Kids & Family Music Program in NYC

Give your child the gift of music with Kalman’s Kids & Family Music Program. We bring professional music education directly to your Manhattan or Brooklyn home, making it easy for busy families to fit high-quality lessons into their schedules. Our experienced teachers work with children ages 5-18, from eager beginners to advanced young musicians preparing for conservatory auditions.

Why Families Choose Kalman Music

Professional Musicians Who Teach Kids

Our instructors aren’t just music teachers—they’re active professional musicians who perform throughout NYC and beyond. They bring real-world musical experience into age-appropriate, engaging lessons that inspire kids to love music. Many hold degrees from Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, and other prestigious conservatories, and several have years of specialized training in child music pedagogy.

No Commute, No Hassle

Forget driving across town after school or fighting weekend traffic to get to lessons. We bring music education to your door. Your child learns in the comfort of home on their own instrument, then can practice immediately after the lesson while concepts are fresh. Parents save time, kids stay energized, and learning happens in a familiar, comfortable environment.

Bi-Annual Student Recitals

Performance is essential to musical growth. Twice a year, we host student recitals where your child can showcase their progress in a supportive, encouraging environment. These performances build confidence, provide motivation to practice, and create memories your family will treasure. We work with nervous performers through anxiety-reduction strategies and celebrate every student’s unique achievements.

Personalized Approach for Each Child

Every child learns differently. Some thrive with structured method books, others need creative exploration. Some want to play pop songs, others love classical repertoire. We meet each student where they are—tailoring lessons to their learning style, interests, and goals. There’s no one-size-fits-all curriculum; there’s a personalized path designed for your child.

What Your Child Will Learn

Musical Foundations

• Technique Development: Proper hand position, posture, breath control (for wind instruments)
• Music Reading: Note recognition, rhythm reading, sight-reading skills
• Ear Training: Identifying intervals, chords, and melodies by ear
• Music Theory: Understanding how music works—scales, chords, key signatures
• Practice Skills: How to practice effectively and independently

Instrument-Specific Skills

Piano Students Learn:

• Hand coordination and finger independence
• Classical technique and contemporary styles
• Reading both treble and bass clefs
• Pedaling techniques as they advance
• Repertoire from classical to pop

Guitar Students Learn:

• Chord progressions for songs they love
• Strumming patterns and fingerpicking
• Music reading and tablature
• Basic music theory applied to guitar
• Playing along with recordings

String Students (Violin, Cello) Learn:

• Bow technique and tone production
• Intonation and finger placement
• String crossing and shifting
• Ensemble skills (if interested)
• Classical repertoire and other styles

Woodwind Students (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute) Learn:

• Proper embouchure and air support
• Tone quality and intonation
• Articulation techniques
• Reading music fluently
• Band and ensemble preparation

Brass Students (Trumpet) Learn:

• Embouchure development
• Breath control and support
• Range development
• Jazz and classical styles
• Performance confidence

Drum Students Learn:

• Coordination between all four limbs
• Reading drum notation
• Rudiments and technique
• Different musical styles
• Playing along with songs

Voice Students Learn:

• Healthy vocal technique
• Breath support and control
• Diction and pronunciation
• Musical theater, pop, or classical styles
• Confidence in performance

Age-Appropriate Learning Paths

Ages 5-7: Musical Exploration

Young beginners learn through games, songs, and creative activities. Lessons are shorter (30 minutes) and focus on developing a love of music while building foundational skills. We use colorful method books, incorporate movement, and celebrate every small success.

Ages 8-12: Building Skills

Elementary and middle school students develop reading fluency, technique, and repertoire. Many can handle 45-minute or 60-minute lessons. We balance structured skill-building with playing songs they’re excited about—whether that’s Taylor Swift, video game music, or classical pieces.

Ages 13-18: Advanced Development

Teenagers can dive deep into musical study. Many prepare for school ensembles, All-State auditions, or conservatory applications. Others simply want a creative outlet alongside academics and sports. We support both serious pre-professional study and joyful amateur musicianship.

Family Options & Sibling Lessons

Sibling Back-to-Back Scheduling

Have multiple children taking lessons? We can schedule siblings back-to-back during the same visit, making it incredibly convenient for parents. One teacher visit, multiple lessons—maximum efficiency for busy families.

Family Group Lessons

Some families enjoy learning music together! We offer family group lessons where parents and kids can learn side-by-side. This is especially popular for guitar, ukulele, and singing. It’s a wonderful bonding experience and creates built-in practice partners at home.

Parent-Child Duets

Taking lessons yourself? We can prepare parent-child duets for recitals and family gatherings. There’s something magical about performing music together as a family.

Manhattan & Brooklyn Locations We Serve

Manhattan Neighborhoods: Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Midtown, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, East Village, Lower East Side, Tribeca, Financial District, Hell’s Kitchen, Murray Hill, Gramercy, Lincoln Square, and more.

Brooklyn Neighborhoods: Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, Ditmas Park, and more.

Schedule & Pricing

Flexible Scheduling: Lessons available after school, evenings, and weekends. We work around your family’s schedule—sports, homework, and other activities.

Lesson Lengths:

• 30 minutes: Ideal for ages 5-8 or beginners
• 45 minutes: Popular for ages 9-12
• 60 minutes: Best for serious students and teens

Transparent Pricing:

• In-Home Lessons: $60 for 30 minutes, $90 for 60 minutes (includes $10 travel fee)
• Studio Lessons: $50 for 30 minutes, $80 for 60 minutes

We recommend weekly lessons for consistent progress, though bi-weekly is an option for families with packed schedules.

What Parents Are Saying

“Best decision we made for our daughter! Her teacher comes right to our Brooklyn apartment, so no more rushing across town after school. She’s learned so much and actually looks forward to lessons every week.” - Sarah M., Park Slope

“Our teacher is incredible with our 7-year-old son. He’s patient, creative, and makes every lesson fun. My son went from not wanting to practice to asking if he can practice more. The student recital was such a proud moment for our whole family.” - David L., Upper West Side

“We have two kids taking piano—one serious student preparing for All-State and one who just plays for fun. Kalman found the perfect teacher who can challenge our older daughter while keeping our younger son engaged. Having them back-to-back on Saturday mornings is so convenient.” - Jennifer K., Brooklyn Heights

“As a working mom, I was skeptical about adding another activity to our schedule. But in-home lessons are a game-changer. No driving, no waiting rooms—just professional instruction that fits into our life.” - Rachel T., Chelsea

How It Works

1. Free Trial Lesson

Contact us to schedule a free trial lesson. We’ll discuss your child’s age, interests, and any previous musical experience. Then we’ll match you with an instructor who’s a great fit for your family.

2. In-Home Instruction Begins

Your teacher comes to your home at your scheduled time. They bring expertise, patience, and enthusiasm—you just provide the instrument and a quiet space for the lesson.

3. Weekly Progress

Lessons happen weekly at the same day and time. Your child builds skills progressively, learning new pieces, technique, and theory concepts each week.

4. Practice Support

Your teacher provides clear practice assignments and can offer parents tips for supporting practice at home (without nagging!). We make practice achievable and structured.

5. Recital Performances

Twice a year, your child performs at our student recital. It’s a low-pressure, supportive environment where every student shines. Families celebrate together and students feel like rockstars.

6. Ongoing Communication

Teachers communicate with parents about progress, challenges, and goals. We’re partners in your child’s musical education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should my child start lessons?

Most children are ready for lessons around age 5-6, though it depends on the child and the instrument. Piano, ukulele, and singing work well for younger beginners. Some instruments (like saxophone or trumpet) require larger hands and stronger breath support, so we recommend starting around age 9-10.

What if my child won’t practice?

This is incredibly common! We help by making practice time short and achievable (10-15 minutes daily for young kids), assigning music they’re excited about, and teaching parents how to support practice without power struggles. Our teachers are experienced in motivating reluctant practicers.

Do I need to buy an instrument before starting lessons?

Yes, your child will need their own instrument to practice on. We can provide guidance on what to buy or rent based on your budget and your child’s age. For piano, a full-size keyboard with weighted keys works fine to start.

What if my child wants to quit?

It’s normal for kids to lose motivation sometimes! Our teachers work through these phases with patience and creativity—trying different music, adjusting the approach, finding what re-sparks interest. Many students who “wanted to quit” end up loving music long-term because we made it through the rough patch together.

Can my child prepare for school band or orchestra?

Absolutely! Many of our students are in school music programs. We can help with challenging band music, audition preparation, and building skills that make them stronger ensemble musicians.

What about conservatory preparation?

If your child shows exceptional talent and interest, we can help prepare for pre-college programs and conservatory auditions. Many of our teachers studied at top conservatories and understand what these programs look for.

Are lessons year-round?

We offer lessons throughout the year, but you can take breaks during school vacations if you’d like. Most families continue through the summer (sometimes reducing to every other week) to maintain momentum.

What happens if we need to cancel a lesson?

We understand life happens! Our cancellation policy allows reasonable flexibility for illness, family emergencies, and occasional conflicts. Just communicate with your teacher.

Instruments We Teach

• Piano
• Guitar (acoustic & electric)
• Violin
• Cello
• Saxophone (Alto, Tenor)
• Clarinet
• Flute
• Trumpet
• Drums
• Bass
• Voice/Singing
• Ukulele

Ready to Start Your Child’s Musical Journey?

Music education offers so much more than learning an instrument—it builds confidence, discipline, creativity, and joy. With Kalman Music, you get professional instruction without the hassle of commuting, teachers who genuinely care about your child’s progress, and a supportive community through our recital performances.

Book your free trial lesson today. There’s no commitment, no pressure—just a chance to see if music lessons are right for your family.

Serving Manhattan & Brooklyn families with convenient in-home music lessons. Professional instruction, bi-annual recitals, ages 5-18. Flexible scheduling and transparent pricing.