What children will learn
- Keeping a beat: clapping, stomping and drumming along.
- High and low, fast and slow, loud and quiet: hearing the difference and making it.
- Singing in tune: simple songs, echo games and call and response.
- Listening: instruments and music from around the world.
- Making music: simple instruments, from a pot and a spoon to a little keyboard.
Why music
Music is a joy in its own right, and one of the first things families share: songs at bedtime, in the car, in the kitchen. Research also finds a small link with early language: music training gave children a small boost in hearing the sounds in words, and children who are better at hearing rhythm tend to be better at grammar. The evidence is still modest, so we don't promise music will make anyone "smarter"; we teach it because every child deserves it.
By age
- 2 to 3: songs with actions, clapping along, shakers and drums.
- 4 to 5: keeping a steady beat, high and low, singing simple songs in tune.
- 6 to 7: rhythm patterns, first melodies on a keyboard, listening to music from around the world.
Meanwhile, read our guide Music for toddlers and preschoolers or play Melody Maker.
Questions parents ask
From what age can children start?
From birth, really: singing to a baby is music. Rio's games start around age 2.
Do we need an instrument?
No. Clapping, singing and anything you can tap will do. Rio uses the screen as an instrument too.
Is it free?
Yes. Like all of Tiny Hands, it will be free, with no ads and no paywall. Tiny Hands is made by a dad, Mauro, and kept free by voluntary donations from parents: make a donation · read our story.
When will Music be ready?
We're building it now. Leave your email above and we'll send one message when it's ready.
