Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Engaging Early Childhood Music Programs in Ann Arbor, MI
Founded in 1966, Music for Little Folks is a pioneering early childhood music education program dedicated to nurturing young minds through music, movement, and play. Our holistic approach integrates child development principles with creative expression, fostering confidence, social skills, and motor development in children from infancy through early elementary years. With decades of expertise, we provide research-based curricula, teacher training, and community engagement programs that empower educators and families to create meaningful musical experiences.Our founder, Gari Stein, combines her background in psychology, child development, and dance to design methodologies that respect individual learning styles while promoting group cohesion. We serve daycare centers, preschools, and families nationwide, offering adaptable resources that bridge home and classroom environments. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our affiliations with leading educational associations and our focus on slowing down childhood's pace through joyful, developmentally appropriate music.
Services
Music & Movement Classes
Parent Workshops
Teacher Training
Interactive Concerts
Curriculum Resources
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We offer over 55 years of specialized early childhood music education experience
- Our holistic approach integrates child development and creative expression principles
- We provide research-based curricula adaptable for home and classroom settings
- Our founder holds dual expertise in psychology/child development and dance
- We deliver nationwide teacher training and community engagement programs
What people say
Joy that music brings
Positive effects on behavior
Cherished musical moments
Strengthens social comfort
Developmentally appropriate approach
Services
Music & Movement Classes
Interactive music sessions for children aged infancy to 8 years that develop motor skills, rhythm awareness, and social confidence through singing, dancing, and play. Our classes incorporate traditional folk music adapted for developmental appropriateness, with structured pauses to enhance focus and listening skills. Designed for home, classroom, or community settings, these activities promote emotional expression while respecting individual learning styles.
Teacher Training Workshops
Professional development programs for early childhood educators covering music integration techniques, curriculum implementation, and child development strategies. Workshops include hands-on practice with our research-based materials, classroom adaptation methods, and confidence-building approaches for non-musicians. Participants receive comprehensive resources and ongoing support to effectively incorporate music into daily learning activities while meeting educational standards.
Interactive Concerts
Engaging musical events that bring families together through participatory performances featuring original arrangements of traditional songs. These concerts create community connections while demonstrating developmentally appropriate music practices. Designed for daycare centers, schools, and public venues, they emphasize audience interaction and provide practical examples of how music can enhance social-emotional learning in group settings.
Parent Education Sessions
Guided workshops helping caregivers integrate music into daily routines to support child development and strengthen family bonds. Sessions cover age-appropriate activities, music selection criteria, and techniques for using songs to manage transitions and emotional regulation. Materials include practical tools for creating musical environments that nurture creativity while addressing individual children's developmental needs.
Curriculum Development
Comprehensive music education materials featuring over 200 activities, audio resources, and implementation guides designed for early childhood settings. Our curriculum aligns with developmental milestones and includes adaptable lesson plans for infants through second grade. Resources emphasize teacher support through demonstration videos, instructional guides, and methodology explanations that ensure effective implementation across diverse educational environments.
People
Gari Stein
Founder and Director
Gari Stein, founder of Music for Little Folks, has over 55 years of experience in early childhood music education. With degrees in Psychology/Child Development and Dance, she combines clinical expertise with creative teaching methods to develop holistic music programs that enhance child development and family connections.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
Our programs are designed for infants through 8-year-olds, with adaptable materials for daycare, preschool, and elementary classroom settings.
Do you offer resources for non-musical educators?
Yes, our curriculum includes comprehensive support materials, demonstration videos, and training workshops specifically designed for educators without formal music backgrounds.
How can music benefit early childhood development?
Our research-based programs enhance motor skills, social confidence, emotional regulation, and listening abilities through developmentally appropriate music activities tailored to individual learning styles.
Are your materials available nationally?
Yes, we provide curriculum resources and teacher training nationwide, with adaptable programs for both classroom and home environments.
What makes your approach unique?
Our holistic methodology combines child development expertise with music education, emphasizing purposeful pauses, individual learning differences, and family engagement through developmentally appropriate musical experiences.
