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When you think about what your child's day at preschool would be like, you probably picture the classics: finger painting, story time, some play, and maybe a few songs. While those activities are vital, at Artisan Childcare Center, we believe music and movement are far more than just a "nice-to-have" element. We see the arts as an essential, as vital to early development as learning letters and numbers.
Why such a strong commitment? Because neuroscience has shown us that engaging with music literally rewires the brain, building the structure necessary for all future learning. It's a powerful tool that nurtures your child's creativity and creates a strong foundation for their mind, body, and heart. That's why our students participate in music daily and, from the age of three, receive small-group lessons in piano or violin from highly qualified instructors. This hands-on, daily practice is included in our schedule at no additional cost to you.
Learning to play a musical instrument is one of the few activities that requires both hemispheres of the brain to work together. It demands that the left (logic, language, math) and right (creativity, spatial awareness) hemispheres of the brain work together in simultaneous, coordinated harmony. This training strengthens the corpus callosum, the bridge connecting the two halves, which dramatically improves a child's:
We see the beautiful, long-term ripple effects of this cognitive training every single year.
One of our recent graduates is a perfect example. After leaving Artisan, she continued her piano studies, and by the age of six, she was playing Clair de Lune with both hands. What was most impressive, however, was not just her musical skill but the sheer confidence and focus it instilled in her.
That same confidence and discipline translated directly into her academic life. She began reading before turning five and consistently demonstrated an advanced understanding across all areas of development. Her ability to sit, focus, and methodically solve a challenging problem, whether musical or academic, was truly exceptional.
Music serves as a powerful, non-verbal way for children to navigate their emotions and connect with other children and adults, even when they don't share a spoken language. And sometimes, the simplest songs are the most profound tools for connection. We once had a child join our toddler class who didn't speak English as their first language. As you can imagine, starting in a completely new environment was overwhelming, and for the first month, they were often upset and anxious about the transition.
We quickly realized that Baby Shark was a source of comfort for them; a familiar tune in an unfamiliar place. It was their emotional anchor. We worked with the family to learn other favorite songs, including music in their native language, and would play it softly during mealtimes.
This simple act of musical recognition helped them feel seen, comforted, and secure. Music smoothed their transition, acted as a cultural bridge, and allowed them to connect with the other children and their teachers before they could communicate with words.
Even beyond the classroom, music becomes a framework for self-assurance. We recently observed this in a little boy who had just transitioned from our Infant program to our Toddler program. When he first started, he was scared and shy, and often cried. However, through our daily music class, he began to relax and eventually smile his giant, joyous smile whenever he saw the music teacher.
Now, in the toddler class, his love for music has completely blossomed. When we sing our familiar goodbye song, his eyes light up, and he anticipates every dance move with glee. He's essentially become a leader during the song, moving with such passion that it inspires everyone around him. To watch someone who is barely a toddler go from crying to leading their peers through a final song of the day shows the incredible power of music to build courage and self-esteem.
So, what does a music session actually look like at Artisan? It's a structured, yet engaging time of the day designed to hit specific developmental benchmarks while feeling like pure, unadulterated fun.
One of our recent toddler sessions was jungle-themed, providing a perfect example of this intentionality in action:
Every song, every movement, and every turn is a purposeful step toward fostering discipline, language, and coordination.
The semi-annual student recital is one of the most special days in the Artisan community calendar. It's an opportunity for children to share the skills they've been practicing every day and to receive support and recognition from their peers, families, and teachers. This moment of shared accomplishment is a powerful builder of confidence.
It teaches them that practice leads to mastery, and that it's wonderful to share your hard work with the people you love.
We often see a bit of nervousness, but our students always find a way to make it their own. We once had a little girl hop up on stage for her piano piece, and before climbing onto the stool, she did a big, elaborate bow and let herself fall to the ground! Everyone laughed, including her, and it was clear that the humor immediately made her feel more at ease. It was her way of breaking the ice.
This wasn't just a funny moment; it was a powerful display of emotional intelligence. She used humor to manage her stage fright and then delivered a beautiful performance. At each recital, you could see her growing more comfortable, using her personality and presence to command the stage. These moments of public sharing are priceless, helping our students build the social and emotional skills, including resilience and self-awareness, that we foster on a daily basis.
Music isn't an elective here; it's the foundation of our curriculum. By requiring instrumental learning from age three, we intentionally use music to build the brain's capacity for focus, memory, and emotional regulation. This unique commitment ensures that your child gains more than just a standard preschool education; they gain the essential cognitive tools and confidence for a curious, lifelong learning experience.
If you'd like to see our school in action, we invite you to schedule a tour! Touring our campus is a great way to see firsthand how our program can unlock your child's full potential!