific Arts Dance Center
Pacific Arts Dance Center is the result of Del Mar Ballet and Royal Academy of Ballet Arts joining forces to create a dance enterprise in the heart of Carmel Valley. The gorgeous new facility features floor to ceiling windows in the studios, with spectacular views. Your kids will want to dance all day long! And with multiple classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop and tap, they can do just that.

What’s Unique: This studio offers the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) program to its students.  If you’re looking for a structured, grade level program with exams once a year, you’ll find it here.

5550 Carmel Mountain Rd. Ste. 210
San Diego, Ca 92130
858-264-2787
Online: pacificartsdance.com

photo: Lynch Dance Institute

Lynch Dance Institute
This is a new studio in Poway that fosters the love of arts through quality dance instruction. They focus on building a strong classical foundation through technical proficiency. Lynch Dance Institute recognizes that each student is different. The school celebrates that by taking individual needs into consideration when planning their programming and performing opportunities. They also offer a variety of super fun summer camps like choreography workshops, fashion design, musical theater and cross training.

What’s Unique: If you want to get in on the action with your tot, they have parent-toddler classes. There is also a Dancing Tales class for 3 and 4 year-olds wherein they can learn different dance concepts through storytelling and two all boys classes (ballet and creative movement) taught by Mr. Lynch.

12227 Poway Rd.
Poway, Ca 92064
858-282-9911
Online: lynchdance.com

photo: SD Dance With Me

SD Dance With Me
These classes are perfect for beginning ballerinas. Little ones can start as early as 20 months and participate in the Dance & Music Discovery class where rhythms, sounds and music are all explored. Creative movement classes are designed for toddlers to learn some basic ballet, jazz and hip hop with the aid of fun props like hula hoops, ribbons and parents (if needed!)

What’s Unique: This is a great studio to start very young dancers off with discovering the joy of dance. Keep in mind that they are only open Mon.-Weds.

2650 Truxtun Rd., Studio #109
Dance Place, Liberty Station
San Diego, Ca 92106
619-961-3066
123sddancewithme.com

Do you know of a great kids’ ballet studio that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments!

––Marissa Mullen

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Whether your school-aged kiddo is already a budding musician or simply ready to try something new, Portland has a wide variety of music schools that offer lessons in the after-school hours. From ukuleles to percussion to chamber strings, there is bound to be something to grab your little one’s attention. Click through our album to see our six picks for music lessons around town.

Sound Roots School of Music

The children are the leaders at Sound Roots, where teachers focus on meeting them wherever their skills are when they enroll. Sound Roots offers everything from traditional private lessons on individual instruments to garbage bands that improvise on repurposed and recycled materials. The sky's the limit when it comes to ensembles; families and school groups are encouraged to contact Sound Roots with their own idea for a music group, be it a choir, rock band, or drum circle. Children also have the option of bringing the music they’d like to learn to their teachers. Customization is key to giving the musicians at Sound Roots a unique experience.

Sound Roots has small studio spaces in SW and NE Portland, and is also mobile, meeting students at school sites and in their own homes. Instructors are thoughtfully selected to meet the needs of each individual student.

503-208-5637
Online: soundrootsmusic.com

Photo credit: Sound Roots Music Academy / Robert Delahanty

 

Do you have a Portland-area music school that you love? Tell us which ones you’ve tried in the comments below!

– Marianne Walters