About us
At the Early Childhood Music Center, we believe that every child is born with a natural inclination for music. Our mission is to nurture this innate musicality and provide a vibrant and engaging environment where young minds can flourish through the magic of melodies.
Founded by passionate educators and musicians, our school is dedicated to creating a foundation of musical exploration that lasts a lifetime. We understand the importance of early exposure to music in a child’s development, fostering creativity, cognitive growth, and emotional expression.
With a team of experience instructors, we carefully delivery our curriculum supported by 60 years of early childhood music education classes and deeply rooted in neuroscience to ensure that it is both enriching and enjoyable. Through interactive activities, playful rhythms and hands on experiences, we guide children (and their caregivers in ages 0-2 classes) on a journey of discovery, helping them develop a deep connection with the world of sound. '
At the Early Childhood Music Center, we’re not just teaching notes and rhythms, we’re cultivating a love for music that goes beyond our class. We celebrate the uniqueness of each child and encourage their individual expression, ensuring that they build confidence and a strong sense of self through their musical adventures.
Meet Your Teachers
Sarah Schroeder
Smart Start Instructor
Sarah has loved teaching private and group lessons for 23 years to students of all ages. In addition to being a Certified Smart Start Instructor, she is former Lyric Opera of Chicago teaching artist, a member of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Examiners, and an active professional singer. She holds a Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Performance.
Joseph Ryan
Smart Start Instructor
Joseph Ryan is a professional baritone and voice teacher with a Master’s in Vocal Performance from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He has taught voice to students of all ages across all musical styles. Besides his private voice studio, Mr. Ryan has taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Tampa, as an ESL instructor to students in Asia, and as an opera summer camp instructor at the Sarasota Youth Opera.
As a performer, he has participated in young artist programs with Sarasota Opera, Central City Opera, and St. Petersburg Opera. Professional roles have included Alfio in Cavalleria rusticana, Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Count Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro, Dandini in La Cenerentola, Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia, Pizarro (cover) in Fidelio, and Rodrigue (cover) in Don Carlos. He is the bass section leader at Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest.
Our mission is to foster a love of music and creative expressive in your little ones, through creative lesson plans and prompts.
“Music education has the power to inspire curiosity, cultivate creativity, fosters connection and nudges children into a lifetime of curiosity.”
— Sarah, Founder of The Early Childhood Music Center at Fine Arts Voice
