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2025-2026 School Year Schedule
Both private and group violin lessons can be great for kids, but they do different jobs. For most young beginners around 4½ and up, private lessons (with group as a bonus) work best for building a strong foundation.
Violin is physically and mentally tricky for little ones. In the early years, most of the work is about:
These details are much easier to teach with one‑on‑one attention. In private lessons, the teacher can:
Because every child is different in focus, coordination, and personality, private lessons are usually the best main format once they’re truly learning violin.
Group music classes are wonderful for:
In many string programs:
For a 4½–7‑year‑old, group classes are great for motivation and community, but they work best on top of private lessons, not instead of them.
For very young beginners, private lessons support:
That combination is hard to get in a group setting alone.
Group lessons are especially helpful when:
An ideal setup for many families is:
This way they get both: strong personal foundations and fun, social music‑making.
For most young beginners:
If you have to choose just one at this age, start with private. If you can add group later, that’s the best of both worlds.
If you live in or near Hermosa Beach, CA and your child is interested in violin or other music lessons, our School of Dance & Music is a great place to start. We’ve been teaching kids here for 26 years, with university‑trained teachers who specialize in young beginners, shy students, and kids who want to grow from basics to advanced playing. Lessons are tailored so each child can progress at a safe, healthy pace in the styles they love. Parents can easily watch through our classroom windows, schedule multiple children in dance and/or music at the same time, and enjoy helpful front‑desk support. We even offer a complimentary 15‑minute private intro lesson so you and your child can meet a teacher, see the studio, and feel confident before you commit.
Many 7‑year‑olds are at a great age to start drum lessons, but age alone isn’t enough. Here’s how to tell if your child is ready.
Most drum teachers see ages 6–9 as the ideal window to start.
At 7, many kids can:
So 7 is usually a good age, as long as the other signs below are there.
Good signs:
If they’re very small or tire quickly just holding sticks, start with a practice pad or hand drums and grow into a full kit.
Look for:
If your child loves tapping on things and can stay with a short guided activity, they’re probably ready.
Drum lessons go best when your child actually wants to learn. Good signs:
You can test this with a trial lesson or a simple rhythm class and see how engaged they are.
Your 7‑year‑old is likely ready for drum lessons if:
If most of these are true, your 7‑year‑old is probably ready for drum lessons, and now is a great time to start.
If you live in or near Hermosa Beach, CA and your child is 7 or older, our School of Dance & Music is a great place to start drum lessons. We’ve been teaching kids here for 26 years, with university‑trained teachers who know how to keep young beginners engaged, safe, and excited about music. We tailor lessons so each child can progress at a healthy pace, using age‑appropriate songs and kid‑friendly drum setups. Parents can easily watch through our classroom windows, schedule multiple kids at the same time, and enjoy helpful front‑desk support. We even offer a complimentary 15‑minute private intro lesson so you and your child can meet a teacher, see the studio, and feel confident before you commit.
When you choose a dance studio, you’re not just choosing classes. You’re choosing the environment your child is in every week. Clear safety policies and trained staff protect kids physically, emotionally, and online. At School of Dance & Music in Hermosa Beach, this is a top priority, not an afterthought.
We make sure the adults around your child are safe and prepared.
You’re not leaving your child with “whoever is available.” You’re leaving them with adults who have been screened and trained.
We care about what your child hears, sees, and copies.
Your child can love dance without being pushed into grown‑up themes too soon.
We design our spaces and systems with safety in mind.
The goal is a building that is welcoming, but not wide‑open.
We want kids and parents to speak up and get help when something feels off.
Silence is where problems grow. We build systems that make it easier to say something.
School of Dance & Music is part of Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD), an organization focused on safety and wellness in youth dance. That means our policies, training, and culture follow a dance‑specific safety framework, not just our own opinions.
Bottom line: at School of Dance & Music, your child is not only learning to dance. They are doing it in an environment built around safety, respect, and protection in every possible way.
Why Safety Policies and Staff Training Matter at a Dance Studio
When you choose a dance studio, you’re not just choosing classes. You’re choosing the environment your child is in every week. Clear safety policies and trained staff protect kids physically, emotionally, and online. At School of Dance & Music in Hermosa Beach, this is a top priority, not an afterthought.
Screened and trained adults
We make sure the adults around your child are safe and prepared.
Background checks: All desk staff, music teachers, and dance teachers are background checked.
CPR certified: Our desk staff and dance teachers are CPR certified, so there is always someone on site trained to respond in an emergency.
You’re not leaving your child with “whoever is available.” You’re leaving them with adults who have been screened and trained.
Positive role models & age‑appropriate content
We care about what your child hears, sees, and copies.
Positive role models: Our teachers model healthy language, respect, and kindness.
Age‑appropriate choices: We are careful with music, costumes, and choreography so they fit your child’s age and maturity, not an adult stage.
Your child can love dance without being pushed into grown‑up themes too soon.
Safe and smart use of technology & social media
We treat online safety as part of real safety.
Staff are trained on healthy, professional social media practices.
We follow clear boundaries for photos, videos, and online contact.
We want your child protected both in the studio and anywhere their image might appear.
Safe spaces and strong supervision
We design our spaces and systems with safety in mind.
Security cameras in hallways help us monitor common areas.
Student‑only bathrooms reduce unnecessary adult/child overlap.
Regular bathroom checks and clear procedures help keep “higher‑risk” areas safer.
Hired security is present during late hours as needed.
Controlled entry tools (like video doorbells when doors are locked) help us see who is coming in.
Tamper‑evident measures (like security tape on vents) help us notice anything out of the ordinary.
The goal is a building that is welcoming, but not wide‑open.
Voice, reporting, and emotional support
We want kids and parents to speak up and get help when something feels off.
Anonymous reporting: We provide QR codes in the lobby that link to a private online form where concerns can be shared.
Counseling and wellness resources: We can direct families to reputable support for nutrition, mental health, and body image.
Ongoing safety training: Our teachers and staff take classes on how to notice unusual behavior, warning signs, and how to respond correctly.
Silence is where problems grow. We build systems that make it easier to say something.
Our commitment: Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD)
School of Dance & Music is part of Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD), an organization focused on safety and wellness in youth dance. That means our policies, training, and culture follow a dance‑specific safety framework, not just our own opinions.
Bottom line: at School of Dance & Music, your child is not only learning to dance. They are doing it in an environment built around safety, respect, and protection in every possible way.
Why Dance Classes Can Boost Kids’ Moods More Than Sports or Art
“Did you know dance classes improve kids’ moods and increase positive emotions even MORE than sports or art classes?”
That’s not just a cute line. It matches what a lot of research is finding: dance is a special mix of exercise, music, creativity, and friends. That combo gives kids a bigger “feel‑good boost” than many other activities.
Dance creates big happy feelings
After dance class, kids often feel:
1. Happier and more energized
2. More confident and proud
3. Calmer and less stressed
Studies comparing dance to sports or regular PE show that dancers report feeling more excited, creative, motivated, and relaxed after class than kids doing many other activities.
Why dance can feel better than other exercise
Dance isn’t just running around. It combines:
1. Movement + music: Moving to a beat releases “feel‑good” chemicals in the brain.
2. Friends + teamwork: Dancing in sync with others builds a sense of belonging.
3. Creativity + expression: Kids get to express feelings and ideas with their bodies, not just aim for a score or a win.
Sports and art are great too, but they usually don’t hit all of these at once the way dance does.
Real mental health benefits
Regular dance classes are linked to:
1. Better overall mood and emotional well‑being
2. Lower anxiety and stress
3. Higher self‑confidence and stronger body imag
4. Better social connection and less loneliness
In other words: it’s not just fun in the moment. It actually helps how kids feel about themselves and their lives.
What this means for your child
When you choose dance, you’re choosing an activity that:
1. Gets their body moving
2. Lifts their mood
3. Lets them express themselves
4. Connects them with friends
All in one place, in one hour.
How we do this at School of Dance & Music
At School of Dance & Music in Hermosa Beach, we see these mood boosts every day:
1. Classes built around music, movement, and friendship
2. A welcoming, low‑pressure environment where effort matters more than perfection
3. Teachers who focus on smiles, confidence, and connection as much as technique
So when we say, “Dance classes improve kids’ moods & increase positive emotions even MORE than sports or art classes,” we’re saying what both the research and our own experience show:
Dance is one of the most powerful, joyful choices you can make for your child’s mental and emotional health.
Many parents wonder, “Is my child ready for violin lessons?”
For most kids, around age 4½ and up is a good time to begin, as long as the lessons are designed for young beginners and a parent is willing to be involved.
At about 4½, many children are starting to:
If a child is more independent or has trouble focusing, waiting until 5–6 can make lessons smoother and less frustrating.
A child is usually “ready” for violin lessons when:
This can happen anywhere between about 4½ and 7, depending on the child and the family.
Violin is a very physical instrument. Little details matter:
Private lessons are helpful because the teacher can:
Group music classes are great for general musical fun, but for learning real violin technique, one‑on‑one attention gives a stronger, safer foundation.
Starting violin in this window:
The goal is not to rush them into being tiny prodigies, but to help them enjoy learning and feel successful on a beautiful, but challenging, instrument.
Violin lessons for kids ages 4½ and up usually work well when:
Starting too early, without readiness and support, can lead to frustration. Starting between about 4½ and 7, with the right structure, lets your child build skills, confidence, and a genuine love of music on the violin.
If you live in or near Hermosa Beach, CA and your child is interested in violin or other music lessons, our School of Dance & Music is a great place to start. We’ve been teaching kids here for 26 years, with university‑trained teachers who specialize in young beginners, shy students, and kids who want to grow from basics to advanced playing. Lessons are tailored so each child can progress at a safe, healthy pace in the styles they love. Parents can easily watch through our classroom windows, schedule multiple children in dance and/or music at the same time, and enjoy helpful front‑desk support. We even offer a complimentary 15‑minute private intro lesson so you and your child can meet a teacher, see the studio, and feel confident before you commit.
The Social‑Emotional Benefits of a Mommy & Me Dance Class
A Mommy & Me dance class is more than cute photos and music. It gives very young children a safe place to build social and emotional skills while they move, play, and stay close to you.
Staying close to a caregiver: feeling safe
Little ones feel braver when their “safe person” is nearby.
In Mommy & Me:
1. Your child stays in your arms, on your lap, or right next to you
2. You rock, bounce, and move together
3. They can look back at you any time they feel unsure
This close contact helps them feel secure enough to explore a new room, new teacher, and new kids.
Noticing other kids: early social skills
Toddlers at this age don’t fully “play together” yet. They mostly:
1. Play near other children
2. Watch what others are doing
3. Try copying stomps, spins, or scarf shakes
This is called parallel play, and it is a healthy first step toward later friendships and group play.
Smiling, reaching, giggling, and clapping: expressing joy
Music and movement make it easier for little ones to show how they feel.
In class, you’ll see your child:
1. Smile or laugh during a favorite song
2. Reach toward the group to join a circle
3. Giggle while bouncing with you
4. Clap at the end of a dance
These are early social‑emotional skills: using their body, face, and voice to share happiness and connect with others.
Moving together: bonding and emotional growth
When you and your child move together, it strengthens your bond.
Simple activities like:
1. Swaying side to side
2. Copying each other’s claps
3. Lifting them during “jump” songs
teach them, “When I move with you, I feel safe and happy.” Over time, this builds emotional security and positive feelings about group activities.
Why this matters for your child
In a Mommy & Me dance class, your child is quietly practicing:
1. Attachment: staying close to you while exploring a new space
2. Early social skills: watching, copying, and sharing space with other kids
3. Healthy expression: showing joy through movement, sounds, and smiles
4. Confidence: feeling safe enough to try new things
Our Mommy & Me program at School of Dance & Music
At School of Dance & Music in Hermosa Beach, our Mommy & Me classes are designed specifically for this kind of social‑emotional growth:
1. You stay with your child the entire time
2. Classes are gentle, playful, and age‑appropriate
3. We keep groups small so every child feels seen and supported
Your little one isn’t just “in a baby class.” They’re building connection, confidence, and joy with you right by their side.
On June 5th, 6th, and 7th, when most theaters were dark and many studios had canceled their recitals, our school chose a different path. We built an outdoor stage at the South Coast Botanic Garden and hosted a fully live, in‑person performance—designed around public‑health guidance so families could celebrate their dancers with confidence.
You can even read about our show from the perspective of our backdrop design partner in their article “Going the Social Distance”:
https://originatorsdesign.com/2021/07/going-the-social-distance/
During COVID‑19 restrictions, children and teens experienced major disruptions to school, activities, and social life. Research links those disruptions and absences to increased anxiety, loneliness, and stress, and to negative effects on social‑emotional development. A brief on absenteeism explains that missing school and normal routines “can have detrimental effects on academic outcomes as well as social‑emotional development, which affects future student success.”
The Effects of Absenteeism on Academic and Social‑Emotional Outcomes (Policy Analysis for California Education / UCLA):
https://edpolicyinca.org/publications/effects-absenteeism-academic-and-social-emotional-outcomes
By safely holding a live show, we aimed to:
A systematic review of dance in children and adolescents found that dance participation is associated with better psychological well‑being, reduced anxiety, improved mood, and higher self‑esteem.
The Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Dance in Children and Adolescents (NCBI / PMC):
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9234256/
Public‑health experts emphasized that outdoor settings are safer than indoor spaces for respiratory virus transmission, because fresh air disperses particles more effectively. During the pandemic, health guidance encouraged moving gatherings outdoors, increasing ventilation, reducing crowd density, and limiting time in shared spaces to lower risk.
A research summary from the University of Sydney, looking at dance and mental health, noted that safe participation in movement activities during and after COVID included adapting environments—using larger and outdoor spaces, limiting crowding, and controlling attendance—so people could keep the benefits of in‑person movement while minimizing risk.
University of Sydney – Dancing may be better than other exercise for improving mental health:
Following these kinds of principles, we:
Our backdrop partner later wrote about this in detail, describing how we “moved the location to an outdoor venue and took every precaution, including spreading the recital out over 3 days” and how the event created “a safe environment that imbued everyone with confidence and a peace of mind.”
Going the Social Distance – The Originators:
https://originatorsdesign.com/2021/07/going-the-social-distance/
During COVID, schools and programs were asked to balance safety with continuity of learning and development. The California Department of Education’s Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan framework emphasized:
California Department of Education – Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan:
https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/lc/learningcontattendplan.asp
Guidance on inclusive attendance policies also encouraged flexible, thoughtful approaches so students could stay engaged while still being protected.
University of Denver – Embracing Inclusive Approaches to Attendance Policies:
https://otl.du.edu/embracing-inclusive-approaches-to-attendance-policies/
In that spirit, our recital plan included:
These measures mirrored what school and community guidance described as best practice for maintaining essential developmental experiences while reducing risk.
Research during and after the pandemic underscores how important positive shared experiences were for children’s mental health. Reviews of dance interventions show that dance:
The Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Dance in Children and Adolescents:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9234256/
Effects of a dance intervention on loneliness and self‑concept:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11762727/
Recreational dance research also shows that people who participate in dance report higher subjective well‑being and intrinsic motivation compared to many other forms of physical activity.
Shall We Dance? Recreational Dance, Well‑Being and Productivity:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9133908/
Popular science pieces from major institutions echo this:
By creating a safe outdoor space where dancers could perform, see their friends, and be applauded by their families, we aimed to give our community exactly that kind of experience. As The Originators wrote about our event, the careful planning “enabled all attendees and performers to forget about the world for even a few hours”—the kind of joy and connection child‑development experts now recognize as vital for resilience in difficult times.
You can read their full article about our show here:
https://originatorsdesign.com/2021/07/going-the-social-distance/
Why It’s Important to Keep Kids in Dance Over the Summer
Summer dance isn’t “extra.” Keeping your child in dance through June, July, and August helps them stay healthy, confident, and ready for school in the fall.
Summer still counts for health
Kids need regular movement all year, not just during the school year.
Summer dance classes:
1. Give them a consistent way to stay active
2. Help keep hearts, muscles, and bones strong
3. Make it easier to get that “60 minutes of activity a day” in a fun way
Instead of hoping they get enough exercise, it’s built into the week.
No “summer slide” in skills and confidence
Just like reading and math, dance skills can slide if kids take long breaks.
Continuing in summer helps them:
1. Keep their balance, coordination, and flexibility
2. Remember steps, patterns, and routines
3. Come back in the fall feeling strong, not like they’re starting over
That protects their confidence and keeps progress moving forward.
Better mood, less screen time
In summer it’s easy for days to disappear into TV, tablets, or video games.
Summer dance:
1. Gives kids screen‑free time with friends and music
2. Adds structure and routine to long, loose days
3. Lifts mood and reduces boredom and crankiness
It’s a healthy way to burn energy and feel good.
Staying fit for fall sports and school
When kids stay active in summer, they’re more ready for:
1. PE and recess
2. Fall sports
3. New choreography and bigger dance routines
Dance naturally works cardio, strength, and coordination, so they roll into fall already “warmed up.”
A fun way to hit summer goals
Experts all say the same thing: kids stick with exercise when it’s fun and social.
Dance in summer is:
1. Playful and creative, not a “workout”
2. Social (friends, music, routines, performances)
3. Confidence‑building as they master new skills
What we offer in the summer at School of Dance & Music
At School of Dance & Music in Hermosa Beach, we make it easy to keep kids moving and growing all summer:
1. Summer dance classes
2. Music lessons (piano, voice, guitar, violin, drums, bass)
3. Summer camps
4. Summer ballet intensives and jazz intensives
Whether your child is just starting or already serious about dance or music, we have a fun, structured summer option to keep them active, learning, and excited all the way to fall.
Guitar Jr: A Fun First Step Into Guitar for Young Kids
Full guitar lessons usually work best around age 8 and up, when kids have the hand strength and focus to handle the instrument.
Before that, a Guitar Jr program is the perfect bridge: fun, low‑pressure guitar time that builds the skills they’ll need later, without the frustration.
Young children learn best through play, not drills. A good Guitar Jr class focuses on:
At this age, the goal is rhythm, coordination, listening, and confidence, not full chords and scales.
In a well‑designed Guitar Jr class for roughly ages 4–7, you can expect:
It looks like play, but it quietly prepares them for “real” guitar later.
For most younger kids, a small group, play‑based class works better than strict private lessons:
This keeps music fun so they want to keep going as they grow.
By the time a child moves from Guitar Jr into full guitar lessons, they usually already have:
So when they start formal guitar lessons at 8+, they’re not starting from zero. They’re building on a joyful foundation.
If you live in or near Hermosa Beach, CA and your child is interested in guitar, bass, or our Guitar Jr program, our School of Dance & Music is a great place to start. We’ve been teaching kids here for 26 years, with university‑trained teachers who specialize in young beginners, shy students, and kids who want to grow from basics to advanced playing. Lessons are tailored so each child can progress at a safe, healthy pace in the styles they love, from rock and pop to classical. Parents can easily watch through our classroom windows, schedule multiple children in dance and/or music at the same time, and enjoy helpful front‑desk support. We even offer a complimentary 15‑minute private intro lesson so you and your child can meet a teacher, see the studio, and feel confident before you commit.
