Smart Start Program

A Smart Start to Early Childhood
Harness the joyful power of music, movement, and play to both educate and bond with your child.
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Play-based Classes
A fun-filled experience with diverse and engaging songs and activities in multiple languages, as well as digital resources for teachers and parents.
Our classes
Backed by Neuroscience + Decades of Experience
Putting more than 60 years of research into practice, our targeted curriculum fosters achievement beyond normal development, based on standards specific to each age group.
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Music + Neuroscience + Fun =
Benefits for Every Child

Smart Start activities immerse every child in the musical experience, using specially designed teaching techniques that support the 4 key cognitive skills of attention, memory, perception, and cognitive flexibility. Our curriculum leverages a wide variety of songs, games, rhymes, and listening experiences, collected from musical traditions and cultures around the world. As children progress through the curriculum, they enjoy a fun, memorable, and musical experience filled with improvisation and movement. Along the way they'll learn how to play pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments, basic sight-reading, ear-training, and composition.

Our curriculum

THE POWER OF PLAY

Play-based classes provide a joyful experience with diverse and engaging songs and activities

DEVELOPMENT OF KEY SKILLS

Fosters musical abilities while targeting the four essential cognitive skills: attention, memory, perception, and cognitive flexibility.

DIGITAL RESOURCES

For teachers and caregivers provide context and support, both inside and outside the classroom.

MEASURABLE RESULTS

During the program, teachers and caregivers are able to track each child's measured developmental milestones.

Find a Smart Start Provider Near You

Our program is expanding internationally. Don't see a participating provider near you? Join our mailing list and be the first to know when we launch Smart Start at a school in your area!

EXPLORE THE DIRECTORY

Enhance Educator Expertise

Smart Start was developed by leaders in early childhood music pedagogy in collaboration with neuroscientists at The Royal Conservatory Research Centre. To maintain the highest quality of consistent learning, all Smart Start teachers must complete a comprehensive training course. Ideal for music educators who wish to broaden their expertise and techniques, this course covers how to use Smart Start materials to support early childhood cognition.

Explore the training program

A Smart Start to Early Childhood

Play-based Classes

Backed by Neuroscience + Decades of Experience

Music + Neuroscience + Fun = Benefits for Every Child