Music Classes for Children, City by City

If your child taps along to a rhythm, sings their favourite songs, or asks to learn an instrument, it's a good moment to consider a music class as a way of developing that. The interest is usually there before the ability is.

Learning music early carries plenty of benefits, raising creativity while training concentration and motor skills. Research suggests children who learn music early tend to do better academically. Choosing where to learn isn't something to do at random though, since curriculum and teaching quality both matter.

This article covers what to look for in a music school along with options across several cities. Confirm current programmes, ages and fees with each school directly.

Five Things to Check

Choosing the right music class shapes how a child experiences learning. Here are five things worth weighing up.

1. Experienced Teachers

A good teacher doesn't only play well, they have a teaching method that suits children. Teaching music to children is different from teaching adults, since children need a more patient, creative and enjoyable approach so they don't lose interest.

So look for a school whose teachers hold certification or have experience teaching children. Some have teachers certified by international music bodies. Ask about the teaching method too, so it fits your child's character.

2. Interactive Teaching

Every child learns differently, whether that's visually, through sound or through movement. A good school usually offers enjoyable, interactive teaching, whether that's learning through play or handling an instrument directly.

Some also run ensemble or band programmes so a child learns to play in a group. That keeps the process engaging rather than repetitive.

3. Facilities and Environment

The environment deserves attention too. Make sure the classroom is comfortable and properly equipped, with a piano, guitar, drums and other instruments all in decent condition.

The atmosphere also has to help a child stay focused and comfortable while learning. Where you can, visit in person to see the rooms and ask about the facilities.

4. Flexible Scheduling

Scheduling matters when choosing a music class. Plenty of children have other activities outside school, whether that's extra tuition or sport.

So look for somewhere offering flexible timing or private classes that fit around your child. Some schools also offer online classes, which helps with a full schedule.

5. A Clear Programme

A good school has a clear, structured curriculum. Some music classes offer certification programmes, which motivate a child to take it more seriously.

A piano course following the ABRSM curriculum, or Rockschool for modern instruments, are both examples. With a structured programme you can see how your child is progressing over time.

Seventeen Music Schools by City

Here are music schools across several cities worth considering.

1. Little Mendelssohn, Central Jakarta

Little Mendelssohn teaches classical music to children from an early age. Its programmes are designed specifically for children, with an enjoyable approach grounded in classical theory.

Classes have covered piano, violin and voice, all taught by experienced teachers. The learning environment is comfortable, with settled classrooms and full facilities. It suits anyone wanting their child taught by a professional method.

2. Jonim Musik, Bandung

Jonim Musik is among the more popular music schools in Bandung. Classes have covered piano, guitar, drums and violin.

One of its strengths is a flexible teaching method matched to what a child needs. The teachers have experience with children, which makes the classes more enjoyable.

It has also held student performances to build children's confidence. More on their Instagram.

3. Ensiklomusika Music School, South Jakarta

Ensiklomusika Music School runs an international curriculum, offering classes for children through to adults taught to global standards. It has operated several branches in Indonesia, including one in South Jakarta.

Its programmes have covered piano, violin, guitar and voice. It has also offered internationally recognised certification exams, which suits anyone wanting a music education held to a high standard.

4. Orbeat Music Lifestyle Academy, Surabaya

Orbeat Music Lifestyle Academy in Surabaya has offered classes for children and adults alike. Its programmes are flexible and can be matched to a child's ability and interest.

Classes have covered piano, drums, guitar and voice, taught by experienced teachers using creative methods. Orbeat has also held small concerts for students to build the confidence to perform. More at @orbeat.id.

5. Zianturi Music Course, Yogyakarta

For anyone in Yogyakarta, Zianturi Music Course is a reasonable place to develop a child's musical ability. Classes have covered classical piano, keyboard, drums, guitar and voice.

One of its strengths is a programme structured in stages, so a child learns at a comfortable pace suited to their age. It also has full facilities and a comfortable atmosphere. More at zianturikursusmusik.com.

6. Cadenza Anima Music & Art, South Jakarta

Cadenza Anima Music & Art is more than a music school, it's an arts centre teaching a range of creative skills. Its music programmes are designed for children, with classes including piano, violin, guitar and voice.

Its strength is an enjoyable, exploration-led method, so a child develops creatively rather than only learning theory. It has also held recitals showing what children have learned. More on their Instagram.

7. Malang Music Course, Malang

For a music class in Malang, Malang Music Course is worth considering. It has run private and group classes with a flexible teaching method matched to what a child needs.

The facilities are reasonably complete and the teachers have experience with children. Instruments available have included piano, guitar, drums and violin.

8. Rhapsodie Music Space, Tangerang

Rhapsodie Music Space in Tangerang has a comfortable, enjoyable learning environment. Its programmes have covered piano, violin, guitar and voice, all taught interactively.

One of its strengths is developing a child's ability across the board, including the chance to perform on a small stage to build confidence. More at @rhapsodiemusicspace.

9. Fortissimo Music Course, Bandung

Fortissimo Music Course is among the better-known music schools in Bandung. It has offered a range of children's classes with a structured curriculum and professional teachers.

One appealing element is its student performance programme, where children play small concerts to show their progress. The facilities are reasonably complete for music teaching. More at @fortissimomusicourse.

10. Interval Music Indonesia, North Jakarta

Interval Music Indonesia offers flexible, quality programmes. Classes have covered piano, guitar, drums and voice, designed for children across a range of ages.

Its strength is an internationally based curriculum along with the chance to sit music certification exams. More on their Instagram.

11. Jogja Piano School, Bantul, Yogyakarta

Jogja Piano School is dedicated to children learning piano through an enjoyable, professional method. It has offered classical piano classes matched to a child's age and ability.

It has also run recitals and certification exams to help children develop further. More on their Instagram.

12. Music Forte Education Center, Surabaya

Music Forte Education Center is among the better-known music schools in Surabaya. It has run classes across several instruments, including piano, violin, drums and voice.

It has also worked with Kawai Music Indonesia to provide high-quality instruments for teaching. More on their website.

13. Blessing Music Studio, Bogor

Blessing Music Studio has offered a range of classes with child-friendly teaching. Options have included piano, guitar and voice, with the method matched to what a child needs.

It has also held small concerts to build students' confidence. More on their Instagram.

14. Melodi Academy, Semarang

Melodi Academy in Semarang has run classes across several instruments, including piano, guitar, drums and voice. Its programmes are enjoyable and taught by experienced teachers.

The facilities are reasonably complete with a comfortable environment for children. More on their Instagram.

15. Talenta Music, Yogyakarta

Talenta Music in Yogyakarta has offered a range of programmes for children, covering piano, violin, guitar and voice. All of it is taught interactively.

One of its strengths is a class specifically for younger children, built to lay the foundations early. More on their Instagram.

16. Kawai Piano, Manado and Surabaya

Kawai is a Japanese piano curriculum taught in Indonesia through licensed partner centres rather than branches of its own, which is why it turns up under a different name in each city. Kawai Indonesia lists 20 licensed centres, reaching Jakarta, Bandung, Tangerang, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Makassar, Denpasar, Jambi, Sampit and Batam.

Two of the centres teaching it are on Happy Kamper. In Manado the classes run at Hiro Education Center, which splits Kawai Piano Classic into a Kids class for ages 4 to 6 and a Junior class for 7 to 16. Music Forte in Surabaya, listed above, teaches the same syllabus.

The full centre list is on Kawai Indonesia's site, and the rest of what runs in Manado is on the Manado activities listing.

17. Kokoro Music, Batam

Kokoro Music sits in the Taman Duta Mas area of Batam and describes itself as an early childhood music education studio. Its youngest programme, Little Star, starts at age 3.

Beyond classical and pop piano it has offered vocal and guitar, along with two Chinese instruments that are harder to find locally, the dizi flute and the ruan lute. More on their Instagram.

Getting Them Started

Choosing the right music class isn't only about finding a good school, it's about making sure your child enjoys learning and that it matches what interests them. From Jakarta and Surabaya out to Manado and Batam, there are plenty of quality options for developing a child's ability on an instrument or with their voice.

So it's worth finding a music class that suits and letting your child get started. Happy Kamper lists options with current prices and locations shown.