Musical experience in early childhood shapes how children process language for years afterward. Consistency matters more than the specific activity.
Toddler Music Classes in Toronto and the GTA
“My toddler can barely sit still for five minutes. Is a music class really going to work?” We hear this a lot. And the honest answer is: that’s exactly who these classes are for. Toddlers aren’t supposed to sit still. The class moves with them.
ABC Academy of Music offers Music Together — a research-based music program for children from birth to age five, always with a caregiver in the room. We’ve been running it since the early years of the school, and Emma Berube, one of our Music Together teachers, holds her MT certification alongside her Bachelor of Music from Western University.
What Is Music Together?
Music Together is an early childhood music curriculum developed and licensed by a US-based research organization. We’re one of a small number of official licensed providers in Toronto. That matters because the program is consistent — the songs, the approach, and the pacing are the same whether you join a class here or at a licensed centre anywhere else in North America.
Classes run 45 minutes. You come in with your child. You sing, clap, move, and play instruments together. There’s no performance pressure. There’s no “right” way to participate. The research behind the program shows that when a caregiver sings alongside a child — even off-key — it accelerates the child’s musical development more than any toy or app.
Where We Offer Toddler Music Classes
We run Music Together at three Toronto-area locations:
- Lawrence Park — 2180 Bayview Ave. Steps from Bayview and Lawrence. Families from Lawrence Park, Bedford Park, and Lytton Park come here. Parking at the building; TTC on Bayview.
- Wychwood — 611 St. Clair Ave W. Convenient for families in the St. Clair West and Wychwood neighbourhoods.
- Brampton — 363 Howden Blvd. Our GTA location for families north and west of the city.
Music Together is not offered at our Conway location (12 Conway Ave) — Conway runs private lessons only.
How Much Does It Cost?
A Music Together season runs 10 weeks. Every new family gets a free demo class first — come try it before you commit to a season. Current rates are on our tuition page.
Why Group Music Instead of Private Lessons at This Age?
Children under five don’t learn music the way a 7-year-old learns piano. They need to absorb it through play, movement, and imitation — ideally with their caregiver right there. Private lessons for this age group are, in our view, the wrong tool. A Music Together class gives a toddler more musical exposure in 45 minutes than most private lessons can.
When families ask us “when should my child start private lessons?” we usually say: somewhere between 5 and 7, depending on the child. Music Together builds exactly the foundation that makes those lessons click when the time comes.
Neighbourhood Pages
If you want details about the class nearest you — schedule, parking, what the room looks like — check the neighbourhood page:
- Music Together in Lawrence Park
- Toddler music classes near Bedford Park
- Music Together near Lytton Park
- Music Together at 611 St. Clair West
- Music Together in Brampton
Common Questions
What age can children start?
From birth. Babies in arms participate. Younger children often show more response to live music than older ones — the class is well-suited from the very first months.
Do I need to stay for the whole class?
Yes. The caregiver is an active part of the class, not a drop-off. That’s built into how Music Together works — the child watches you participate, and that’s a big part of how they learn.
Do I need to know anything about music?
No. The class is designed for caregivers who can’t carry a tune, don’t know a quarter note from a half note, and never want to. You just show up and sing. The children don’t care how you sound — they care that you’re doing it with them.
Questions about scheduling or which location is closest? Reach out here — we’ll get back to you the same day.