Rhythm Kids® for pre-K to 2nd grade at Tenn Little Birds

Now enrolling for Fall Rhythm Kids — join anytime · 615-358-8544 Music Together® › Rhythm Kids (4–8)
Rhythm Kids® by Music Together® For ages 4–8 · Pre-K through 2nd grade

Music classes for big kids in East Nashville.

Rhythm Kids® is where growing musicians drum, sing, move, improvise, compose, and make music together — building skills they can hear, feel, and carry with them into whatever comes next.

Fall Rhythm Kids is underway — and registration stays open. Wednesday Level 1 has already begun. Our Thursday classes begin the week of September 21–25, and families can join throughout the season. Your first month is prorated based on when you begin.
Already a Tenn Little Birds member? Rhythm Kids is included. Current members can try Rhythm Kids as a bonus class at no additional charge. If your older child is ready to move on from Mixed-Ages or Master Class, you can also switch their regular weekly class to Rhythm Kids with no increase in tuition.
See classes & register Try a class for $35
45-minute weekly classes Drop-off friendly Drums provided
A young child joyfully playing a djembe drum in a Rhythm Kids music class in East Nashville Two kids raising their hands during a drumming game
Rhythm Kids® by Music Together® logo Licensed Music Together® Center
Your music kid isn’t done

The Music Together® journey continues.

Rhythm Kids® carries that journey through age 8, giving growing musicians a confident big-kid place to drum, sing, move, create, and lead — while they dig deeper and gain a richer understanding of how music works.

Babies / First Year → Mixed-Ages 0–5 → Master Class 3–5 → Rhythm Kids 4–8 ✦
A teacher and child drumming together in a bright East Nashville music studio
Two levels, one journey

Find your child’s level

New to Rhythm Kids? Level 1 is where many younger and newer musicians begin. Level 2 is the next step for Level 1 graduates and can also be the right starting point for an older child ready for more independent, ensemble-driven work. We place based on age, experience, and readiness together — reach out if you’re not sure.

★ Where the big-kid journey begins
Two preschool-age children sitting with djembe drums, hands raised and smiling
● Level 1 · Intro

Rhythm Kids® Level 1

A great starting point for younger and newer Rhythm Kids musicians · caregiver welcome to stay

Level 1 introduces children to the Rhythm Kids ensemble through drumming, singing, movement, games, improvisation, and leadership. It is especially well suited to younger children and musicians who are newer to Rhythm Kids or still building musical independence.

  • make up their own drumming patterns
  • invent new ways to play shakers, sticks & more
  • create their own movement ideas for songs
  • build beat-keeping, improvisation & ensemble skills
  • take their very first drum solo!
Level 1 is taught by Ms. Jodie or Ms. Allison, depending on class time — experienced Tenn Little Birds teachers who know how to help young musicians feel confident, connected, and ready for their first big-kid music class.
★ Go deeper with the ensemble
Two early-elementary children playing a hand-clapping rhythm game and laughing
● Level 2 · Independent Ensemble

Rhythm Kids® Level 2

For children ready for more independent ensemble work — including Level 1 grads and older beginners · drop-off

Independent, ensemble-driven, and seriously fun. Level 2 gives musicians more room to build repertoire, improvise, compose, conduct, and understand the patterns behind the music they make. An older child who is completely new to Rhythm Kids may also begin directly in Level 2 when age and readiness make it the better fit.

  • learn multicultural drumming patterns by ear
  • build repertoire across a range of percussion
  • explore movement & dance while singing
  • play strategic, rule-based music games
  • solo, conduct, compose & lead the ensemble
Level 2 is taught by Mr. Ryan — TLB teacher and seasoned actor/singer/musician with a focus on confidence, independence, and ensemble skills.

Not sure which level is right? We look at age, previous Rhythm Kids experience, and readiness for more independent ensemble work. Call 615-358-8544 or send us a note and we’ll help with placement.

See classes & register Try a class for $35
Woodland St. studio · East Nashville

Fall classes & registration

Wednesday Level 1 is already underway, and our Thursday Rhythm Kids classes begin the week of September 21–25. You do not have to start on the first day: registration stays open throughout the season, and your first month is prorated based on when you join.

Class Level Schedule Teacher  
Rhythm Kids Level 1 Wednesday · 4:30 PM Jodie White Register
Rhythm Kids Level 1 Thursday · 3:30 PM Allison Register
Rhythm Kids Level 2 Thursday · 4:30 PM Ryan Register
Joining after the first class? Absolutely. Rhythm Kids is a rolling membership, so children can jump in throughout the season. We’ll prorate the first month based on your start date.
Already a current TLB member? You do not need to purchase an extra membership just to explore Rhythm Kids. Current members may try Rhythm Kids as a bonus class at no additional charge. If your child is ready to make Rhythm Kids their regular weekly class instead of Mixed-Ages or Master Class, you can switch with no increase in tuition. Contact us and we’ll help with the class change.

Questions about placement? Call 615-358-8544 or contact us.

Music Learning Supports All Learning®

What 45 minutes of songs and movement actually builds

Rhythm Kids is play-based and joyful — and underneath the fun, it’s strengthening skills kids carry into the elementary classroom and beyond.

Music Musicianship

  • Rhythm & tonal competence
  • Composing, conducting & choreographing
  • Independent, confident singing
  • Confidence in movement
  • Creative musical expression

Everything Whole-child skills

  • Leadership & social skills
  • Executive function & focus
  • Emerging math skills
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Cultural exposure & appreciation

A great stand-alone class — and the ideal on-ramp to piano, guitar & formal lessons.

In the room

We drum & dance. We stomp & sing. We conduct & compose.

See what a Rhythm Kids® class looks and sounds like.

Drum

West African djembes, hand percussion, and patterns from around the world.

Elementary-age kids moving with hula hoops during a Rhythm Kids movement activity
A child dancing with a rainbow scarf in a music and movement class

Move

Folk dances, scarves, and full-body rhythm games that get every kid up and going.

Two older kids playing an active rhythm game with hoops

Create

Solo, improvise, conduct the group, and invent brand-new patterns of their own.

Sing

Vocal play and independent singing build the musical ear under everything.

Two kids celebrating with hands raised in a drumming class
A passport in 45 minutes

Rhythms & songs from cultures around the globe

Kids learn drumming patterns, dances, and songs adapted for their age — building cultural appreciation alongside their musical ear.

West Africa Gahu rhythms & djembe drumming
Japan Taiko drumming
Brazil Samba grooves
Puerto Rico Afro-Caribbean rhythm
Turkey Mediterranean meters
Everything’s included

One tuition, the whole experience

① Weekly 45-minute classes led by trained Rhythm Kids teachers
② Animal Collection songbook + digital download code each semester
③ Online play-alongs & music-reading-readiness activities
④ In-home activities that keep the music going between classes
See classes & register Try a class for $35
Beyond class

The fun continues at home

Every family gets tools to keep making music all week long. Tuition includes:

  • The Animal Collection songbook & download code each semester
  • Interactive play-along videos with Rhythm Kids creator Tom Foote
  • Music-reading-readiness activities & in-home activity pages

Just enough structure to help kids bring the music home without turning it into homework.

Gear up

Want a drum at home?

Drums are provided in every class, so you don’t need to buy anything before joining. A home djembe can be a great addition for kids who want to practice and play along between classes.

12.5″ tall (7″ head) great for ages 4–6
16″ tall (7.5–8.5″ head) great all-arounder

Rhythm Kids families get 5% off + free shipping at Djembe Direct with code RHYTHMKIDS . We love shopping local, too — ask us where!

What educators say

Music teachers can spot a Rhythm Kid®

Quotes shared by Music Together® about the Rhythm Kids® program.

“I love the program. The music alone is sophisticated and diverse — so good for children to hear and learn. It gives them a solid foundation in the whole music experience: singing, movement, rhythm, and early theory.”
— Music Teacher
“I'm a piano teacher, and Rhythm Kids® feels so right to me. It's building musicians first — the play-based approach, internalizing concepts through repetitive, fun, social music-making. That's key!”
— Piano Instructor
“Rhythm Kids® students come to me with a solid foundation in music and drumming. Often they already know the pattern I'm showing them. I can identify a Rhythm Kid right away!”
— Percussion Instructor

Educator endorsements provided by Music Together®.

Good questions

Parent FAQ

What ages and grades is Rhythm Kids for?
Rhythm Kids serves children ages 4 through 8. Level 1 is a great starting point for younger children and musicians who are newer to Rhythm Kids or still building independence. Level 2 is for children ready for more independent ensemble work, including Level 1 graduates and older beginners. Placement is based on age, experience, and readiness together.
How do I know whether my child should start in Level 1 or Level 2?
Level 1 is where many younger and newer Rhythm Kids musicians begin. Level 2 builds on those skills with more independent, ensemble-driven work. Placement is not determined by age alone: an older beginner may be ready to start directly in Level 2. We look at age, prior experience, musical independence, and readiness for the ensemble and are happy to help you choose.
We’re already Tenn Little Birds members. Does Rhythm Kids cost extra?
No. Current Tenn Little Birds members can try Rhythm Kids as a bonus class at no additional charge. If your older child is ready to move from Mixed-Ages or Master Class into Rhythm Kids as their regular weekly class, you can switch them with no increase in tuition. Contact us and we’ll help with placement and the class change.
Do I need to stay, or is it drop-off?
Both levels are drop-off friendly. In Level 1, caregivers are welcome to stay, sing, and drum along — many parents do for the first few weeks, then take the 45 minutes for themselves. Level 2 is built for independent big kids, so most families drop off.
My child has never taken a music class. Can they still join?
Absolutely. No prior Music Together® experience is required. Rhythm Kids uses playful repetition, movement, ensemble games, and hands-on music-making so children can begin building skills right where they are. We’ll help determine whether Level 1 or Level 2 is the best starting point based on age and readiness.
Classes have already started. Is it too late to join?
Not at all. Wednesday Level 1 is already underway, and our Thursday classes begin the week of September 21–25. Rhythm Kids has rolling enrollment, so families can join throughout the season. Your first month is prorated based on when you begin, and our teachers will help your child jump into the group.
Do we need to buy a drum?
No — drums are provided in every class. A home djembe is optional and can be helpful for children who want to practice or play along between classes. Rhythm Kids families get 5% off + free shipping at Djembe Direct with code RHYTHMKIDS.
How is this different from Mixed-Ages or Master Class?
Mixed-Ages and Master Class are rooted in early-childhood, caregiver-and-child music-making. Rhythm Kids gives growing children more musical independence, with drumming, ensemble work, improvisation, conducting, composing, and music-reading readiness. It continues the Music Together® pathway through age 8. Current members whose older child is ready for that next step can switch their regular weekly class to Rhythm Kids with no increase in tuition.
Is Rhythm Kids a good fit before starting piano or guitar lessons?
Yes. Rhythm Kids develops rhythm, tonal awareness, listening, ensemble skills, focus, musical confidence, and creative fluency — a strong foundation before or alongside formal instrument lessons.
East Nashville · Woodland St.

Let’s make some noise.

Wednesday Rhythm Kids is underway, and our Thursday classes begin the week of September 21–25. Rolling enrollment means you can still jump in anytime and give your 4-to-8-year-old a joyful place to drum, move, create, and grow as a musician. Already a TLB member? Come try it as a bonus class at no additional charge.

See classes & register Try a $35 drop-in
Tenn Little Birds · Rhythm Kids® by Music Together® · East Nashville, TN · 615-358-8544