What is KidsJam?
KidsJam is a free early childhood (3-5 years old) interactive music education program provided to the Boston-area community by the Music Education department at Berklee College of Music. The program is intended to introduce young children to a variety of musical activities essential to a well-rounded music education. These include singing and sound exploration, moving, playing rhythm instruments, creating, listening, and responding to music, as well as learning about a variety of musical concepts and instruments.
During this weekly workshop, Berklee music education students, led by Associate Professor Mya Scarlato, practice their developing teaching skills in this fun and energetic setting.
KidsJam regular sessions are scheduled on Fridays (unless otherwise noted) from 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Please check our schedule to find the exact dates and times. Sessions are free and they fill up quickly. Advance registration required by filling out the Online Registration Form or emailing [email protected].
Mya Scarlato
As professor of music education courses, Dr. Scarlato strives to engage students in coursework that explores a variety of musical genres and music-making processes. She is persuaded by educational thinkers like Maxine Greene, who holds 1.) that curriculum ought to be co-constructed by teachers and students together to reflect the diverse needs of individuals at particular moments in time/history, and 2.) that art can serve as a powerful medium through which we might endeavor to re-imagine our communities to be more just, equitable, and free. Dr. Scarlato's primary scholarly interests center around qualitative research designs that emphasize critical social perspectives, philosophical lenses, and narrative methodologies.
Prior to her appointment at Berklee College of Music, Dr. Scarlato served as Assistant Professor and Chair of Music at the University of Bridgeport, and Visiting Assistant Professor at the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. She also taught K-12 general music, beginning band, and applied music at Korea International School (Seoul, South Korea) and a variety of public and private schools in New York City.
During this weekly workshop, Berklee music education students, led by Associate Professor Mya Scarlato, practice their developing teaching skills in this fun and energetic setting.
KidsJam regular sessions are scheduled on Fridays (unless otherwise noted) from 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Please check our schedule to find the exact dates and times. Sessions are free and they fill up quickly. Advance registration required by filling out the Online Registration Form or emailing [email protected].
Mya Scarlato
As professor of music education courses, Dr. Scarlato strives to engage students in coursework that explores a variety of musical genres and music-making processes. She is persuaded by educational thinkers like Maxine Greene, who holds 1.) that curriculum ought to be co-constructed by teachers and students together to reflect the diverse needs of individuals at particular moments in time/history, and 2.) that art can serve as a powerful medium through which we might endeavor to re-imagine our communities to be more just, equitable, and free. Dr. Scarlato's primary scholarly interests center around qualitative research designs that emphasize critical social perspectives, philosophical lenses, and narrative methodologies.
Prior to her appointment at Berklee College of Music, Dr. Scarlato served as Assistant Professor and Chair of Music at the University of Bridgeport, and Visiting Assistant Professor at the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. She also taught K-12 general music, beginning band, and applied music at Korea International School (Seoul, South Korea) and a variety of public and private schools in New York City.
Directions
We are located at The Red Room at Cafe 939 at 939 Boylston St, Boston MA.
DRIVING
From South: Head North on I-93 N. Take exit 18 Frontage Rd toward Mass Ave/Roxbury. Turn left onto Mass Ave Connector. Take the first right and merge onto Massachusetts Ave. Turn right onto Boylston St.
From West: Head southeast on I-90 E toward Exit 22. Take exit 22 toward the Prudential Center. Merge onto Huntington Ave. Turn right onto Belvidere St. Take a slight right on Dalton St. Turn right on Boylston St.
From North: Head southeast on I-93 S. Take the MA-3 N exit toward MA-28/Storrow Dr/N Station. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Massachusetts 3 N/Massachusetts 28 S/Storrow Drive and merge onto MA-3 N. MA-3 N turns slightly right and becomes MA-28 S (signs for Storrow Drive W). Continue on Storrow Drive. Take the exit on the left toward Fenway. Continue onto Charlesgate. Keep left at the fork and continue onto Boylston St.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The closest MBTA stop is Hynes Convention Center on the Green Line (B, C, D). When exiting the station, turn left on Massachusetts Ave. Then turn left on Boylston St and walk one block (past the fire station). Cross Hereford St and we are located on the left side of the street and next door to the Catus Club.
PARKING
There is metered parking available on the street. The closest parking garage is the Hynes Auditorium Garage located at 50 Dalton St (next to Bukowski's Tavern). Unfortunately, we do not offer any validation for parking in the daytime.
From South: Head North on I-93 N. Take exit 18 Frontage Rd toward Mass Ave/Roxbury. Turn left onto Mass Ave Connector. Take the first right and merge onto Massachusetts Ave. Turn right onto Boylston St.
From West: Head southeast on I-90 E toward Exit 22. Take exit 22 toward the Prudential Center. Merge onto Huntington Ave. Turn right onto Belvidere St. Take a slight right on Dalton St. Turn right on Boylston St.
From North: Head southeast on I-93 S. Take the MA-3 N exit toward MA-28/Storrow Dr/N Station. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Massachusetts 3 N/Massachusetts 28 S/Storrow Drive and merge onto MA-3 N. MA-3 N turns slightly right and becomes MA-28 S (signs for Storrow Drive W). Continue on Storrow Drive. Take the exit on the left toward Fenway. Continue onto Charlesgate. Keep left at the fork and continue onto Boylston St.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The closest MBTA stop is Hynes Convention Center on the Green Line (B, C, D). When exiting the station, turn left on Massachusetts Ave. Then turn left on Boylston St and walk one block (past the fire station). Cross Hereford St and we are located on the left side of the street and next door to the Catus Club.
PARKING
There is metered parking available on the street. The closest parking garage is the Hynes Auditorium Garage located at 50 Dalton St (next to Bukowski's Tavern). Unfortunately, we do not offer any validation for parking in the daytime.
FAQs
How can I contact KidsJam?
Please email us at [email protected] or use the contact form online.
Can I bring my younger child along, even if they are too young for the program?
Yes, younger siblings are always welcome to join however, they cannot be registered as a participant.
How old must my child be to participate in KidsJam?
3-5 years old (unless otherwise noted differently).
Do the parents/guardians need to stay the duration of the program?
Yes, we ask that at least one parent/guardian stays with the child for the entire program.
How do I find information about Berklee College of Music and the Music Education Department?
To find information about Berklee please visit www.berklee.edu and the Music Education Department visit www.berklee.edu/departments/music_ed.
What is the class environment like?
The environment is very welcoming to all. We encourage each child to explore their creativity through singing, dancing, and learning with instruments. We have about 15-20 children with their parents in attendance each session. There is room in the back for strollers.
Are the instruments that are handled cleaned in between classes?
Yes! All of our instruments and props are cleaned every week after each session.
Are there snacks provided?
KidsJam does not provide snacks. However, you are welcome to stay for lunch and enjoy the cafe that is attached to the venue.
Are there any forms I need to sign?
There is one waiver form that is now included in the registration process.
Please email us at [email protected] or use the contact form online.
Can I bring my younger child along, even if they are too young for the program?
Yes, younger siblings are always welcome to join however, they cannot be registered as a participant.
How old must my child be to participate in KidsJam?
3-5 years old (unless otherwise noted differently).
Do the parents/guardians need to stay the duration of the program?
Yes, we ask that at least one parent/guardian stays with the child for the entire program.
How do I find information about Berklee College of Music and the Music Education Department?
To find information about Berklee please visit www.berklee.edu and the Music Education Department visit www.berklee.edu/departments/music_ed.
What is the class environment like?
The environment is very welcoming to all. We encourage each child to explore their creativity through singing, dancing, and learning with instruments. We have about 15-20 children with their parents in attendance each session. There is room in the back for strollers.
Are the instruments that are handled cleaned in between classes?
Yes! All of our instruments and props are cleaned every week after each session.
Are there snacks provided?
KidsJam does not provide snacks. However, you are welcome to stay for lunch and enjoy the cafe that is attached to the venue.
Are there any forms I need to sign?
There is one waiver form that is now included in the registration process.
