folk and roots music classes for babies, toddlers, "big kids" and their grown-ups
Please be sure to review our class and studio policies, including information on scheduling a make-up class.
​Please do not attend class if you are sick.
Click here or on the individual class pictures below for class details, schedule, and prices.
FAMILY MUSIC
The Little Roots Family Class is an enriching and engaging community music experience for the young child and their grown-up(s). This is your little one’s introduction to the joy of music. As longtime professional musicians, Little Roots founders, Annie Stevenson and Maggie Shar, recognize the value of quality live music for people of all ages. Maggie and Annie select and write songs rooted in a variety of folk music traditions. The repertoire is fun and accessible, including elements of storytelling and exposure to various instruments. Children will enjoy group singing with guitar, banjo, or ukulele to accompany, hand and stick drumming, bells, movement, dance, and more! Classes are 35-40 minutes long, and take place at the Little Roots Studio in one of our two indoor studio rooms or outdoors in the party tent. Register Here!
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LITTLE UKES
Little Ukes 1 (ages 4-6): a fun introduction to playing the Ukulele for children, accompanied by a grown-up, who are ready to progress from the family class. While our curriculum includes familiar instruments and songs from the Little Roots repertoire, children learn to sing and play simple tunes on the ukulele. They will learn two or three chords, how to keep a steady rhythm, how to safely handle the ukulele, and how to listen and play along with other people. These classes are fun, hands-on, and interactive. We focus on rhythm, pitch, melody, and dynamics through musical games and activities. The students learn basics like parts of the ukulele, how to hold, how to strum in different ways, names of strings, through playing, moving and lots of ukulele jamming! Little Ukes 2 (ages 5-7+): a play-oriented, intro/beginner, drop-off class for children who are ready for more focused playing, using songs and Little Roots repertoire concepts from the Little Ukes 1 class. UKESTRA! (ages 7-9+): for children who have at least a couple sessions of Little Ukes 2 under their belts or equal experience in private instruction. Children build repertoire, learn more stumming patterns and picking techniques, learn how to tune their ukuleles independently and write songs as a group. This group is often invited to participate in community events and performances!
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LITTLE FIDDLES
Little Fiddles (6-9) is a lively and fun introduction to playing the fiddle! Using songs and games, we’ll learn how to hold the fiddle, bow and make beautiful sounds. We’ll learn some fiddle tunes by ear and do some dancing! Taught by Lily Sexton Drop-Off Class​ Rental information: Stamell Stringed Instruments in Amherst is a wonderful place to rent a fiddle. They make it fast and easy, and have a deal for first time renters. You will want to make an appointment with them to help pick out the correct size for your child. Go to www.stamellstring.com to make an appointment and fill out a rental form.
In this 4-class series we will explore traditional rhythms from West Africa, learning technique and style of ancient rhythms. Students will be introduced to and learn the names of traditional drums & instruments. We will move together through some of the different pieces and the breakdown of rhythmic parts that create a beautiful percussive melody. This is a high energy class, open to children ages 6-12. Students are encouraged to bring their own drum & or percussion instruments if they have them as well. Shanti Starr is a multi percussionist & co-founder of the percussive group Gaia Roots who has been performing locally & internationally for 20 years. Shanti has lived half her life in West Africa & has been steeped in the traditional knowledge of drumming & percussion.
Story Songs
Join Norma Jean for a playful engaging hands-on musical story time. In this class children use of hand percussion, singing, movement and more to bring books and folk tales to life. Children will have the chance to play a wide variety of instruments: shakers, tambourines, mbiras and more! Ages 3.5 to 6 with a participating adult.
New This Summer!
LITTLE BEATS
Schedule TBD Little Beats is an introduction to hand drumming, body percussion, and global rhythms. We’ll practice keeping the beat and develop hand and feet coordination like the drummers do! Each class will include a show-and-tell of a different percussion instrument from somewhere around the world, and feature lots of movement activities along with familiar songs from the Little Roots repertoire.Classes are 35-40 minutes long, and take place at the Little Roots Studio in one of our two indoor studio rooms or outdoors in the party tent.
LITTLE STRINGBAND
coming Fall 2024! Little Stringband (8-12y) is for string players who have taken some private lessons or group classes, know some basics, and feel ready to try playing with others! Our curriculum includes some familiar instruments and songs from the Little Roots repertoire. The stringband will also learn to sing and play familiar folk songs together as an ensemble. Creative song writing and improvisation is part of the fun. Students should come knowing at least five chords/tunes. They will learn more chords, strumming/bowing patterns, how to keep a steady rhythm, and how to listen, sing, and play along with other people. The classes are fun, hands-on, and interactive. We focus on rhythm, pitch, melody, and dynamics through musical games and activities. This class will be taught by Rafe Wolman! Open to Ukulele, guitar, fiddle, viola, cello, bass, banjo, mandolin players. This is a drop-off class.
Little Roots classes
any time,
any place!
THE LITTLE ROOTS SHOW
The Little Roots Show is a pre-recorded music series for children + families with Maggie and Annie of Little Roots & Special Guests. Featuring - Singing, playing, stories, movement, puppets, crankies & surprises! Watch them at your convenience and as many times as your child wants!
Age ranges are a suggestion but not a requirement.
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Ukestra and String Band are classes that require some prior experience.
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Please let us know if you have questions about which class is most suitable for your child.
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Need-based sliding scale rates are available in all classes.
Please email us at littlerootsmusic@gmail.com for more information.