Early Childhood Classes

Creative Music Kids offers early childhood family classes (ages 0-4) as well as group lessons for piano (usually ages 4-6). Looking for lessons for older kids or different instruments? Visit the lessons/classes page.

Family Class (ages 0-4)

  • 45-minute group classes for 5-8 children and their caregivers.

  • New sessions start in February on Saturday mornings, fill out the inquiry form to reserve your spot.

  • Sing, chant, and move to expose and acculturate your children to a rich variety of songs. This developmentally-appropriate, sequenced learning enables children to expand their music aptitude at this critical age.

Keyboard Games (ages 4-6)

Here’s what parents are saying about our Creative Music Kids classes:

“Interactive musical fun that will have kids singing at home.”

“I loved Chris’ teaching style and variation in the lesson, it was great exposure for my child and fun for me! I loved the new songs, especially Autumn Leaves and Chicken Head!”

“Chris is amazing and warm! Kids loved going and wished there were more classes!”

About Early Childhood Classes

All children are born with musical aptitude and can develop musicianship and understanding with the appropriate guidance. These fun classes build a foundation for a lifetime of musical enjoyment along with the skills to continue formal instruction school music classes, private lessons, and our programs for middle school and up. Exploration, creativity, and improvisation are at the center of every class as we sing and play in a wide variety of musical styles. Our research-based curriculum is centered on developing audiation through the principles of Dr. Edwin Gordon’s Music Learning Theory. Learn more about our upcoming classes below and contact Chris Teal at chris@ifcmusic.org with questions.

Group classes run on sliding scale payments. All are encouraged to participate regardless of ability to pay. The IfCM wishes to be 100% inclusive of all interested people and our programming is made possible by donations from members of the community. Pay what you can to make it possible for us to provide the classes to all, regardless of ability to pay (email chris@ifcmusic.org for suggested options and discount codes).

Want to learn more about the Institute for Creative Music? Check out our Mission Statement, FAQs, and Organizational History

Meet your instructors

Chris Teal

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Whitworth University, Chris Teal is the Director of the Institute for Creative Music (IfCM) and a 2021 transplant to Denton, TX. Chris is an accomplished performer and educator who has released multiple albums with the the IfCM Collective and Quintopus, as well as “Analog Dreams” with the Chris Teal Trio. In summer 2023, Chris presented at the 9th Annual Gordon Institute for Music Learning International Conference. Raised in Spokane, WA, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, running, and NBA basketball (especially the 2025 champion Detroit Pistons).

Grace Frarey

Originally from Rochester, New York Grace Frarey is an up-and-coming jazz musician and educator. She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Applied Jazz Saxophone and Music Teaching and Learning from the Eastman School of Music. While studying with renowned woodwind specialist Charles Pillow Grace learned the nuances of the flute and clarinet. She is now based in Denton, Texas where she is the Assistant Program Director of the Institute for Creative Music. Using methods that she studied with Dr. Christopher Azzara Grace enjoys teaching and learning alongside all of her students.