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Make music, make memories, and find the perfect class for your child this fall! Our group classes for ages 0–15 include early-childhood music, performing ensembles & bands, art + music experiences, and interactive musical storytelling. Join the fun this fall!
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Some children thrive in the variety and energy of a mixed age class, while others do best in a class designed just for their age and stage. Some families even enjoy mixing and matching both formats! Whether your child joins an age-specific class, a mixed age Tots with Tempo class, or a themed Sing, Shake & Create experience, they will be welcomed into a warm, playful, research-informed environment where they can sing, move, explore, connect, and grow.
Choosing between a mixed age class and an age-specific class really comes down to personal preference, your child’s personality, and the type of experience you think they will enjoy most. There is no “wrong” choice — all of our classes are designed to support early musical growth through singing, movement, rhythm, instruments, creativity, connection, and play.
Tots with Tempo Mixed Age Classes (0-5 Years) ***MOST POPULAR***
Our Tots with Tempo Mixed Age class welcomes children ages 0–5 and is a great fit for families who enjoy a lively, community-style class experience. Mixed age classes are especially helpful for siblings, families with children in different stages, and little ones who benefit from observing and learning from older or younger peers. Younger children often love watching and imitating the “big kids,” while older children build confidence as they model participation, leadership, and musical play. Because every child engages at their own developmental level, the same song or activity can offer something meaningful for a baby, toddler, or preschooler.
Mixed-Age Specialty Classes offer creative ways for young children to explore music beyond a traditional class format.
Each class is playful, engaging, and designed to build creativity, confidence, coordination, imagination, and a love of making music together.
Our age-specific classes are a wonderful choice for families who prefer a class tailored more closely to their child’s current stage of development. These classes allow us to focus on the needs, energy level, attention span, and emerging skills of a narrower age group. For example, baby classes may include more bonding songs, sensory exploration, lap bounces, and gentle movement, while toddler classes may offer more opportunities for movement, repetition, language development, independence, and hands-on instrument play. Age-specific classes can be especially helpful for children who feel most comfortable with peers close to their own age.
Some children thrive in the variety and energy of a mixed age class, while others do best in a class designed just for their age and stage. Some families even enjoy mixing and matching both formats! Whether your child joins an age-specific class, a mixed age Tots with Tempo class, or a themed Sing, Shake & Create experience, they will be welcomed into a warm, playful, research-informed environment where they can sing, move, explore, connect, and grow.
Singing Sensations (8-12)
Singing Sensations is an energetic vocal ensemble created for kids who love to sing—or are ready to discover how much fun singing with a group can be!
Throughout the semester, singers work on healthy vocal technique, pitch, rhythm, harmony, ensemble skills, musical expression and stage presence through engaging, age-appropriate repertoire. Students learn how to blend as a group while also becoming more confident in their individual voices.
Just as importantly, Singing Sensations offers a supportive musical community where students can make friends, take creative risks and experience the excitement of working toward shared musical goals and performances. No need to arrive as a polished singer—the emphasis is on growth, musicianship, teamwork and having a fantastic time making music together.
COMING SOON! Center Stage performing bands & ensembles for ages 10-15.
Sometimes it's best to just do some exploring! Click here to view all of our class offerings. Scroll through to see all age levels and find the perfect class for your budding rock star.

Babies with Beat for 0-14 Months is a gentle grown-up-and-me baby music class for infants and young toddlers. This class is designed for babies from birth through 14 months and focuses on bonding, sensory exploration, caregiver connection, early listening skills, vocal play, rhythm, movement, and musical interaction.
Through lullabies, lap bounces, finger plays, gentle movement, baby-safe instruments, scarves, shakers, and playful songs, babies begin to experience music as a joyful way to connect, communicate, and explore the world around them.
This class is a wonderful first music class for families looking for baby activities, infant music classes, parent-and-baby classes, or early childhood music classes in Alexandria, VA.

Toddlers with Treble for 12-24 months is an active grown-up-and-me toddler music class. This class supports toddlers as they begin walking, moving, exploring language, imitating sounds, following simple directions, and participating more independently.
Children sing, dance, play instruments, explore rhythm, practice steady beat, move creatively, and engage in playful repetition that supports language development, coordination, listening skills, and social-emotional growth.
Toddlers with Treble is ideal for families looking for a toddler music class, mommy-and-me music class, caregiver-and-child class, or early childhood enrichment class for young toddlers in Alexandria.

Tots & Twos for 18-36 months is a lively music class for older busy toddlers. This grown-up-and-me class is designed for children who are growing in independence, movement, imagination, language, and social awareness.
Through singing, dancing, rhythm games, movement activities, instruments, scarves, drums, shakers, and playful musical routines, toddlers build early musical understanding while developing coordination, confidence, listening skills, expressive language, turn-taking, and body awareness.
Tots & Twos is a great fit for families searching for toddler music classes, two-year-old music classes, parent-child music classes, or developmentally appropriate toddler activities in Alexandria, VA.

Munchkins with Melody for 3-4 years is a joyful drop-off preschool music class for children ages 3–4 who are ready to explore music with a little more independence. This class gently bridges the gap between grown-up-and-me music classes and more structured preschool enrichment.
Children sing, move, play instruments, explore rhythm, engage in imaginative musical play, practice early listening skills, build classroom readiness, and develop confidence in a warm and supportive environment.
Munchkins with Melody is a wonderful choice for families looking for a preschool music class, drop-off music class, preschool enrichment class, or independent music class for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds in Alexandria, VA.

Tots with Tempo Mixed Age for 0-5 years is our signature mixed age music class for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and grown-ups. This class welcomes children ages 0–5 and is especially wonderful for siblings, families with multiple young children, and children who enjoy learning in a lively, community-style environment.
In each class, children sing, move, dance, play rhythm instruments, explore musical opposites, practice steady beat, listen, respond, imagine, and connect through music. Younger children benefit from watching and imitating older children, while older children build confidence and leadership as they model participation. Each child participates at their own developmental level, making this class a flexible and meaningful option for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Tots with Tempo Mixed Age is a great option for families looking for a mixed age music class, sibling-friendly music class, early childhood music class, baby and toddler music class, or preschool music class in Alexandria or Arlington.

Mini Maestros is a fun, engaging drop-off music class for ages 5–7 designed to help young children build a strong foundation in general music, rhythm, melody, pitch, singing, and early musicianship.
Through hands-on exploration with ukuleles, pitched bells, chimes, boomwhackers, rhythm instruments, and other classroom instruments, students develop coordination, listening skills, steady beat, musical confidence, and an understanding of how music works.
Children will also practice solfege, singing, partner games, movement activities, rhythm patterns, melodic play, and simple ensemble skills in a playful, age-appropriate setting.
Mini Maestros is ideal for families looking for a beginner music class, ukulele class, general music class, or introductory musicianship program for 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds in Alexandria, VA.

Tots with Tempo Mixed Age for 0-5 years is our signature mixed age music class for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and grown-ups. This class welcomes children ages 0–5 and is especially wonderful for siblings, families with multiple young children, and children who enjoy learning in a lively, community-style environment.
In each class, children sing, move, dance, play rhythm instruments, explore musical opposites, practice steady beat, listen, respond, imagine, and connect through music. Younger children benefit from watching and imitating older children, while older children build confidence and leadership as they model participation. Each child participates at their own developmental level, making this class a flexible and meaningful option for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Tots with Tempo Mixed Age is a great option for families looking for a mixed age music class, sibling-friendly music class, early childhood music class, baby and toddler music class, or preschool music class in Alexandria or Arlington.

Rhythm & Rainbows is a playful art and music class for ages 1–3 that combines singing, movement, sensory exploration, rhythm instruments, and simple process art in one joyful early childhood experience. Toddlers and their grown-ups explore music through songs, scarves, shakers, drums, movement games, and hands-on art activities designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, coordination, and confidence.
This class is perfect for families looking for a toddler music class, parent-and-child music class, sensory art class, or creative enrichment program for 1-, 2-, and 3-year-olds in Alexandria, VA. Rhythm & Rainbows supports early language development, motor skills, listening, social connection, sensory exploration, and self-expression while giving young children the freedom to move, create, and make music in a warm, playful setting.

Brushes & Beats is a creative art and music class for ages 3–6 that combines hands-on visual art with singing, movement, rhythm, and musical exploration. Each class invites children to create, experiment, and express themselves through painting, drawing, collage, process art, rhythm instruments, movement activities, and playful music-making. Designed for preschool and early elementary children, Brushes & Beats supports fine motor development, coordination, listening skills, imagination, confidence, and creative problem-solving in a fun, encouraging environment.
This class is ideal for families looking for an art and music class, creative enrichment class, preschool music class, or hands-on art experience for 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds in Alexandria, VA. By blending visual art with rhythm, movement, and music, children are able to explore multiple forms of creativity in one engaging class while building independence, self-expression, and a love of the arts.

Tales & Tunes is an interactive musical storytelling class for ages 0–6 that brings favorite stories to life through songs, instruments, movement, sound effects, and imaginative play. Children become part of the story as they sing along, create character sounds with rhythm instruments, move to the action, explore musical themes, and help shape each sound story as it unfolds.
Designed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children, Tales & Tunes supports listening, language development, sequencing, imagination, rhythm, coordination, and early musical skills in a fun, engaging format. It is a wonderful choice for families looking for a music and storytelling class, toddler storytime with music, preschool enrichment class, or interactive music experience for children ages 0–6 in Alexandria, VA. Each class offers a new opportunity to combine books, music, movement, and creative play while helping children build confidence and a lifelong love of stories and music.
New to Accelerando Music?
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Scheduling a free trial is easy:
*Please note: a credit card is required to reserve your spot, but nothing will be charged without your consent.

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 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.

With a degree in Early Childhood Education and 12 years of experience as a nanny, working with children has always been at the heart of what I do. I love bringing fun, energy, and creativity into music while helping children express themselves and build confidence. Watching kids light up through music and thrive while learning is the best part!
Music strengthens focus, timing, and coordination. When children clap, tap, and move to a steady beat, they’re strengthening neural pathways for focus, attention, and sequencing. Keeping the beat builds rhythm, regulation, and self-control—the foundation for learning, reading, and emotional awareness.
Early exposure builds future musicians. The first five years are vital for pitch, rhythm, and musical memory. Singing, drumming, and dancing train the same brain systems professional musicians use. The more live music they experience now, the more confidently they’ll sing, play, and create later on.
Songs grow language and literacy.
Singing and rhyming help children hear the patterns of speech. Melody and rhythm boost vocabulary, listening, and memory while teaching the flow of language. Echo songs and repetition in Tots with Tempo strengthen pre-reading and communication skills.
Music teaches self-awareness and calm.
Music gives children safe ways to express big feelings. Through tempo, dynamics, and movement, they learn how sound reflects emotion. Predictable songs and transitions help develop self-regulation and confidence, fostering security and joy in learning.
Shared music builds empathy and cooperation. Group singing encourages turn-taking, imitation, and teamwork. Children connect through rhythm and melody while caregivers join in the fun. Shared movement and laughter build trust, empathy, and belonging—the heartbeat of every Tots with Tempo class.
Sound and motion shape physical development. Every scarf wave and drum tap enhances motor coordination. Multisensory play—sound, touch, and movement—helps organize the body and brain. These joyful activities strengthen balance, awareness, and the physical readiness for future musical success.

Our Arlington location is the home of two weekly Tots with Tempo classes for ages 0-5:
We meet at Lyon Village Community House, located at 1920 N Highland St. Arlington, VA.
Accelerando Music
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