Music and Movement

Music and Movement

Mini Maestros offers fun, active and educational music classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, aged 5 months to 5 years. We offer both local in-person classes and lessons On-Demand for at home.

Music making is superfood for a child’s developing brain.

As Australia’s leading Australian music program for pre-school children, Mini Maestros combines music and joyful discovery to encourage confident and happy learners.

All our music classes enhance children’s development while they are having fun. Singing, dancing, playing percussion instruments and musical games stimulate the children’s creativity and imagination.

Children participate in a carefully planned and sequential program. As well as introducing musical concepts such as beat, rhythm, dynamics, form and notation, our program develops the whole child by encouraging children’s speech development, listening skills, social skills and physical skills.

Our carefully trained and highly experienced teachers ensure that each child and their parent or carer enjoy a unique and nurturing experience in a welcoming and diverse community environment.

Our Education Program

The Mini Maestros education program has been developed over 40 years of trial and research. The music literacy component is based on Kodály methodology and repertoire. The influences of the theories of Orff, Dalcroze and Suzuki are also evident. Much of the music is by local Australian composers featuring multicultural influences.

Our education program is sequential. Our babies’ classes are primarily aimed at building an appreciation for music through unconscious learning activities and help to give the primary care giver confidence to share music with the child. In our toddler classes a child’s knowledge of music starts to grow. In our classes for preschoolers the unconscious learning becomes apparent as the children discover the beat and the rhythm in the music, identify high and low sounds on the music staff, become familiar with musical terms, and learn how to read basic music elements.

Our teachers bring a variety of percussion instruments for the children to experiment with. We provide attractive and entertaining props, which stimulate the children’s imagination and keep them engaged in the music-making educational activities.

Parents or carers of our Mini Maestros students are welcomed into the class and participate along with their children. As well as allowing the parent or carer to spend valuable play time with their child, parent or carers can observe their children’s development. Parents or carers also have the opportunity to meet each other and long-term friendship bonds can be established in Mini Maestros classes.

Mini Maestros sessions are also provided at early learning centres.

Classes by Age Group

Select your child’s age group to see a description of our classes for that age group.

Duration: 30 minutes
10 regular students maximum

Our 5-15 month classes are designed to develop the confidence of the primary care giver to share a love of music with the young child in their care. Music making is superfood for a baby's developing brain!

Songs and activities are introduced that can be integrated into the baby's daily routine so that quality musical experiences are a part of their everyday life. Lap plays and movement activities allow babies to experience a sense of steady beat, and props and puppets are used to encourage focus. Percussion instruments are played in stop and start activities to extend babies' listening skills and peekaboo and parachute activities gently develop their confidence.

A Mini Maestros 'Rock and Rhyme' Album Download, comprising a selection of songs and rhymes from Mini Maestros classes, a Peek-a-boo Scarf and a Mini Maestros Bag are included when you first enrol in our 5-15 months classes. You will also receive our 5-15 month old Online Course with weekly lessons which can be enjoyed in addition to your regular in-person lessons. Each term you will also receive a Mini Maestros music book containing a range of activities learnt in class that can be enjoyed with your child at home.

The best music educator for the young child is the primary care giver. These classes will help you fulfil this important role.

Find a class in a location near you

Duration: 30 minutes
10 regular students maximum

Our 5-24 month classes are designed to develop the confidence of the primary care giver to share a love of music with the young child in their care. Music making is superfood for a child’s developing brain!

These classes combine the 5-15 months and 1-2 year old programs and are structured to meet the needs of both groups. Our teachers tailor the classes to suit the ages and developmental stages of each participant in the group, such as walkers and non-walkers. The wider age range of this group also allows us to cater for children who are transitioning from two daytime sleeps to one, and babies whose sleep patterns may not fit the 'norm’.

Songs and activities are introduced that can be integrated into the child's daily routine so that quality musical experiences are a part of their everyday life. Lap plays and movement activities allow babies to experience a sense of steady beat, and props and puppets are used to encourage focus. Percussion instruments are played in stop and start activities to extend babies' listening skills and peekaboo activities gently develop their confidence.

A Mini Maestros 'Rock and Rhyme' Album Download, comprising a selection of songs and rhymes from Mini Maestros classes, a Peek-a-boo Scarf and a Mini Maestros Bag are included when you first enrol in our 5-24 months classes. You will also receive our 5-24 month old Online Course with weekly lessons which can be enjoyed in addition to your regular in-person lessons. Each term you will also receive a Mini Maestros music book containing a range of activities learnt in class that can be enjoyed with your child at home.

The best music educator for the young child is the primary care giver. These classes will help you fulfil this important role.

Find a class in a location near you

Duration: 30 minutes
10 regular students maximum

The 1-2 years program is designed to develop the confidence of the primary caregiver to share a love of music with the young child in their care. Songs and activities in classes can be integrated into the child's daily routine so that quality musical experiences are a part of their everyday life. Music making is superfood for a child's developing brain!

Developing a sense of steady beat plays a vital role in the development of children’s speech, language and gross motor skills. Our 1-2 year old classes reinforce a sense of steady beat through lap plays, dances, movement and instrumental activities. Songs and rhymes in the program are specifically chosen and practised to help children build vocabulary and learn about the world around them. Colourful props and puppets are used to develop eye tracking and focusing skills, and to engage children in dramatic play activities to stimulate their imaginations. Peekaboo and parachute activities allow children to experience musical phrasing and form, and gently build confidence in leaving their carers.

Social interaction with the teacher and other members of the class is encouraged throughout the program. As the children become older and more confident, they start interacting with other children and imitating what they see others doing. They also learn about sharing and being part of a group.

When you first enrol in the 1-2 year old program, you will receive a Mini Maestros 'Jiggle and Giggle' Album Download, featuring a range of songs from across the year, a Peek-a-boo Scarf and a Mini Maestros Bag. You will also receive our 1-2 year old Online Course with weekly lessons which can be enjoyed in addition to your regular in-person lessons. Each term you will also receive a Mini Maestros colour music book containing a range of activities learnt in class that can be enjoyed with your child at home. An optional poster used to display each term's learning milestones across the year is also available.

The best music educator for the young child is the primary care giver. These classes will help you fulfil this important role.

Find a class in a location near you

Duration: 40 minutes
10 regular students maximum

Our 2-3 year old classes include songs, rhymes, instruments, props, puppets, movement and dancing. Music making is superfood for a child's developing brain!

A big focus in this age group is on singing because it is the most effective activity for developing children’s language skills, speech fluency and vocabulary. Activities in the 2-3 year old program are designed to develop vital listening, auditory processing and motor skills, and lead the children to an understanding of the elements of music such as beat, pitch, dynamics, tempo and style. Children play a range of percussion instruments in classes and begin to identify elements of music such as fast and slow, and loud and soft. They use their music books in classes and for at-home activities to develop their pre-reading skills. These are skills which are not normally learnt until kinder. Puppets and colourful props are used in dramatic play activities to stimulate children’s imaginations and encourage focus.

Social interaction with the teacher and other members of the class is encouraged throughout the 2-3 year old program. As the children become more confident in the group setting they start interacting with other children and contribute their ideas. Sharing, taking turns and working with others are introduced to nurture social and emotional development, and prepare children for the kinder and school years ahead.

The adults attend classes with their children.

When children first enrol in the 2-3 year old program they will receive a Bumblebee hand puppet, a Mini Maestros 'Walk and Talk' Album Download and a Mini Maestros Bag. The Bumblebee puppet is used as a learning aid in every class throughout the year to assist children with their singing. They also receive our 2-3 year old Online Course with weekly lessons which can be enjoyed in addition to your regular lessons. Each term's enrolment includes a music book to allow children and carers to follow up class activities at home. An optional poster used to display each term's learning milestones across the year is also available.

Find a class in a location near you

Duration: 40 minutes
10 regular students maximum

These classes combine the 2-3 year old and 3-4 year old programs and are structured to meet the needs of both groups.

Our 2-4 year old classes include songs, rhymes, instruments, props, puppets, movement and dancing. Music making is superfood for a child's developing brain!

A big focus in this age group is on singing because it is the most effective activity for developing children’s language skills, speech fluency and vocabulary. Activities in the 2-4 year old program are designed to develop vital listening, auditory processing and motor skills, and lead the children to an understanding of the elements of music such as beat, pitch, dynamics, tempo and style. Children play a range of percussion instruments in classes and begin to identify elements of music such as fast and slow, and loud and soft. They use their music books in classes and for at-home activities to develop their pre-reading skills. These are skills which are not normally learnt until kinder. Puppets and colourful props are used in dramatic play activities to stimulate children’s imaginations and encourage focus.

Social interaction with the teacher and other members of the class is encouraged throughout the 2-4 year old program. As the children become more confident in the group setting they start interacting with other children and contribute their ideas. Sharing, taking turns and working with others are introduced to nurture social and emotional development, and prepare children for the kinder and school years ahead.

The adults attend classes with their children.

When children first enrol in the 2-4 year old program they will receive a Bumblebee hand puppet, a Mini Maestros 'Walk and Talk' Album Download and a Mini Maestros Bag. The Bumblebee puppet is used as a learning aid in every class throughout the year to assist children with their singing. They also receive our 2-4 year old Online Course with weekly lessons which can be enjoyed in addition to your regular lessons. Each term's enrolment includes a music book to allow children and carers to follow up class activities at home. An optional poster used to display each term's learning milestones across the year is also available.

Find a class in a location near you

Duration: 40 minutes
10 regular students maximum

Our 2-5 year old low sensory classes offer the Mini Maestros curriculum in a reduced sensory environment (sound and lighting). The classes include songs, rhymes, instruments, props, puppets, movement and dancing with all activities selected and presented to foster a low sensory environment.

Class activities gently encourage singing (the most effective activity for developing children’s language skills, speech fluency and vocabulary) develop vital listening, auditory processing and motor skills, and lead the children to an understanding of the elements of music such as beat, pitch, dynamics, tempo and style. Children explore a range of percussion instruments in classes and begin to identify elements of music in keeping with their daily lives. They use their music books in classes and for at-home activities to develop their pre-reading skills. These are skills which are not normally learnt until kinder.

Social interaction with the teacher and other members of the class is encouraged and as the children become more confident in the group setting they are encouraged to contribute their own ideas to the class activities. Sharing, taking turns and working with others are introduced to nurture social and emotional development, and prepare children for the kinder and school years ahead.

The adults attend classes with their children.

When children first enrol in the 2-5 year old low sensory program they will receive a Bumblebee hand puppet, a Mini Maestros 'Walk and Talk' Album Download and a Mini Maestros Bag. The Bumblebee puppet is used as a learning aid in every class throughout the year to assist children with their singing. They also receive our 2-3 year old Online Course with weekly lessons which can be enjoyed in addition to your regular lessons. Each term's enrolment includes a music book to allow children and carers to follow up class activities at home. New students in Terms 1 or 2 also receive a poster which is used to display each term's learning milestones (optional if new in Term 3 or 4).

Find a class in a location near you

Duration: 40 minutes
10 regular students maximum

Our 3-4 year old classes are full of engaging songs, instrumental activities, dances and musical games. These are all carefully designed to build on children’s experiences and knowledge, whilst developing vital skills for kinder, school and life, such as speech and communication, auditory processing, pro-social behaviour, motor skills, attention, self-regulation, reading, decision-making and memory.

Mini Maestros 3-4 year old classes are where much of the children’s learning becomes conscious. Children start to recognise and talk about musical elements such as beat, pitch and dynamics. They experiment with singing, percussion instruments and movement, and become familiar with musical terms. Puppets and colourful props are used in dramatic play activities to stimulate children’s imaginations and encourage focus. Children practise literacy skills such as left-to-right reading and one-to-one correspondence to give them a head start for kinder and school.

Social interaction and learning to work with others are key benefits of Mini Maestros classes. Children in the 3-4 year old classes are given opportunities to perform for their peers and work with others in partner and whole-group activities. They are encouraged to make decisions about the music they create and contribute their ideas in a supportive classroom environment that fosters a sense of fun and wellbeing. Building familiarity in the classroom setting prepares children for confident participation in kinder and school.

Adults stay in the class, but children participate independently under teacher direction.

When children first enrol in the 3-4 year old program they will receive a Bumblebee hand puppet, a Mini Maestros 'Sing and Swing' Album Download and a Mini Maestros Bag. The Bumblebee puppet is used as a learning aid in every class throughout the year to assist children with their singing. You will also receive our 3-4 year old Online Course with weekly lessons which can be enjoyed in addition to your regular in-person lessons. Each term's enrolment also includes a music book which children use both in class and at home. An optional poster used to display each term's learning milestones across the year is also available.

Find a class in a location near you

Duration: 40 minutes
10 regular students maximum

Mini Maestros’ 4-5 year old classes are an exciting step in children’s musical education where they learn to play their first tuned instrument – the chime bars. Chime bars are like a little xylophone with removeable notes. Each child receives their own set of chime bars on which they learn to play a number of pieces. They use their chime bars to create dynamic ensemble pieces and play musical games. Songs, rhymes, dances, instrumental activities and games provide children with opportunities to sing, move, play, learn and have fun with their peers in every lesson.

Activities in our 4-5 year old classes are designed to help children develop vital skills such as speech and communication, auditory processing, literacy, numeracy, pro-social behaviour, motor skills, attention, self-regulation, reading, decision-making and memory, so that they can thrive in kinder, school and life.

Our 4-5 year old program gives children a significant head start to move onto learning their first formal instrument once they reach primary school. Elements of music such as pitch, rhythm, dynamics and form are made conscious in games and a wide variety of stimulating activities. Children practise skills such as left-to-right reading, one-to-one correspondence, symbol-to-sound connection, and other essential literacy skills applicable to reading language and music. They learn to read simple notation and transfer it onto their chime bars and percussion instruments. They also compose their very own pieces of music!

Children in Mini Maestros’ 4-5 year old classes are given opportunities to perform for their peers, share their ideas and make decisions in a classroom setting, preparing them for confident participation in kinder and school.

Children may attend these classes on their own and parents are invited in for the last 10 minutes so that they may observe what has been taught.

When children first enrol in the 4-5 year old program they will receive a set of chime bars, a Mini Maestros Bag and a different music book each term. Children use the music books in class and also for simple and fun 'homework' activities. Children enrolled in 4-5 year old classes receive our 4-5 year old Online Course with weekly lessons which can be enjoyed in addition to your regular in-person lessons. An optional poster used to display each term's learning milestones across the year is also available.

Find a class in a location near you

Early Years Framework

Mini Maestros embraces the Australian Early Years Learning Framework guidelines as they reaffirm the foundations of our program.

Mini Maestros provides educational music classes that nurture and extend children’s learning and development. Our sequential, age-specific program employs a strengths-based approach centred around concepts such as ‘learning through play’, ‘continuity of learning’ and ‘high expectations’. These concepts are important principles and practices that underpin the Early Years Learning Framework.

Mini Maestros sees children’s learning as integrated and interconnected. As such, our lessons are planned with a wide range of learning outcomes in mind. As well as learning musical skills, our program aims to develop the whole child and, therefore, actively encourages and fosters:

  • Self-expression
  • Language and literacy skills
  • Auditory and visual processing
  • Social skills
  • Gross and fine motor skills
  • Inclusion and teamwork
  • Verbal and non-verbal communication
  • Spatial awareness
  • Memory
  • Cultural awareness
  • Wellbeing

Join us and experience why so many children and parents love Mini Maestros