early childhood music.
Interactive music classes for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Singing, movement, rhythm, and joyful exploration grounded in Music Learning Theory.
about the program
Palaver Music Center's Family Music Classes bring children ages 0–5 and their caregivers together for joyful, interactive music-making. Using elements of the First Steps in Music method and Music Learning Theory, classes nurture singing voices, develop rhythmic sense, and encourage self-expression through movement and play.
Featuring folk songs from diverse cultures, instruments, props, and call-and-response activities, these classes teach children and caregivers how to make music together — and how to bring it home. Over each 8-week session, families build a shared repertoire that continues well beyond Friday mornings.
Classes run in three 8-week sessions, Friday mornings 10:00–10:45am, at 380 Cumberland Ave, Portland.
Sliding-scale tuition. Fees are based on annual household income. No family is turned away for inability to pay. Email us to discuss your options.
partner sites
In addition to classes at the PMC, Palaver offers weekly Early Childhood Music at five trusted childcare organizations in Portland: Youth and Family Outreach and The Opportunity Alliance Head Start Program (Bayside Anchor, Riverton, Marshlands, and East End locations). Interested in bringing ECM classes to your school or daycare? Email gwendolyn@palaverstrings.org.
meet your instructor
As the third of six kids with a musician mother, music was always central to family life. That foundation led Emma to work with children in various capacities and eventually to early childhood music teaching in the Boston area, including Rock and Roll Daycare and the Newtowne School. After moving to Maine, she joined the Little Roots team at 317 Main Community Music Center in Yarmouth before joining Palaver.
Emma holds a BA in Theatre Studies from Emerson College and is certified in Music Together. She combines elements from multiple methods to create playful, culturally diverse, and genuinely educational class experiences.
ready to get started?
Enroll online or email us with any questions.