Music Exploration for Curious Young Learners
Ready, Set, Play! is Silver Music’s signature early childhood program for children from 18 months through age 6. Designed with care and intention as a systematic introduction to music-making, our classes guide children toward a joyful, confident relationship with music – one that not only supports future music study but broader learning and self-expression.
Ready, Set, Play! Approach
Ready, Set, Play! Classes incorporate elements of the Suzuki Method and the Dalcroze Method of music education within a nurturing environment perfect for very young children.
The repetition, listening, imitation, structure, and small steps of the Suzuki Method are combined with the improvisation, musical discovery, and movement and rhythmic emphasis of the Dalcroze Method to offer children a broad range of experiences.
Our classes introduce violin, viola, cello, flute, and piano in addition to other elements of music study. Students play rhythm instruments, listen and move to music, read and write rhythms, and sing. Repetition of songs and activities from week to week allows children to gain confidence as they achieve mastery of musical skills. These classes encourage and prepare young children for instrumental study in a fun, relaxed, and supportive environment.
Children learn through hands-on experiences. Across all age groups, children engage with:
- Live instrumental music
- Movement and rhythm activities
- Singing, vocalizing, and musical storytelling
- Note-reading (even our youngest toddlers enjoy pointing to notes in rhythm)
- Hands-on instrument exploration and improvisation
- Individual musical instrument turns in every class
- Ensemble-style music-making with peers
Classes at Silver Music locations meet for 45 minutes. Classes in partnership with schools may vary in length.
Growing with the Program
As children grow into longer periods of attention and focus, RSP classes grow with them. Children learn differently at 2 years and 5 years of age. Ready, Set, Play! is designed to reflect those differences and grow with your child over several years of classes. Classes are generally organized by age to align with children’s developing focus, motor skills, and growing independence.
Fall, Spring, & Summer
We have Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, and you may enroll for a session at a time for your scheduling convenience. Most students continue in the same class for the Fall and Spring Semesters (15-18 weeks), and many children continue in our shorter Summer Session (8 weeks).
Most students continue in RSP classes for two or three years, depending on the age when they began, as they grow in ability, focus, and interest. New children are welcomed and supported, while returning children model routines and musical skills.
→ Learn more about Progression & Experience with RSP.
Feedback & Readiness for Instrumental Study
We offer feedback about your child’s readiness for the next steps in music through individual conversations and information sessions through the year to help you decide if and when you might be ready to apply to our Instrumental Program in a chosen instrument (piano, violin, viola, cello, or flute).
→ Learn more about our Instrumental Program Application Process.
What Children Gain from Ready, Set, Play!
Ready, Set, Play! supports children’s musical growth alongside their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Whether or not a family chooses to go on to study an instrument more formally, participation in RSP classes gives children a strong foundation across multiple instruments and gives parents a window into their child’s interests as well as areas of strength.
Across all age groups in RSP classes, children develop:
- Comfort and confidence in a music classroom
- Strong listening and attention skills
- Work on rhythm, coordination, and musical awareness
- Confidence expressing themselves through sound and movement
- Positive experiences participating individually and in groups
- A joyful, lasting relationship with music
Ready, Set, Play! classes give children the opportunity to explore the beginning steps of each instrument before choosing one to pursue more seriously, while building a strong foundation for future study. Along the way, children develop confidence, self-expression, pattern awareness, and the ability to connect and collaborate with others. We encourage both children and parents to enjoy this stage of exploration, allowing interests and readiness for more formal instruction to develop naturally.
Helpful Resources
Suggested Listening at Home for All Ages
A primary goal in our classes is to familiarize children with great music, including the Suzuki recordings, which are used in almost every class. We recommend continuing this listening at home, as it helps develop the musical ear and rhythmic sense and may increase your child’s interest in and mastery of the class material.
You can download a Suzuki recording here in any instrument. We suggest starting with Volume 1 of Cello, Violin, Viola, Piano, or Flute. You can experiment with listening at different times of day (morning, bedtime, meals, car rides, etc.) and see how having a music listening routine affects your kids and family life, as this is something you will continue if/when your child begins instrument lessons in a few years.
Suggested Rhythm Instruments to have at Home
We use Rainbow Xylophones in our classes and recommend it as a high-quality rhythm instrument to have at home for your child to explore both pitch and rhythm. Rhythm Band Fluted Rhythm Sticks are also used in our classes to simulate playing the string instruments and practice rhythmic patterns. Many children enjoy doing various activities from the class at home. Making space for musical play at home paves the way for more formal practicing when your child is older and ready for lessons and daily practice with an adult.
Next Steps
→ Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
→ Read Parent Testimonials.
→ Apply for Ready, Set, Play! at Silver Music.