The Academy of Community Music is a non-profit community music school providing music lessons, music therapy, and group classes for families, children, and adults.

Music offerings include Suzuki music groups, Broadway style song and dance groups, music theory, and instrumental ensembles. Private and group music lessons are offered with Suzuki and traditional instructors on instruments such as piano, violin, guitar, percussion, woodwinds, brass, and voice. Lessons occur at the Academy's Fort Washington facility and in studios throughout the Philadelphia area.

Family music programs for parents and children ages one and up offer a happy entrance into the world of music and exposure to various musical instruments through singing, movement, and rhythm activities. Participants receive a CD filled with songs to sing at home, as well as a musical activity book for families.

The Academy also offers individual music therapy and adapted private music lessons for people of all ages with disabilities. Music therapists conduct individual assessments to determine the best placement for each student.

The school year at the Academy runs September through early June, with lessons available Monday through Saturday. Summer Session runs from mid-June to early August, with lessons available Monday through Thursday. All students are required to make an initial non-refundable payment of $200 before the start of the school year; students participating in summer lessons are required to pay a $10 registration fee, plus the full cost of the summer session.

The Academy of Community Music is a non-profit community music school providing music lessons, music therapy, and group classes for families, children, and adults.

Music offerings include Suzuki music groups, Broadway style song and dance groups, music theory, and instrumental ensembles. Private and group music lessons are offered with Suzuki and traditional instructors on instruments such as piano, violin, guitar, percussion, woodwinds, brass, and voice. Lessons occur at the Academy's Fort Washington facility and in studios throughout the Philadelphia area.

Family music programs for parents and children ages one and up offer a happy entrance into the world of music and exposure to various musical instruments through singing, movement, and rhythm activities. Participants receive a CD filled with songs to sing at home, as well as a musical activity book for families.

The Academy also offers individual music therapy and adapted private music lessons for people of all ages with disabilities. Music therapists conduct individual assessments to determine the best placement for each student.

The school year at the Academy runs September through early June, with lessons available Monday through Saturday. Summer Session runs from mid-June to early August, with lessons available Monday through Thursday. All students are required to make an initial non-refundable payment of $200 before the start of the school year; students participating in summer lessons are required to pay a $10 registration fee, plus the full cost of the summer session.

Cantemos Juntos (Let's Sing Together) music classes feature music written in Spanish that's designed to help young children learn Spanish in a fun, festive environment. Each class includes songs, instruments, egg shakers, parachute games, and more.

Darlington Arts Center offers a wide selection of classes in music, art, drama, dance, and fitness for children of all ages. A gallery displays exhibits by regional and local artists.

The Center offers an international summer arts camp for children ages three to 12. Each week, students learn about a different country through activities in music, art, dance, and drama. Campers can experience a multitude of cultures and landscapes through the visual and performing arts.

Kids can also have their birthday party at the Center, and choose music, art, dance, or drama for their party theme. A teacher and materials are provided for $75 an hour, or $140 for two hours.

Darlington Arts Center offers a wide selection of classes in music, art, drama, dance, and fitness for children of all ages. A gallery displays exhibits by regional and local artists.

The Center offers an international summer arts camp for children ages three to 12. Each week, students learn about a different country through activities in music, art, dance, and drama. Campers can experience a multitude of cultures and landscapes through the visual and performing arts.

Kids can also have their birthday party at the Center, and choose music, art, dance, or drama for their party theme. A teacher and materials are provided for $75 an hour, or $140 for two hours.

Temple University's Music Preparatory Division offers Early Childhood Music Foundations classes designed to introduce infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to musical activity. This nationally recognized program develops the very young child's potential in music and helps parents recognize and nurture their child's musical strengths.

For information on free introductory sessions, fees, and registration, contact the Music Prep office.

Temple University's Music Preparatory Division offers Early Childhood Music Foundations classes designed to introduce infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to musical activity. This nationally recognized program develops the very young child's potential in music and helps parents recognize and nurture their child's musical strengths.

For information on free introductory sessions, fees, and registration, contact the Music Prep office.

Enchanted Music Together offers music and movement classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers.

Sessions are held at locations in Society Hill and the Queen Village/Bella Vista areas.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Artsy Class for Little Kids in Philadelphia, Fairmount Art Center (FAC) is a full-range art center, offering art programs for ages two through teen and music programs for ages infant through five years.

Art programs include classes, family workshops, school vacation day camps, summer camps, birthday parties, homeschooling classes, art therapy services, and
special needs classes. Music programs include music and movement classes for infants through age five, family music classes, and musical birthday parties.

Easy online registration, detailed program information,
teacher bios, and a student gallery is available on the FAC website.

Forever Making Music and More is a parent/child music program for children, from birth to Kindergarten. Music is learned through informal play and repetition, which reflects the unique learning styles of the very young. Parent/caregivers participate in class activities, and gather information to foster an enriched musical environment in the home.

Other class offerings include Mixed Age Class, Infant Class, and Music for Big Kids (ages four to six). Details and complete schedules of classes are available online.

Birthday parties by Forever Making
Music and More can be hosted at one of its four locations or on site at your home or party venue. Visit the website for more information or to reserve a date.

Forever Making Music and More is a parent/child music program for children, from birth to Kindergarten. Music is learned through informal play and repetition, which reflects the unique learning styles of the very young. Parent/caregivers participate in class activities, and gather information to foster an enriched musical environment in the home.

Other class offerings include Mixed Age Class, Infant Class, and Music for Big Kids (ages four to six). Details and complete schedules of classes are available online.

Birthday parties by Forever Making
Music and More can be hosted at one of its four locations or on site at your home or party venue. Visit the website for more information or to reserve a date.

Forever Making Music and More is a parent/child music program for children, from birth to Kindergarten. Music is learned through informal play and repetition, which reflects the unique learning styles of the very young. Parent/caregivers participate in class activities, and gather information to foster an enriched musical environment in the home.

Other class offerings include Mixed Age Class, Infant Class, and Music for Big Kids (ages four to six). Details and complete schedules of classes are available online.

Birthday parties by Forever Making
Music and More can be hosted at one of its four locations or on site at your home or party venue. Visit the website for more information or to reserve a date.

Fusion Academy of the Performing Arts provides dance, music, and acting instruction for kids ages three to 18 who aspire to be professional performers.

Fusion's ABC Arts enrichment program is designed to introduce preschoolers and Kindergarteners to the performing arts by providing group instruction in piano, acting, and dance. Private instruction is available in voice, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and woodwind instruments. Acting classes for various levels are also offered.

Dance classes in the basics, hip hop, ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and more are available for children ages three and up. Fusion is also home to the award-winning Portfolio Dance Team, an intensive performance and competition team trained in ballet and jazz technique. The team is exposed to all disciplines including hip hop, tap, and modern.

The Garden State Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum celebrating imagination through themed interactive exhibits including a newspaper office and TV studio, the Get Fit! sports area, the Check Up exhibit, a Pet and Vet Clinic, and the Silver Diner. The museum offers numerous exhibits, daily workshops, programs, and weekend events.

The sprawling, open, warehouse-style floor plan allows parents to keep an eye on several youngsters at one time. Small tykes will have to be dragged out of Little Discoveries, devoted to participants four and under, which includes a "pond" area open only to crawlers. Older kids can broadcast the daily news, scale a rock-climbing wall, put on a show in a large mock theater, and get inside a gigantic bubble. A Dressing Room in the Discovery Theater is complete with dressing tables, mirrors, and new costumes every month, offering little stars the opportunity to shine as they hit the stage for impromptu productions.

For such a hands-on kind of place, the exhibits are in good shape and staff members check frequently to replace wayward exhibit pieces.

Daily drop-in workshops (check the board as you enter), covering arts and crafts, zoo animals, etc., are free with museum admission and run at different times throughout the day. These also give parents great chance to take a rest!

Grandparents Day is the first Sunday of every month from 9:30am to 10:30am. Send the kids to the museum with their grandparents for a special morning together including coffee, juice, bagels and a craft project.

Programs and classes include interactive storytelling for kids ages two to four (with an adult) and science, art, and construction classes designed for ages five to seven. Classes for older kids allow you to sign up for either one or all the workshops in a series.

Discovery Parties at the museum ($12.95/child; 10 child minimum, 20 child maximum) are offered for all ages and include the use of a private party room for 90 minutes, a party host to help you with the celebration, free admission for one adult per child. Birthday parents and granparents attend free, and the birthday child gets a free gift when you register in the museum's Discovermore store. Double Discovery Parties ($16.95/child; 10 child minimum, 20 child maximum) include all of the above plus a hands-on arts and crafts workshop led by program staff, and an extra half hour in the party room. Party bags are also available, at varying costs. Call 856.424.1233, ext. 305 for additional information about parties.

Annual Family Membership ($99) includes free general admission for one year, 2 free guest passes, a subscription to the museum's newsletter, 10% discount on workshops, classes, and birthday parties, 10% discount in the Discovermore store, and savings on special events, concerts, performances, and summer camps. A Family and Friends Membership ($149) includes all of the above as well as free admission to nearly 150 museums around the country, free admission for up to 4 guests per visit, and a 15% discount in the museum store.

The small eating area offers light snacks and drinks, but bring your own lunch. Bathrooms are kid-friendly and include a family bathroom adjacent to the exhibit area.

Genes is dedicated to providing a unique selection of fashion, furniture, and finds for the coolest kids and their rockin' folks. The store features a premium "denim bar" with lines like True Religion, Seven for all Mankind, Paper, Denim & Cloth, Diesel, and Joe's. They offer small boutique lines as well as pint-sized verions of adult brands like Paul Frank, C&C California, and Splendid.

In addition, genes offers designer nursery furniture from manufacturers such as NettoCollection, Nurseryworks, Oeuf, Litto and Monte. The store also stocks specialty items, toys, and bedding from Dwell, DucDuc, Flensted, and Italtrike. The genes staff is on hand to provide professional assistance with gift selection, gift registry, and creating the perfect gift basket.

Mom's Night Out at genes offers a fun evening of after-hours shopping at the store, which stays open late so that groups of guests may enjoy cocktails and catered treats - without the tots in tow. Contact genes for more information.

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Gymboree, which runs a chain of clothing stores for children, also offers classes in movement, art, music, and baby signs, and Fitness Fun, at levels for different ages (0-6 months, 6-12 months, 10-16 months, 16-22 months, 22-28 months, 28-36 months, and 3-5 years), enabling teachers to introduce activities that are developmentally appropriate.

Each program level incorporates fundamental, engaging activities that help to build a child's cognitive, social and physical skills. Designed by child development experts, each of Gymboree's seven levels focuses on and supports the specific developmental milestones each child is working towards at his or her age, from sensory explorations for young babies to cause and effect, two-way communication, "motor planning," imaginary play, and early listening and language skills.

Warm, caring, and knowledgeable teachers lead each class with an opening ritual, themed activities, and a signature activity for each level. The final activity for each class is parachute time, a favorite for kids of all ages.

Classes: Gymboree classes (from birth to age three) are conducted with a one to one child/adult ratio for safety and fun. Separate Family Classes are also offered; one adult can bring two walking siblings ages five and under. A drop off option is available for Fitness Fun and art, and music classes for preschoolers ages three to five. Parents (or caregiver) can drop their child off for class or stay and play. Classes run about 45 minutes and meet once a week; four sessions are held each year. Participants can enroll in the fun at any time, as long as there's space available. Bonus Playgyms - free play times in addition to regularly scheduled classes - are included with class enrollment. Consecutive session discounts start with the fourth consecutive session, and the 11th session is free! Free preview classes are available.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Parties include access to a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and an instructor-led Gymboree class.

Gymboree, which runs a chain of clothing stores for children, also offers classes in movement, art, music, and baby signs, and Fitness Fun, at levels for different ages (0-6 months, 6-12 months, 10-16 months, 16-22 months, 22-28 months, 28-36 months, and 3-5 years), enabling teachers to introduce activities that are developmentally appropriate.

Each program level incorporates fundamental, engaging activities that help to build a child's cognitive, social and physical skills. Designed by child development experts, each of Gymboree's seven levels focuses on and supports the specific developmental milestones each child is working towards at his or her age, from sensory explorations for young babies to cause and effect, two-way communication, "motor planning," imaginary play, and early listening and language skills.

Warm, caring, and knowledgeable teachers lead each class with an opening ritual, themed activities, and a signature activity for each level. The final activity for each class is parachute time, a favorite for kids of all ages.

Classes: Gymboree classes (from birth to age three) are conducted with a one to one child/adult ratio for safety and fun. Separate Family Classes are also offered; one adult can bring two walking siblings ages five and under. A drop off option is available for Fitness Fun and art, and music classes for preschoolers ages three to five. Parents (or caregiver) can drop their child off for class or stay and play. Classes run about 45 minutes and meet once a week; four sessions are held each year. Participants can enroll in the fun at any time, as long as there's space available. Bonus Playgyms - free play times in addition to regularly scheduled classes - are included with class enrollment. Consecutive session discounts start with the fourth consecutive session, and the 11th session is free! Free preview classes are available.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Parties include access to a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and an instructor-led Gymboree class.

Gymboree, which runs a chain of clothing stores for children, also offers classes in movement, art, music, and baby signs, and Fitness Fun, at levels for different ages (0-6 months, 6-12 months, 10-16 months, 16-22 months, 22-28 months, 28-36 months, and 3-5 years), enabling teachers to introduce activities that are developmentally appropriate.

Each program level incorporates fundamental, engaging activities that help to build a child's cognitive, social and physical skills. Designed by child development experts, each of Gymboree's seven levels focuses on and supports the specific developmental milestones each child is working towards at his or her age, from sensory explorations for young babies to cause and effect, two-way communication, "motor planning," imaginary play, and early listening and language skills.

Warm, caring, and knowledgeable teachers lead each class with an opening ritual, themed activities, and a signature activity for each level. The final activity for each class is parachute time, a favorite for kids of all ages.

Classes: Gymboree classes (from birth to age three) are conducted with a one to one child/adult ratio for safety and fun. Separate Family Classes are also offered; one adult can bring two walking siblings ages five and under. A drop off option is available for Fitness Fun and art, and music classes for preschoolers ages three to five. Parents (or caregiver) can drop their child off for class or stay and play. Classes run about 45 minutes and meet once a week; four sessions are held each year. Participants can enroll in the fun at any time, as long as there's space available. Bonus Playgyms - free play times in addition to regularly scheduled classes - are included with class enrollment. Consecutive session discounts start with the fourth consecutive session, and the 11th session is free! Free preview classes are available.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Parties include access to a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and an instructor-led Gymboree class.

Gymboree, which runs a chain of clothing stores for children, also offers classes in movement, art, music, and baby signs, and Fitness Fun, at levels for different ages (0-6 months, 6-12 months, 10-16 months, 16-22 months, 22-28 months, 28-36 months, and 3-5 years), enabling teachers to introduce activities that are developmentally appropriate.

Each program level incorporates fundamental, engaging activities that help to build a child's cognitive, social and physical skills. Designed by child development experts, each of Gymboree's seven levels focuses on and supports the specific developmental milestones each child is working towards at his or her age, from sensory explorations for young babies to cause and effect, two-way communication, "motor planning," imaginary play, and early listening and language skills.

Warm, caring, and knowledgeable teachers lead each class with an opening ritual, themed activities, and a signature activity for each level. The final activity for each class is parachute time, a favorite for kids of all ages.

Classes: Gymboree classes (from birth to age three) are conducted with a one to one child/adult ratio for safety and fun. Separate Family Classes are also offered; one adult can bring two walking siblings ages five and under. A drop off option is available for Fitness Fun and art, and music classes for preschoolers ages three to five. Parents (or caregiver) can drop their child off for class or stay and play. Classes run about 45 minutes and meet once a week; four sessions are held each year. Participants can enroll in the fun at any time, as long as there's space available. Bonus Playgyms - free play times in addition to regularly scheduled classes - are included with class enrollment. Consecutive session discounts start with the fourth consecutive session, and the 11th session is free! Free preview classes are available.

Parties: A Gymboree birthday party is a nice way to throw a bash for energetic little kids. Parties include access to a room full of play equipment, an enthusiastic teacher, and an instructor-led Gymboree class.

Hands-on House of Lancaster is a children's museum dedicated to helping kids learn - and making sure they have lots of fun in the process!

The museum is designed for adults and young children (ages two to 10) to play and learn together. Exhibits, classes, and programs are short on lecture, and long on interactive, participatory activities.

Hands-on House also offers very reasonably priced birthday parties for kids ages three to 10 that include invitations, cupcakes, juice, a staff helper, a private party room, and time to enjoy the Museum's fun and educational exhibits.

The Institute for the Development of African-American Youth (IDAAY) Beacon Center is a community organization that aims to encourage families to stay connected and get involved with the community.

The Center offers a variety of Family Preservation Classes, including modeling, hip-hop dance, credit recovery for high school students, and more; intramural basketball leagues for kids ages nine to 14 are also available.

All programs are free and take place at Wagner Middle School. Contact the Beacon Center for more details and a complete list of program offerings.

The Institute for the Development of African-American Youth (IDAAY) Beacon Center is a community organization that aims to encourage families to stay connected and get involved with the community.

The Center offers a variety of Family Preservation Classes, including modeling, hip-hop dance, credit recovery for high school students, and more; intramural basketball leagues for kids ages nine to 14 are also available.

All programs are free and take place at Wagner Middle School. Contact the Beacon Center for more details and a complete list of program offerings.

The Kennett Symphony of Chester County, Chester County’s only professional orchestra, presents a wide range of symphonic music to entertain, enrich, and educate audiences of all ages.

The Symphony offers the Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus, a group that provides qualified singers (ages seven and up) with the opportunity to perform age-appropriate music that's culturally and musically diverse, while nurturing vocal and musical development. Chorus membership is by audition; auditions are scheduled in the spring and early summer by appointment through the Chorus Director. Details and audition appointments are available by contacting the Kennett Symphony of Chester County at 610.444.6363.

The Symphony's educational outreach also includes an annual free children's concert and instrument petting zoo where kids can see, touch, and ask questions about symphony instruments.

Kids U is an indoor children's activity center - featuring a 2,000-square-foot play quad - that offers a variety of classes for kids ages 11 months to nine years, including gymnastics, music, martial arts, dance, theater, cooking, science, sports, and games. Kids registered for classes at Kids U also have unlimited access to the play quad. Visit the website for details and a current class schedule.

Parties at Kids U include 30 minutes of free play on the play quad; 30 minutes of supervised, age-appropriate games and activities in the gymnastics room; and 30 minutes in the facility's party room. Paper goods (in one of six colors) and invitations (in one of three styles) are also provided.

Camp programs for kids ages three to eight are available during the summer and on school vacation days.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts incorporates public amenities and two major venues: Verizon Hall, a 2,500-seat concert hall built specifically as the home of The Philadelphia Orchestra; and Perelman Theater, a 650-seat recital theater that can adapt to a variety of presentations.

The Kimmel Center Box Office is open daily from 10am until 6pm, or until one-half hour after the last performance begins. The Academy of Music box office is open from one hour before through one-half hour after a performance begins.

$10 Ticket Program: A limited number of rear second tier box seats are available for all Regional Performing Arts Center-presented performances. Tickets are sold beginning the Saturday prior to performances and are available at the Box Office only. Limit two per person.

Student/Senior Rush: $10 Student/Senior tickets are available beginning one-half hour before select Regional Performing Arts Center-presented events. Rush ticket availability is subject to prior sale. Call on the day of the event for availability.

Classes: The Kimmel Center has a variety of free educational offerings, including programs at the Merck Arts Education Center, Keyboard Conversations, Outreach Programs, and the Grow Up Great Initiative. Programs include something for all ages and skill levels, including early childhood from birth to age five, students in grades five through 12, and adult learners.

Educational programs focus on engaging students with interactive, curriculum-based classes that connect American Culture to music, dance, and theater art components. The fun-filled, hands-on lessons complement humanities programs with lessons such as The Jazz Age, Vocal Jazz Techniques, American Musical Theater, Electronic Keyboard, Jazz Heritage of Philadelphia, Musical Pot Luck, Tin Pan Alley, and The Harlem Renaissance.

All classes are held in the Kimmel Center's Merck Arts Education Center. For additional information and to register for classes, call 215.790.5896 or visit www.kimmelcenter.org/education.

Camps: The Kimmel Center also offers Teen Summer Arts Camps for kids ages 12 to 18 in which student artists spend 10 intense days developing their artistic and creative skills with highly respected teaching artists from the performing arts community. The two-week arts sessions culminate with solo and ensemble demonstrations on Friday afternoons.

Sessions of Choral/Vocal Camp, Jazz Camp, Pipe Organ Camp, and Chamber Music Camp are held at the Center from 10am-4pm June through July. Scholarships are offered to all students accepted to the programs. Details and registration are available online at www.kimmelcenter.org/education.

Kindermusik's flexible, gently structured program is designed to foster creative expression through musical learning through developmentally appropriate music and movement instruction for children in the early stages of development. Since a parent or caregiver must attend each session, it's also a nice way to meet other parents and find new playmates for your child.

Many sessions, ranging from one to 15 weeks in duration, are available for children ages 18 months to seven years in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. There is a materials fee of approximately $20 per session for a CD or tape plus handouts.

Free Kindermusik preview classes are available for new students. Visit the website for a complete list of locations.

Kindermusik's flexible, gently structured program is designed to foster creative expression through musical learning through developmentally appropriate music and movement instruction for children in the early stages of development. Since a parent or caregiver must attend each session, it's also a nice way to meet other parents and find new playmates for your child.

Many sessions, ranging from one to 15 weeks in duration, are available for children ages 18 months to seven years in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. There is a materials fee of approximately $20 per session for a CD or tape plus handouts.

Free Kindermusik preview classes are available for new students. Visit the website for a complete list of locations.

Kindermusik's flexible, gently structured program is designed to foster creative expression through musical learning through developmentally appropriate music and movement instruction for children in the early stages of development. Since a parent or caregiver must attend each session, it's also a nice way to meet other parents and find new playmates for your child.

Many sessions, ranging from one to 15 weeks in duration, are available for children ages 18 months to seven years in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. There is a materials fee of approximately $20 per session for a CD or tape plus handouts.

Free Kindermusik preview classes are available for new students. Visit the website for a complete list of locations.