Little Grooves and Moves
The jury may still be out on whether or not listening to music can make your baby or toddler smarter, but there’s no doubt that moving to music has tremendous benefits for your little one.
Active engagement in singing, dancing, and banging on toy instruments improve children’s gross motor skills, fine motor skills, as well as social skills. In addition, music improves vocal, speaking and listening skills.
In Madrid, there a few musical playgroups in English for babies and toddlers that are worth looking into.
Shake, Rattle and Roll with AmyJo
AmyJo is a qualified Early Years teacher, an English language teacher, musician and songwriter. Her class, geared toward under 5, gets the kids moving and dancing about to a variety of new and traditional action rhymes and songs, brought to life with props, actions and cardboard cut outs.
What sets AmyJo’s classes apart is that she plays the guitar instead of an iPod or CD.
Classes last 1 hour and cost 10€ on the day or 32€ for a 4 class bono. A parent or guardian must be present.
Website: shakerattlerollmadrid.webs.com
Phone: 667 075 104
Kindermusik
Kindermusik’s teaching philosophy is based on over 30 years of experience and rigorous research in the fields of early childhood development and music education. Kindermusik has two programs: Our Time for ages 1-3, and ABC Music & Me for ages 2-6. The first class is free class for new kids.
Classes are on Saturdays in Chamberí at the following times:
- 10:00 for ages 1-3 (parent or guardian presence required)
- 11:00 for ages 2-4
- 12:00 for ages 4-6
Website: kindermusikmadrid.blogspot.com.es
Phone: 628 625 363
Hello! Creative Movement in English
Michele Goldin, a bilingual instructor of Spanish dance, ballet and creative movement for over ten years, founded Hello! Creative Movement in English to teach dance, ballet, flamenco and other forms of movement to children in Madrid.
Children between the ages of 1-9 years old can participate in classes which are offered in several locations throughout Madrid.
Website: www.helloenglishmadrid.com
Phone: 697 978 771
Music Together
Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program. In Madrid, they offer two programs: Mixed Age and Big Kids.
In the Mixed Age class, children from birth through age four can attend a Music Together class with their parent or guardian.
In the Big Kids group, 5-7 year olds can experiment with new activities more appropriate for their age. Parents aren’t required to come to class, but they are welcome to participate.
Website: www.musictogetherlavilla.com
Phone: 912 245 326 / 662 160 537
Main photo: Jessica Merz
About Anna Bitanga
I've been living in Madrid since 2007, married to a madrileño since 2008, and mom to our son since 2011. Tech is my thing. I love salmorejo, matrimonios and cazón adobado. I don't watch football.
