DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The University of North Texas College of Music invites infant to preschool-aged children and their parents to experience the world of music with its Early Childhood Music Program. Participants will learn to sing along, tap on drums, shake maracas and develop their musical abilities throughout the 10-week program.

Classes begin on Feb. 16 (Saturday). Classes end on April 27 (Saturday). Prices range from $140 to $160, and a 10 percent discounted rate is available for each additional child enrolled.

"Research shows that the greatest window of opportunity for learning music is birth to age 9," said Heidi Scheibmeir, teacher and assistant director for the Early Childhood Music Program. "Learning music during the early years is just like learning how to speak a language. Children learn how to speak by listening and engaging in their language spoken at home. Music learning is very similar for young children and babies."

The following classes will be offered on Saturdays this fall:

• Infants (birth to 24 months) – 8:30 – 9 a.m.
• Nursery (25 to 48 months) – 9:10 – 9:50 a.m.
• Infants (birth to 24 months) – 10 – 10:30 a.m.
• Nursery (25 to 48 months) – 10:40 – 11:20 a.m.
• Preschool (3 1/2 to 5 years) – 11:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

The focus of the Early Childhood Music program is to provide children quality experiences that nurture their musical development and provide them the readiness needed for musical instruction later in life. Using a sequential curriculum, children experience a variety of music activities that explore singing, listening and movement.

For more information contact Scheibmeir at ecmusic@unt.edu or 940-391-4085.

About the UNT College of Music

The UNT College of Music is one of the largest and most respected comprehensive music schools in the country. About 1,500 music students attend UNT each year, participating in more than 40 widely varied ensembles and pursuing specialized studies in performance, composition, music education or music scholarship. UNT faculty members and students have made appearances on the world’s finest stages and have produced numerous recordings, many receiving Grammy awards and nominations. Distinguished UNT alumni can be found around the globe, in top music ensembles, opera companies, universities and schools.