The Beckett School at Laurier offers the oldest (est. 1980) and largest (over 2,000 children) early childhood music (ECE) classes in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region.

Children are grouped in classes according to age and follow a custom curriculum that produces the natural starting point for a lifetime of musical accomplishment and enjoyment. Our ECE teacher Jennifer Stacey works to ensure your child will develop a love and understanding of music through immersion in singing, playing, listening and movement activities.

Music with Your Child

Through traditional chants, folk songs and singing games, your child (3–7 years) will use their own voice as their first instrument, as well as rhythmic and melodic instruments, to actively discover musical concepts such as beat, rhythm, melody and form.

A sequentially-organized class structure encourages children to develop performance and literacy skills that lay the foundation for future individual lessons. Our structure allows them to progress at a quicker pace and with greater confidence.

Family participation is a vital component of this program. Grown-ups and siblings are invited to join the final 10 minutes of each 45-minute class to allow for continued enjoyment and practice of class activities at home.

• Format: 45-minute classes for 28 weeks
• Cost: $475
• Start date: Week of Sept. 17
• Day and time:
  • 3-year-old (born in 2015): Thursdays, 10:30–11 a.m. or 4–4:30 p.m.
  • 4-year-old (born in 2014): Tuesdays, 4:30–5:15 p.m. or Thursdays, 4:30–5:15 p.m.
  • 5-year-old (born in 2013): Tuesdays, 5:15–6 p.m. or Saturdays, 11–11:45 a.m.
  • 6- and 7-year-old (born in 2012): Thursdays, 5:15–6 p.m. or Saturdays, 10:15–11 a.m.

Music with Your Baby or Toddler

Introduce your baby (0–18 months) or toddler (18–36 months) to music and movement in this fun, interactive parented class. Dress comfortably as you will be partners with your child as we sing, play and move to traditional folk music, nursery songs, singing games, lullabies and instrumental music.

Instruments and equipment including xylophones, drums, bells, balls, hoops and scarves are used extensively and are an invaluable part of the class. Help your child foster a musical understanding, learn to respond to music and further develop their language, social, emotional and physical skills.

• Format: 30-minute classes for 14 weeks
• Cost: $160 per session (plus registration fee)

Session One

• Start date: Week of Sept. 17
• Day and time:
  • 0–18 months: Thursdays, 9:30–10 a.m.
  • 18–36 months: Tuesdays, 4–4:30 p.m. or Thursdays, 10–10:30 a.m.

Session Two

• Start date: Week of Jan. 14
• Day and time:
  • 0-18 months: Thursdays, 9:30–10 a.m.
  • 18–36 months: Tuesdays, 4–4:30 p.m. or Thursdays, 10–10:30 a.m.