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Music lessons near you

We list kids' music training classes from across the country. Find your city in the list below and browse programs in your area.

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More than just after-school classes

For kids who love learning to play, there are many different ways you can indulge in this passion. See related options below:

Search ALL MUSIC TRAINING CAMPS AND PROGRAMS   

The benefits of musical instrument training

Encouraging children to pursue an interest in music brings a wide array of benefits. Here's a brief look:

Benefits children’s mental development. There’s an ever-growing body of evidence that music training improves a number of brain functions. Kids with musical instrument training do better in school, acquire stronger reading skills, and improve in math. They even score higher in intelligence tests, improving their IQ. 

Benefits social development and self esteem. As also reported in Scientific American, music training improves kids’ social development and improves their self image. Specifically, the study found high correlations between “self-esteem and interest and involvement in school music.”  

Learn from and meet professional musicians. Children learn by example. Dedicated professional musicians who teach music instrument classes guide children through lessons focusing on technical music skills. Each instructor’s main goal is to celebrate music with their students and inspire future musicians. Having these examples teaches children the value of commitment, passion, responsibility, and of exploring their musical gifts.

Hands-on experimentation develops creativity. With every musical instrument, kids learn as they play. Kids practice musical notes and rhythm while learning skills like fingering techniques. As they practice, they experiment with their instrument. They play with different chord progressions and fundamentals of composition, for example. They learn to push their creative boundaries.

Exploration of musical niches. Students have the opportunity to learn woodwind, string, percussion, or brass instruments. The variety of classes offered allows students to decide where their musical strengths and passions lie. Each musical instrument category requires different skills and produces different sounds. Kids develop a love of music they carry throughout life. 

What your child will learn in musical lessons

Self discipline. Kids are expected to practice for a set amount of time per week. Each student’s improvement is to be demonstrated in class time. Children learn how commitment to a craft helps them improve and move on to more advanced skills like composition.

Techniques specific to each instrument. Each musical instrument has a set of unique techniques that kids learn in class. For example, cello players must learn how the angle of their  bow creates crisper sounds, while flute players must learn to control their breathing as they play. Professional instructors provide kids with detailed instruction, to properly play their instruments.

General musical techniques. There are also some more general techniques that instructors will provide students with. Hand strengthening, sight reading, and playing by ear are all skills that kids will learn in instrument training.

Performance skills. Music recitals and performances are a necessary part of music training. Students practice their instrument and perform to the best of their abilities. They learn to deal with and overcome the anxieties attached to being in front of an audience. They’ll grow in confidence under the tutelage of professional teachers.

Music appreciation. Once kids begin to understand rhythm, tempo, and pitch, they recognize how music can be complicated. Understanding the versatility of music genres and styles helps kids become better musicians. It advances students’ knowledge of musical composition and inspires them to achieve the same complexity in their own work.

Questions to ask music teachers 

Here are questions to ask music lesson teachers listed above, as you browse learning opportunities near you: 

1. How much experience do instructors have with teaching kids?
2. How much do they expect kids to practice per day or week?
3. Are there recitals and who is expected to attend?
4. Will music theory be involved in this class?
5. Where should musical instruments be purchased? Is a specific brand or model recommended?

Discover related camps and programs

You can find over 200 different activities listed on our website. Below, we highlight other opportunities to expand on or more deeply develop your musical interest. 

Singing camp builds on kids' musical repertoire. At singing camps, or in singing lessons, they explore their voice. For those who are shy about this, camp provides a supportive environment where they learn to perform to the best of their abilities. 

Performing arts camp builds on the confidence kids gain from music instrument training and recitals. These camps are an excellent way for budding musicians and singers to showcase skills in a fun setting. 

Online music lessons offer the same curriculum as in-person lessons, while they’re more convenient and can be less stressful. 

Dance camp offers kids the chance to develo their understanding of rhythm, tempo, and music style into fancy footwork. Kids will challenge their musicality in these, and dance classes, as they coordinate body movements to music.

More answers and advice from OurKids.net:

Sources and further reading

"Even A Few Years Of Music Training Benefits The Brain." Scientific American. Christie Wilcox.

"Music Education Can Help Children Improve Reading Skills." SAGE Publications. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Music lessons are there?
There are 33 programs specializing in Musical instrument training. In addition, there are 11 programs offering musical instrument training as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Music lessons?
Fees for Music lessons range from $29 to $360 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Music lessons start at?
There are programs available for children aged 2 through 19.

Where can parents meet with Music lessons?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.