Early Childhood Music
Free and low cost 40-minute weekly music classes for children ages 3-5!
We believe that ALL children deserve access to the transformative power of music education from the very beginning!
Preschool Partner Program
Throughout the school year, ESC offers 100% free music classes in partnership with several Preschools in the Denver metro area. These Preschool partners have mission alignment with ESC and serve our target demographic of low-income and BIPOC students. These classes meet once per week to serve more than 120 children ages 3-5.
Neighborhood ECE Music Classes
ESC offers weekly music classes at the Music Center for preschool-aged children and their families beyond our preschool partners. Classes are "family class style" - for caregivers participating alongside their children. Join us each week for music, movement, and play!
“What I see, beyond musical education, the program fosters essential values such as active listening, discipline, and instrument care, supporting children's personal and social growth.”
Arlibeth, Teaching Artist
A Sample family home sheet that is given to our ECE participants
120+
86%
3-5 year olds
BIPOC
59%
160
Hours of music classes total
Hispanic/Latino
Results from our 2024-2025 End of Year Family Feedback Survey are in!
100% of respondents are very satisfied or satisfied with their child's music education experience with El Sistema Colorado. When parents were asked “What is the impact of your child’s music class?” they responded:
“Increased interest in music and excitement about instruments”
“He has started to sing more”
“She talks about music and the artists she hears about in class”
“Hunter's exposure to music in class has increased his interest in music everywhere.”
“He is so excited to share what he learns in class when he gets home.”
“Being more curious and inspired by music”
“Love of music, confidence, fun”
“To be able to not only learn songs but learn about instruments. Learn how to work together with others.”
“Pride, interest in music, opportunity to sing together”
“A wonderful sense of community and nice relationships with teachers.”
What do our Preschool Partner Teachers say?
100% of preschool partner teachers observed the El Sistema Teaching Artists using 8 different relationship building strategies during class
100% of preschool partner teachers said that the El Sistema Teaching Artists have a positive, supportive relationship with all of their students
Over 90% of preschool partner teachers say that the ESC weekly music classes have positively impacted their students’ social-emotional development in the following areas: Self awareness, Social awareness, Relationship Skills, and Gross Motor Skills
“We had a great time participating and learning about what our son is doing at music class every week. It's fun to be able to participate with our child.”
ECE Parent
What makes our Early Childhood Education program unique:
Experienced professional music educators
Joyful, developmentally appropriate activities
Focus on socio-emotional learning
Centering BIPOC musicians
Exploratory and sequential curriculum
Developing instrument readiness skills
Creative movement
Early literacy connections
Family involvement opportunities
Sample Lesson Plan
Every activity in every lesson plan is intentionally chosen as a powerful tool to develop Social Emotional Skills, Fine and Gross Motor Skills, Musical Skills, and School Readiness Skills.
Welcome song
Steady beat chants with woodblock
Circle song and game
Glockenspiels
Solfege singing
Free scarf dance
Fine motor skill song
Violin Readiness Games
Drums and rhythm games
Musical storytime and movement
“This has been a great experience partnering with El Sistema teaching our ECE students not only about music, but self control/self regulation, cooperation, teamwork and multicultural musicians of our American history.”
Preschool Partner Teacher
“[My child] loves coming home to tell me what she learned in music class. She will teach me the songs they learn and the instruments she is learning about.”
ECE Parent
Interested in learning more? Email ECE Coordinator Katie Burns, kburns@elsistemacolorado.org