317 Main Class Overview

Learning music in a group setting can be motivating, fun, and empowering for kids and teens. Students are exposed to the world of music, not as something abstract but as something that they themselves can have a relationship with. They also learn important foundational skills that cross over into all areas of life and get to explore new sides of themselves.

LITTLE ROOTS (Birth - 1st Grade)

Our Little Roots classes at 317 Main are designed to plant the seeds for a lifelong love of music for children and their families.

Repertoire is engaging for both parents and children as they sing, play, and move together. Repetition is built into the classes giving everyone the opportunity to grow their musical skills. We believe that developing the ability to expressively sing, keep a steady beat, and move to music will strengthen human connections in families and in our community.

Little Roots Infants & Babies (0-18 months with caregiver) caregivers will deepen their bonds with their young one through music.  Learning new bounces, finger wiggles, songs, and poems will help develop connection and loving interactions during the earliest stages of life.

Little Roots Family (0-5 year olds with caregiver) families develop the love of music together through song and movement.  Learn songs and rhymes along with your child that you can incorporate into your daily routines.

Little Roots Ready Set Grow (Pre- K ages 4-5) children will develop their singing voices, move to music, play rhythm instruments, learn singing games, and develop a love of music while also becoming independent.

Little Roots Explorer classes (K & 1st Grade) students get hands-on experience playing fiddle, piano, and ukulele.  Students will also sing, play singing games, and have movement activities during these classes. Our Little Roots Explorer series is a great way to prepare for the Discovery classes, as students engage with different instruments including the ukulele, fiddle, and piano.

Little Roots on the Go
Little Roots travels to libraries and local preschools to lead classes off-site.  If you are interested in bringing Little Roots classes to your community, please email Gretchen Hanes at gretchen@317main.org.

“The fiddle has taught Isaac how to work through problems. He’s learned that persistence pays off. It started with music and that understanding has bridged to other things in his life.”

— Father of Discovery Student, Age 9

YOUTH CLASSES (2nd - 5th Grade)

Whether it’s fiddle, ukulele, piano, or voice, playing an instrument is a great way for young students to explore their creativity and musicianship. In our Discovery classes, we incorporate and build on the foundation of our Little Roots classes with a larger focus on instrument playing. These group classes are designed for Little Roots graduates and beginners alike who are ready to focus on a specific musical discipline. Youth group classes include Discovery groups for 2nd-3rd grade students as well as instrumental ensembles exploring a variety of styles for 4th-6th grade students. 

Our teachers promote a healthy balance between fun-filled musical experiences and exploring the positive impact that practice can have on instrumental learning.

TEEN CLASSES (6th - 12th Grade)

All teen musicians - from novice players through advanced instrumentalists - are encouraged to join one of our many ensembles in a variety of styles and formats. Our teen ensembles offer rich social connections and a chance to stretch out and explore the musical possibilities of playing in a group. We also offer more advanced teen acoustic ensembles, including Flight 317 and Flight Training.

If you are or know a teen musician who would like to participate in an ensemble, please reach out to the front desk at register@317main.org and we can help you find appropriate placement.