Ms. Clara's Mini Musicians

Below are Frequently Asked Questions specifically for Ms. Clara’s Mini Musicians (Click on a Frequently Asked Question to see the answer). For questions regarding the Joyful Learning Center, please click here.

How long are your sessions?

Our classes run in 10-week sessions, and we have 4 sessions a year. Typically, they are:

September – November
December – March (2 week holiday break)
March – May
June – August

Do you have classes for working parents?

Yes, we have morning, afternoon, early evening, and weekend classes. Our full schedule is available online.

Can we start mid-session?

New students can begin a session at any time. To receive prorated tuition, you can request a promo code for online registration by sending an email to admin@msclarasmusic.com or calling (708) 704-1716. If you attend a free trial class, you will receive this code in your follow-up email.

Do you offer free trial classes?

Free trial classes are always available for new students and can be scheduled during any of our regularly scheduled classes. We also offer free class events throughout the school year. The best way to keep updated on these free events is through our e-newsletter, Ms. Clara’s Musical Notes.

If I know I’m going to miss 2-3 classes, should I still sign up?

Yes! With over 20 classes offered / week, you have plenty of opportunities to make-up your missed classes.

Students can make-up classes during any other regularly scheduled classes during the session by requesting a make-up class using our online request form. Make-up classes are accommodated whenever possible, but are not guaranteed. No refunds or credits are given for missed classes.

Do you have any drop-in or “punch card” classes?

We are currently not offering drop-in or punch card classes for our music program.  Particularly in our younger classes, class cohesion is a necessary component in the success of our program. We have found that drop-in classes feel “unsettled,” and children and parents do not receive the full benefits of our program in this setting. Furthermore, it is important that we stay within our class size range of 4 – 10 students, and this is very difficult with drop-in classes.

What happens if we miss a class? Can we make up missed classes?

Make-up classes are available throughout the session at both our Brookfield and our Oak Park locations. Students can make-up classes during any other regularly scheduled classes during the session by requesting a make-up class using our online request form. Make-up classes are accommodated whenever possible, but are not guaranteed. No refunds or credits are given for missed classes.

What happens if class is cancelled due to weather?

In the event of a weather-related class cancellation, we will offer a make-up class at your regularly scheduled time during the week following the current session. If a specific class is cancelled more than once, parents are welcome to schedule a make-up class during the current session. Make-up classes will be accommodated if possible, but are not guaranteed. No refunds or credits are offered for classes cancelled due to weather.

For weather-related cancellations, families will be notified via text and/or call with as much advanced notice as possible. Please reply to these texts as soon as you receive them, as we will continue to attempt to contact you until your receipt of the message is confirmed.

Which class should I choose if my child is right on the cusp?

Often times, we find that the parent can make the best decision in this regard. All children learn and grow differently, and some thrive as being leaders while others highly benefit from watching older kids in class. Each teacher is happy to consult with you at the beginning of the session (or following a free trial class) to help you find the best fit for your little one.

Do you have sibling classes?

We are currently not offering sibling classes. However, we have had many parents opt to bring children to a class together and it has been very successful. Please click here to learn more about siblings attending class together, and you’re also welcome to contact us if you have questions about which class to choose for your children.

Can more than one parent or family member attend class?

Yes. We hope you love your child’s class so much that you want to share it with grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. We do ask that you let us know in advance if more than 2 adults are attending a class just to be sure there is space available in our classrooms. In larger classes, we may request that one adult sit in a chair rather than on the music rug.

What instruments do you teach?

Because our student base is so young, we do not teach specific instruments such as violin or trumpet. However, in each class we play a wide variety of rhythm instruments including: a drum, rhythm sticks, shaker eggs, jingle bells, sand blocks, and the triangle. We also incorporate bouncing balls, a large parachute, beanbags, and more to enhance our musical education. We also begin to use xylophones in our Mighty Maestros class. Please see our class videos to learn more; available on the main page of each class level.

What can you possibly teach an infant?

We get asked this question all the time, and yet, we have parents coming to class every week raving about a new behavior they saw in their infant that was a direct result of music class. Whether it’s clapping, tapping blocks to a beat, patting their knees, calming down immediately when they hear songs from class, etc., the infant mind is developing faster than any other time in our lives.

The research on the benefits of interactive music classes on infant brain development is astounding. Please click here to learn more, or better yet, come check it out for yourself and be amazed by your own infant!

Do you have any child-only classes?

We currently offer a Mighty Maestros (3 1/2 – 5 years). The students must be 3 1/2 by the first class to attend a child-only class.

How long are your classes?

Our classes range from 45 to 55 minutes, and the parent-child classes include a 10-minute community time to allow the children to get acclimated to the new environment and to give parents a chance to connect with fellow moms and dads.

How much do your classes cost?

Our class prices vary slightly by age and length of class, but a 10-week session runs from $173 – $183. For the Munchkin, Mini, and Merry Maestros classes, tuition includes an illustrated lyric coloring book as well as a professional recording of all songs from class.

What is your refund policy?

Should a family have a change in schedule prior to the start of the session, we will provide a full refund of the tuition amount, (less the processing fees if paid via debit/credit card). No refunds are given for students that discontinue music class mid-session. In the unlikely event of a family or medical emergency, please contact Clara D’Onofrio.

Do you offer financial assistance?

We do not have an official financial aid program, but please contact Clara D’Onofrio directly (clara@msclarasmusic.com) to ask specific questions regarding your family’s financial situation. We never want money to be the only reason your child is not benefitting from our enriching classes.