PreK Division
Music classes for ages 2 to 5
The New York Conservatory of Music PreK Division is designed especially for children aged 2–5. Small groups meet on Sunday mornings at our school on East 69th Street, where young learners discover music through colors, movement, rhythm, and a variety of musical instruments.
Our curriculum
Introduction to Music & Piano
Our early childhood music curriculum introduces young learners to the fundamentals of music through a fun, engaging combination of piano exploration, rhythm, melody, and music theory. Through singing, movement, hands-on activities, and exploration of a variety of musical instruments, children develop listening skills, coordination, creativity, and musical confidence.
Each lesson is designed to nurture a love of music while building a strong foundation for future instrumental study.
Piano Fundamentals
Explore the piano keyboard, discover high and low sounds, recognize patterns of black and white keys, and develop basic finger coordination through playful activities.
Rhythm & Beat
Develop a sense of steady beat through clapping, movement, and hands-on exploration of percussion instruments, including drums, tambourines, shakers, and rhythm sticks.
Music Theory
Discover the building blocks of music, including the musical alphabet, note values, rhythmic patterns, and introductory music notation through age-appropriate games and activities.
Pitch & Melody
Explore high and low pitches through singing, piano playing, and melodic instruments such as bells and xylophones. Develop pitch recognition, practice matching sounds, and create simple melodies.
Ear Training & Listening
Strengthen musical awareness through guided listening activities that explore changes in tempo, dynamics, pitch, and musical character. Learn to recognize and respond to different sounds and instruments.
Musical Creativity
Encourage imagination and self-expression through improvisation, musical storytelling, singing, movement, and creative exploration at the piano and with other instruments.
Class offerings
Age-appropriate learning
Age 2
Musical Discovery
A playful introduction to music through singing, movement, sensory exploration, and hands-on experiences with a variety of instruments. Children discover sounds, explore simple rhythms, and begin developing musical awareness through guided play.
Ages 3–4
Building Musical Foundations
Interactive activities introduce rhythm, pitch recognition, keyboard familiarity, and early musical patterns. Children strengthen coordination, listening skills, and musical memory while exploring the relationship between sounds, movement, and instruments.
Age 5
Preparing for Piano Study
A more structured introduction to piano playing, basic technique, music notation, rhythmic reading, and simple melodies. Students begin connecting musical concepts with practical keyboard skills, preparing them for the transition into private piano lessons.
A Foundation for Lifelong Music Learning
Our curriculum is thoughtfully adapted to each child's age, abilities, and developmental stage. By combining piano instruction with a variety of instruments and creative musical activities, we provide a well-rounded introduction to music that inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and encourages a lasting appreciation for music.
Session times
Small groups of two to four children, formed by age, meet at NYCM on Sundays. A group starts once enough children of a similar age can meet at the same time, so we keep an interest list: tell us your child's age and the Sunday times that work for you, and the office will be in touch as soon as a group is forming.
Location: 321 East 69th Street, New York, NY
Larger groups
Have a bigger group in mind, such as classmates or friends? Larger classes can be arranged at the Hungarian House, 213 East 82nd Street, on any day of the week, depending on group size and availability. Join the interest list with the number of children, their ages, and the days and times that suit you.
Enrollment
Flexible ways to begin
Once a group is forming, start with a single trial class, then choose a package. An annual registration fee of $80 per student applies.
Trial Class
$75
per class
One class to try it out (first-time students only). No make-up class.
8-Session Package
$600
8 sessions
Two months of classes, including 8 sessions and 1 make-up class.
16-Session Semester Package
$1,040
16 sessions
16 classes over four months, at our best rate. Includes 2 make-up classes. May be paid in two payments.
To enroll or ask a question, contact the office at office@nyconservatoryofmusic.org or 212-717-9590. The office is happy to help.
Instructor this semester
Kathryn Giordano
Kathryn trained as a music educator at Montclair State University, earned her master’s at Carnegie Mellon, and has taught young musicians piano, guitar, brass, and voice. Read more about her on our faculty page.
Why choose us?
A first step that leads somewhere
Since 1998
NYCM has taught music on the Upper East Side for more than 25 years.
Experienced teachers
Our teachers are working musicians who know how to teach young children.
From PreK to private lessons
When your child is ready, they can move on to private lessons at the same school.
The benefits of early musical education
Why start music early
Early musical education does more than teach a child to play. What we see week to week, in children who are still too young to read a note, is a way of listening and expressing themselves that stays with them.
Listening and attention
Following a melody, waiting for a turn, and matching a rhythm all ask for the kind of close listening young children are just beginning to develop.
Emotional expression
Music gives young children a way to express what they cannot yet put into words, and a gentle structure for big feelings.
Making music together
Group sessions teach turn-taking, listening to others, and the particular pleasure of making something as a group.
A foundation to build on
Children who begin with singing, rhythm, and simple instruments arrive at their first individual lessons already at ease with sound, pulse, and playing for other people.
Join the PreK interest list
Tell us your child's age and when you're free. Groups are small and formed by age, and the office will be in touch as soon as one is forming.