École de musique du Marché
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Give your child the best start in music.

Musical awakening for ages 3-4 — your child builds ear training, rhythm, and confidence through play, well before choosing an instrument.

École de musique du Marché offers musical awakening classes for children ages 3-4 in Montreal. Sound, rhythm, and instrument exploration through play at 288 rue Jean-Talon Est (Villeray, near Jean-Talon metro). Ideal preparation before private lessons. From $30/lesson, no contract.

4,200+ students

since 2016

400+ active

currently

24 teachers

academically trained

Italmelodie Heritage

since 2016

Why this instrument?

Critical Window for Musical Development

Ages 3-4 represent a sensitive period for auditory and rhythmic development. Early musical exposure during this window builds foundational skills that shape lifelong musical ability and appreciation.

Gordon, Music Learning Theory, 2003

Accelerates Language and Social Skills

Group music activities at a young age improve phonological awareness, vocabulary growth, and cooperative behaviour. Children who participate in structured musical play show faster language development.

Moreno et al., Cerebral Cortex, 2009

Builds Confidence Through Play

Musical awakening uses games, movement, and exploration rather than formal instruction. Children build confidence and self-expression in a pressure-free environment that feels like play, not school.

Trevarthen & Malloch, Communicative Musicality, 2009

What to expect

A joyful, play-based introduction to the world of music — no prior experience needed.

Format
Small group classes (3-5 children)
Duration
30 minutes
Levels
Ages 3-4, no experience required
Styles
Singing, rhythm games, movement, ear training, instrument exploration
Included
Musical games, instrument exploration, songs, and ear training
Pricing
12 lessons for $330 (1 free lesson) · $35 registration · ~$50 instrument kit

What you'll learn

1

Discover

  • Discovering sounds: high, low, loud, soft
  • Rhythm games with simple percussion
  • Songs and nursery rhymes with movement
  • Instrument exploration: piano, xylophone, tambourine
  • Active listening and instrument recognition
2

Explore

  • Tempo and time signature concepts
  • Melodic games: singing and reproducing melodies
  • Introduction to instrument families
  • Body movement and rhythmic dance
  • Guided group music creation
3

Create

  • Preparation for choosing an instrument
  • Reading simple rhythms with visual symbols
  • Composition games: creating original melodies
  • Listening to diverse musical genres
  • Advanced ear training development

Practical info

288 rue Jean-Talon Est, Montreal (Villeray / Petite-Patrie)
Jean-Talon metro (blue and orange lines), 2 min walk
Ages 3-4 — no musical experience required
30 minutes per week · 12-lesson session
12 lessons for $330 (1 free lesson) · $35 registration
Small instrument kit to purchase (~$50) — details provided at registration

Your teachers

Marianne Paquin

Marianne Paquin

Musical Awakening

Testimonials

What our students and their parents say about us.

This music school is fantastic! The classes are engaging, well-structured, and truly inspiring. The teachers are not only talented but also patient and supportive.

Niranjan S.

4 months ago

Just talking on the phone makes you wanna do it, very informative and kind. Patient and very informative. Amazing. Johnny the best.

Khaled A.

1 month ago

Roxane is an exceptional teacher: talented, caring, and inspiring. After a break of more than 20 years, she gave me back my confidence and joy in playing.

Axelle B.

4 months ago

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: February 2026

Ready to start?

Enroll today — no contract, no long-term commitment.

EnrollCall