Enrollment Ages 6 months to 7 years
Young students begin their musical exploration with Mannes Prep’s Program for the Very Young. This program nurtures students’ musical sensitivity, listening skills, and technical proficiency in equal measure. Families can register for one or more
courses. Offerings include Music for Little Ears; Music for Growing Ears; First Theory; Melody Makers: Singing, Playing, and Creating with Orff; and Group Piano, Violin, or Cello Instruction. Guardians are encouraged to attend all classes with their Mannes Prep student. Readiness for the program is evaluated during
the admission process.
Cost-of-attendance information is available on the Mannes Prep Tuition and Fees Sheet.
Course Descriptions
Music for Little Ears (Ages 5–18 months); Instructor: Allegra Levy
At Mannes Prep, musical development starts from day one. Our newest early childhood class is designed specifically for babies ages 5 to 18 months, supporting social, cognitive, and motor growth through joyful music making. In this warm, lively group setting, caregivers and babies sing, move, listen, and explore various genres of children’s music. Students are introduced to traditional children’s music from cultures around the world, as well as new jazz favorites from NYC singer-songwriter Allegra Levy. Each week introduces these engaging melodies and rhythms are introduced in a way that develops early listening skills and inspires an early love of music.
Music for Growing Ears (Ages 18+ months); Instructor: Allegra Levy
In this class, designed for toddlers ages 18 to 24 months, students continue to explore music through listening and song. In an energetic, supportive group environment, toddlers and their caregivers sing, move, listen, and play. Scarves, shakers, kazoos, and other age-appropriate instruments encourage motor development and musical self-expression. Music from around the world, along with new jazz favorites by NYC singer-songwriter Allegra Levy, are introduced weekly. Caregivers remain an integral part of the experience, modeling musical play in class and supporting learning at home. The class helps toddlers build confidence and language skills, develop early audiation and rhythmic abilities, and discover the excitement of making music.
First Theory
Children ages four to six experience the fundamentals of music through rhythmic movement, coordination games, singing, and improvisation. They explore rhythm, form, and melody with appropriate instruments through an
approach combining the Orff and Dalcroze methods. These classes provide an excellent foundation for instrumental study. Classes are formed according to age.
Melody Makers: Singing, Playing, and Creating with Orff
In this engaging interactive class, young musicians explore the world of music through singing, movement, and instrumental play using glockenspiels. Inspired by the Orff Schulwerk approach, the course helps students develop fundamental music skills through hands-on activities that foster creativity, improvisation, and collaboration. Students learn basic music theory concepts such as rhythm, pitch, and melody in a fun and accessible way. Through games, storytelling, and movement, children build confidence in their musical abilities. The course culminates in an end-of-semester performance.
Group Piano Instruction
Group Piano allows young students to begin their instrumental journey in a supportive and collaborative
group environment. Students are introduced to the piano through fun new repertoire, games, and performances. Students build their skills by working with their peers and our faculty in class workshops and performances. Parents are encouraged
to attend group lessons to facilitate practice at home.
Group Violin Instruction
Group Violin allows young students to begin their instrumental journey in a supportive and collaborative group environment. Students
are introduced to the basics of the violin, including open positions and bowing techniques, through fun new repertoire, games, and performances. Students build their skills by working with their peers and our faculty in class workshops
and performances. Parents are encouraged to attend group lessons to facilitate practice at home.
Group Cello Instruction
Group Cello allows young students to begin their instrumental journey in a supportive and
collaborative group environment. Students are introduced to the basics of the cello, including open positions and bowing techniques, through fun new repertoire, games, and performances. Students build their skills by working with their peers
and our faculty in class workshops and performances. Parents are encouraged to attend group lessons to facilitate practice at home.
Individual Instrumental Instruction
Students who wish to take PVY classes and
add individual lessons can do so through the additional secondary lessons process, available to students in all divisions. Email [email protected] for lesson rates for academic year 2025–2026.