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Imagination Meets Music in our Group Classes for Ages 0-5
Playful Beginnings. Powerful Growth.
Tots with Tempo is Accelerando Music’s early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in Alexandria, Arlington, and Northern Virginia. Through joyful singing, movement, and instrument play, children imagine, explore, and grow in an engaging, research-based environment that builds rhythm, coordination, communication, and confidence.
Classes are offered weekly in seasonal sessions at both our Alexandria and Arlington locations. YES! We do offer free trials, sibling discounts and prorated tuition!
Why Parents Love It
🎵 Hands-on instrument play
💬 Language-rich songs and rhymes
🧠 Research-based curriculum
🤝 Caregiver connection and community
Class Descriptions
Tots with Tempo Mixed Age (0-5 Years)
Perfect for siblings or families who love flexibility! Mixed-age classes create community while encouraging peer learning, leadership, and creativity. Older kids model and younger ones follow — a natural, musical environment where everyone grows together. One of our most popular classes!
Babies with Beat (Ages 0–16 months)
Gentle, sensory-rich music time for babies and caregivers featuring soft instruments, lullabies, and movement designed to nurture attachment, sensory awareness, and early rhythm development. This class supports milestones like eye contact, bonding, and beginning socialization — all through music!
Toddlers with Treble (12-24 months)
Our most joyful, movement-filled class! Children explore steady beat, pitch awareness, and cause-and-effect through drumming, dancing, and singing games. Toddlers gain coordination, language skills, and confidence while caregivers join in the fun.
Munchkins with melody (2-3 Years)
Preschoolers dive into rhythm patterns, echo songs, instrument families, and imaginative play. This stage focuses on musical independence, social skills, and creative expression — preparing your child for preschool and group learning success.
Meet The Teachers
Katie Kraft - alexandria
Brynn StClair - Arlington
Brynn StClair - Arlington
Katie Kraft is the founder and creative director of Accelerando Music, a community-centered music school serving Alexandria and Northern Virginia. Music has been part of Katie’s life since infancy—she grew up playing piano, guitar, and viola and singing in her church choir. She went on to major in Music at the University of Virginia, earn
Katie Kraft is the founder and creative director of Accelerando Music, a community-centered music school serving Alexandria and Northern Virginia. Music has been part of Katie’s life since infancy—she grew up playing piano, guitar, and viola and singing in her church choir. She went on to major in Music at the University of Virginia, earned her teaching certification through Montclair University, and completed Orff Schulwerk training at Boston College, specializing in playful, movement-based music learning.
In 2009, Katie founded Accelerando Music to share her belief that music helps children grow emotionally, cognitively, and creatively. In September 2024, she opened The Barn, a welcoming studio that now hosts private lessons, group classes, community events, and her signature early childhood program, Tots with Tempo. As the writer and creator of the entire Tots with Tempo curriculum, Katie designed a research-based, developmental approach that helps young children imagine, explore, and grow through music and movement.
Outside the classroom, Katie performs with her husband, Logan Kraft, at weddings and local venues. They live in Alexandria with their children, Holden (11) and Jovie (8), and their Aussiedoodle, Chloe. When she isn’t making music, Katie loves to bake and decorate cakes—a creative passion that mirrors the imagination she brings to every class she teaches.
Brynn StClair - Arlington
Brynn StClair - Arlington
Brynn StClair - Arlington
Brynn StClair is a dynamic educator, singer, and composer who loves sharing the joy of music with children and families across Alexandria and Arlington, VA. She began her musical journey as a violinist before discovering her true passion for singing and classical voice. Brynn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with an emph
Brynn StClair is a dynamic educator, singer, and composer who loves sharing the joy of music with children and families across Alexandria and Arlington, VA. She began her musical journey as a violinist before discovering her true passion for singing and classical voice. Brynn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in opera from the University of Utah and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Musicology at Brigham Young University, where she deepened her understanding of the history and culture of music.
Brynn currently serves as the lead teacher for Accelerando Music’s Monday-morning classes in Arlington and the Strums and Smiles ukulele and general music class for ages 4.5–6. She also teaches the beloved Tots with Tempo program at several schools and daycares throughout Alexandria and Arlington, bringing her signature energy, warmth, and creativity to every classroom she visits. Her lessons emphasize connection, imagination, and the idea that every child can find their unique musical voice.
In addition to teaching, Brynn is a professional singer, composer, musicologist, and poet. When she isn’t performing or planning lessons, she enjoys crafting and quilting—she even made a queen-sized quilt for her own wedding on the same sewing machine her mother used for hers. Brynn lives locally with her adorable dog, Miso, who shares her love of cozy music and colorful fabrics.
khari shelton - saturdays
Brynn StClair - Arlington
khari shelton - saturdays
Khari is a native of Camp Springs, Maryland. Thanks to his father's interest in music, he enrolled in private piano lessons around the age of 8. In the solitude of the basement, it didn't take Khari long to discover that he enjoyed crafting his own tunes as much, if not more, than performing. He was very fortunate that his teacher, with
Khari is a native of Camp Springs, Maryland. Thanks to his father's interest in music, he enrolled in private piano lessons around the age of 8. In the solitude of the basement, it didn't take Khari long to discover that he enjoyed crafting his own tunes as much, if not more, than performing. He was very fortunate that his teacher, with whom he shared his creations, not only applauded his efforts, but even allowed him to debut them at recitals.
His musicianship continued to grow in 9th grade at Edmund Burke School. There, a computer room, like his basement years ago, became Khari's sanctuary. Hours of plunking keys yielded a sizable library of compositions that reflected his diverse musical influences, particularly rock, classical and folk. When one of these tracks won an award after being featured in a student film, Khari knew that pursing music in college was a good option for him.
Khari held to his ambitions at Howard University, where he took private guitar lessons for the first time. After graduating with his bachelor's degree, he dedicated his time to providing private instruction to residents of the DMV area. Khari soon discovered that his passion for teaching exceeded even his passion for composition.
Khari is our lead teacher at The Barn for our Saturday 10:00 Tots with Tempo Mixed Age Class. He also teaches guitar and piano private lessons.
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