Incorporating the arts into a child’s life adds a richness to their development that can’t be overstated. Research has shown repeatedly that children who participate in creative endeavors develop far-reaching personal, social and cognitive skills that benefit them in many other areas of their life. Fortunately, in our area there are numerous outlets for children to express themselves in artistic ways. For those children interested in music and drama, here is a sampling of some of the local opportunities available to them.
Indianapolis Children’s Choir
4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis
317.940.9640Â Â www.icchoir.org
The ICC offers children of all ages the chance to experience the joy of singing. The First Steps in Music class, designed for children ages 1 1/2 to 5, is offered in preschools throughout the Indianapolis area and on the campus of Butler University. In the Preparatory Choir Program, children learn about proper breathing, singer’s posture and basic music reading in addition to movement and entertaining musical activities. For singers in grades 4 through 12, participation in a choir is based on their ability and experience. Beginners are welcome!
International Talent Academy
Locations: Monon Community Center, Brookshire Golf Club, Carmel
317.815.9381Â Â Â www.InternationalTalentAcademy.org
Our mission is to provide internationally inspired programs to children and adults and promote awareness of early brain development through our curriculum. Programs include group and private lessons in: music, theater, show choir, ballroom dance, etiquette, liberal arts and early enrichment. Our instructors are highly trained in their area and have high standards for teaching. Parents receive consultations on a subject and are involved in the learning process. The uniqueness of the Academy is in our international curriculum, which is based on classical studies and contemporary research on early brain development, and developed for students who would like to be challenged.
Kindermusik
606 South Union Street, Westfield
317.867.3077Â Â http://musicalbeginnings.com
Our “Musical Beginnings” program offers children from birth through age 7 a purposeful curriculum giving children the long lasting benefits of age-appropriate exposure to music and movement. We involve you in the learning. We teach you why, in an activity based on the latest research. We honor and celebrate your child’s individual learning style, so there’s no “right” way to explore and create, only your child’s unique and joyful way. After your child has turned 7 years old, we have our “Simply Music” piano program where their musical talents can come out on the keyboard.
Klassical Keys
1 S. Rangeline Rd Ste 220, Carmel Arts & Design District
317.594.3418Â Â www.klassicalkeys.net
Klassical Keys, located in the heart of the Carmel, offers private piano instruction to ages four through adult. The studio engages in many genres, such as, but not limited to: Classical, Pop, Broadway, New Age, Indie and more! Composition courses are offered as well. Klassy Buck gift cards, and our popular, “Intro to the piano” 88 Klassy Keys Package, makes for a truly unique holiday or birthday gift for someone special. Capture perfect moments in time, through music.
Little Nightingales Music Together
Performer’s Edge – Meridian Design Center,12955 Old Meridian St., Carmel
917-334-7131Â Â www.LittleNightingalesMusicTogether.com
Little Nightingales Music Together brings this researched-based, internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program to Indy. Give your child a head start in life by providing early exposure to developmentally appropriate music education. You’ll have fun with your child as you sing, dance, explore different instruments and discover the incredible joy of family music making.  All classes are mixed age (infant – 5 years old).  For a free demonstration class or to get more information, please contact Kelli at 917-334-7131 or visit www.LittleNightingalesMusicTogether.com.
Meridian Music
12725 Old Meridian Street, Carmel
317.575.9588Â Â www.meridianmusic.com
Meridian Music houses the second largest music school in the state of Indiana, providing music lessons to students from 18 months old to adult. Private instructors are degreed music educators and/or have extensive teaching experience, and are eager to teach any style of music at any level. Parents have the option of observing their children’s lessons or taking advantage of our wireless “hot spot” in the lobby. Meridian Music is also retail store – selling pianos, organs, portable keyboards and sheet music to provide everything your musician needs from start to finish.
Preschool Musical Plus
317.946.2056  www.PreschoolMusicPlus.com,  www.musictogether.com
Music Together: Bringing Harmony Home. Brenda Iacocca’s Preschool Music Plus Music Together Classes feature singing, dancing, finger plays and instrument exploration in family friendly fun classes for infants – Kindergarten and their parents/caregivers. The internationally recognized music and movement program is available in Carmel. Brenda is a Certified Level 2 Music Together instructor, teaching classes in Carmel for 12 years. She is opening an additional class in Noblesville this spring at the Logan Street Sanctuary. Classes are mixed age (infant – Kindergarten) or Babies Classes (newborns – 8 month olds). For a FREE trial class, contact Brenda @ 317-946-2056, or visit www.PreschoolMusicPlus.com or www.musictogether.com.
Other musical and dramatic opportunities for children in Hamilton County include:
Belfry Theatre
Booth Tarkington Junior Civic Theatre
Carmel Music Center
Christian Youth Theater
Eppert Piano Studio
Impromptu Music
Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy
Michele’s Studio
Midwest School of Voice
Noblesville Music Center
Powell Music Academy
Reno’s Music
School of Rock
The Music House
The Music Playhouse
