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If you’re looking for enriching music classes for babies and toddlers in Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music offers one of the city’s most research-backed early childhood programs. Smart Start is designed for ages 0–4 and blends singing, rhythm, movement, stories, and hands-on instrument play to support cognitive development.
MKE With Kids is proud to partner with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music to share this unique opportunity with local families.
💡Looking for more fun things to do with little ones around the city? Don’t miss our guide to the 25 Best Things To Do With Toddlers in Milwaukee.
Smart Start at a Glance
- Ages: 0–4
- Locations: Downtown Milwaukee, Fox Point/Bayside, Brookfield
- Class Style: Music + cognitive development
- Activities: Singing, rhythm, stories, movement, percussion, Orff instruments
- Research Base: Inspired by Montessori, Piaget, Dewey, Orff, and Kodály
- Key Skills: Attention, memory, perception, cognitive flexibility
Looking for more enrichment options for little ones? Explore our guide to the Best Mommy & Me Classes in Milwaukee.
What Is Smart Start?
The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music was the first in the United States to offer Smart Start, an early childhood program developed by Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music.
Smart Start is rooted in the idea that there is a natural connection between music and the developing mind. Each class uses musical play to strengthen core cognitive skills, support emotional development, and help children better understand the world around them.
How Children Learn in Smart Start
Through playful, familiar activities like:
- Singing
- Listening and rhythm games
- Storytelling
- Movement and dance
- Instrument exploration
- Pattern recognition
- Fine-motor and coordination activities
children build both musical and developmental skills.
Songs, instruments, and activities are carefully chosen to match each age group’s needs. Children use age-appropriate percussion and Orff instruments to explore sound, rhythm, and tempo in hands-on ways.
Classes also strengthen:
- Fine motor control
- Early musical understanding
- Memory and recall
- Social engagement
- Creativity and imagination
A Research-Backed Approach
Studies have shown measurable cognitive benefits for children who participate in Smart Start.
One peer-reviewed study published in Music Perception found that Smart Start participants showed gains in:
- Vocabulary
- Pre-reading abilities
- Singing accuracy
- Cognitive development
Similar benefits continued into the second and third years of participation.
The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music continues to evaluate and refine the program based on current psychological and neuroscientific research.
Hear From the Conservatory
“Cognitive skills are a natural part of music education.
A child might be remembering a new song, paying attention to the teacher, and switching between tapping to the beat and clapping the rhythm. These activities strengthen both cognitive and musical skills.”
— Rebecca Bowen, Digital Content & Communications Manager, WCM
Where to Find Smart Start Classes
Smart Start is offered at several convenient Milwaukee-area locations:
- Downtown Milwaukee
- Fox Point/Bayside
- Brookfield
To register for Smart Start or explore class options, visit the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music website. On the registration page, scroll to “Babies A,” “Babies B,” etc., and click “Ready to register” to view class times by age group.
FAQ
What ages is Smart Start for?
Smart Start is designed for babies and toddlers ages 0–4, with activities tailored to each developmental stage.
Do parents participate in Smart Start classes?
Yes. Caregivers join in singing, movement, and hands-on music activities throughout the class.
What will my child do in a Smart Start class?
Children engage in singing, rhythm games, movement, listening activities, and instrument exploration to build musical and cognitive skills.
Do we need musical experience to join?
No experience is required. Smart Start is designed for beginners and focuses on playful learning.
How do I register?
Visit the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music’s website and navigate to the Smart Start section. Registration is organized by age group.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
