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Many children are first introduced to music at Northwestern in lively Kindermusik classes, where they explore music through moving, singing, and playing instruments. The focus is on whole-child development, not on musical entertainment or performance. A rich variety of activities promotes music and language development, symbolic thinking, coordination, and social interaction. Please contact Jennifer Merry at kindermusik@northwestern.edu with any questions.
The summer Kindermusik term begins June 7, 2025, and ends June 28, 2025.
This 45-minute class is a lovely way for babies and parents to interact. Multi-level activities that are appropriate for each stage of a baby's development give lap babies, crawlers, and walkers a chance to experience music, touch, sound and movement. Home materials include an instrument and a family guide related to the theme of the unit which provides additional ideas for sharing the class experience at home. Each session includes digital materials that contain all the songs used in class, a story that can be enjoyed on a digital device, as well as activity suggestions and developmental information for parents to use at home when engaging with Baby.
Theme: I Can Do That!
Class time: Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. with Jennifer Merry
Price: $115 ($92 for NU affiliates)
A lively 45-minute class that invites parents/caregivers and children to sing, move, listen to and play instruments while enjoying literature. Home materials include an instrument and a family guide related to the theme of the unit which provides additional ideas for sharing the class experience at home. Each session also includes digital materials that contain all the songs used in class, a story that can be enjoyed on a digital device, as well as activity suggestions and developmental information for parents to use at home when engaging with Toddler.
Theme: Down on the Ground
Class time: Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. or 9:45 a.m. with Tamara Sarajishvili Dominiguez
Price: $115 ($92 for NU affiliates)
Children's imaginations are engaged during this 45-minute class with activities that capture their creativity. Music concepts are experienced through moving, singing, listening, creating, and playing instruments. Children come without parents for the first 30 minutes of class, then parents join the fun for the final 15 minutes. Home materials include an instrument and a family guide related to the theme of the unit which provides additional ideas for sharing the class experience at home. Each session includes digital materials that contain all the songs used in class, a story that can be enjoyed on a digital device, as well as activity suggestions and developmental information for parents to use at home when engaging with Preschooler.
Theme: Splash
Class times: Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. with Jennifer Merry
Price: $115 ($92 for NU affiliates)
In this 45-minute class, we engage your child in music and movement activities that also promote language, social and emotional skills, early math and literacy, physical coordination and creativity. Your child will learn basic music vocabulary and notation, setting the stage for future school success and formal music lessons. Children come without parents for the first 30 minutes of class, then parents join the fun for the final 15 minutes. Home materials include an instrument and a family guide related to the theme of the unit which provides additional ideas for sharing the class experience at home. Also included are digital home materials which can be accessed via phone, tablet or computer.
Theme: Giggles
Class times: Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. with Maria Hodson
Price: $115 ($92 for NU affiliates)
Through imaginative play, children will develop an early awareness of rhythm, movement, singing, and drama. On the Road features the vacation adventures of the Flugelhorn family in their trusty ride, Van Go. We’ll visit their favorite destinations, the beach, the cottage, the campsite and the fair. Along the way, children will engage their imaginations and build social skills while focusing on patterns, listening, vocal development and ensemble play. Home materials include an instrument and family guide, with additional ideas for enjoying activities at home during the week. Also included are digital home materials which can be accessed via phone, tablet or computer.
Theme: On the Road
Class time: Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. with Jennifer Merry
Price: $130 ($103 for NU affiliates)
Northwestern Affiliates receive a 25% discount on their tuition as part of their benefits package.
Eligible Northwestern Affiliates include:
Full-time benefits-eligible Northwestern employee (faculty or staff)
Spouse and dependents of full-time benefits-eligible employees
Full-time Northwestern students
Note that visiting scholars and Northwestern hospital employees are not eligible for tuition benefits in the Academy. Please check with HR Benefits if you are unsure of your eligibility.
All tuition and fees are due to the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music.
The Kindermusik Coordinator will process registration and email billing notices a few weeks prior to the start of each semester. Billing notices will provide links to the payment pages and list payment deadlines.
Payment is due in full before the first class of the semester. No books or materials will be distributed until payment is made. Missed classes will not be made up.
Credit/debit card payments (Visa/Mastercard/Discover/AmEx) are accepted on the Academy’s payment webpages. There are no convenience fees for credit/debit card transactions.
Checks are no longer accepted.
Music Academy tuition is non-refundable.
Contact the Kindermusik Coordinator, Jennifer Merry at kindermusik@northwestern.edu.
Jennifer Merry
See Full BioJennifer Merry
CloseJennifer Merry serves as Kindermusik coordinator in the Northwestern University Music Academy, where she also teaches private and group piano lessons, and Junior Piano classes. In addition, she maintains a busy piano and vocal studio at her home in Glenview, IL. Ms. Jennifer holds master’s degrees from Northwestern University in piano performance and pedagogy, and in music education. She was the owner of Music Together of Glenview for many years, has taught general and vocal music in public and private schools and has led both youth and adult choirs. Ms. Jennifer is a published writer and has written reviews and articles for Keyboard Companion, American Music Teacher, and Clavier magazines. She is a longtime member of the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, the oldest musical organization in the city, which presents a variety of concerts in and around Chicagoland. Ms. Jennifer loves to sing, ride her bike, and hang out with her cat Romeo.
Tamara Sarajishvili Dominguez
See Full BioTamara Sarajishvili Dominguez
CloseTamara Sarajishvili Dominguez started playing piano at six and was immediately accepted to the prestigious Music School for Gifted Children in Tbilisi, Georgia. During Tamara's study at this school, she performed in numerous concerts including several times with the Georgian State Orchestra.
From 1986 to 1991, Tamara studied piano at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, earning a master’s degree under the guidance of famous Georgian pianist Nino Chirakadze.
Tamara then started teaching piano at the college of Instrumental and Performing Art in Tbilisi and continued her performing career in Tbilisi and subsequently in London.
In 2003, Tamara moved to Paris, where she completed the courses at Conservatoire Supérior de Région de Paris (CNR) under the guidance of famous French pianist Yves Henry. Tamara continued her teaching and performing career in Paris, including as an accompanist in ballet classes at the Russian School of Arts in Paris.
The highlight of Tamara's teaching career was attending Al Bustan International Festival in Lebanon, where her student was invited to take part by maestro Gianluca Marcianò.
Since Tamara’s arrival in Chicago in 2016, she has been building her teaching and performance business at Domipiano.com. Tamara is fluent in English, French, Georgian, and Russian.
Maria Hodson
See Full BioMaria Hodson
CloseMaria Hodson is a passionate and experienced violinist with a deep commitment to music education. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Music Education at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, where she has been recognized with both the Dorothy and Carl Johnson Scholarship and the Russell & Hazel Morgan Music Education Scholarship. Maria holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Maria's teaching journey began in high school with her private violin studio in Simsbury, Connecticut. She further honed her skills as a violin instructor and counselor at Belvoir Terrace in Lenox, MA, and she contributed to the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education by helping to pilot and launch the "Daytime MoonCreations" theater program, where she developed curriculum and coached children with disabilities.
As a performer, Maria has played with esteemed ensembles and festivals across the US and Europe, including the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, Boston Conservatory Orchestra, Borromeo Music Festival, Harvard Music Festival, Zodiac Music Academy and Festival, Green Mountain, Promisek Bach Workshop, Credo Oberlin, CMEA Northern Regionals and All-State Orchestras, and the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall.
As a Kindermusik teacher, Maria is excited to share her love of music with young learners and help them discover the joy of making music together.
Jennifer Merry
CloseJennifer Merry serves as Kindermusik coordinator in the Northwestern University Music Academy, where she also teaches private and group piano lessons, and Junior Piano classes. In addition, she maintains a busy piano and vocal studio at her home in Glenview, IL. Ms. Jennifer holds master’s degrees from Northwestern University in piano performance and pedagogy, and in music education. She was the owner of Music Together of Glenview for many years, has taught general and vocal music in public and private schools and has led both youth and adult choirs. Ms. Jennifer is a published writer and has written reviews and articles for Keyboard Companion, American Music Teacher, and Clavier magazines. She is a longtime member of the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, the oldest musical organization in the city, which presents a variety of concerts in and around Chicagoland. Ms. Jennifer loves to sing, ride her bike, and hang out with her cat Romeo.
Tamara Sarajishvili Dominguez
CloseTamara Sarajishvili Dominguez started playing piano at six and was immediately accepted to the prestigious Music School for Gifted Children in Tbilisi, Georgia. During Tamara's study at this school, she performed in numerous concerts including several times with the Georgian State Orchestra.
From 1986 to 1991, Tamara studied piano at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire, earning a master’s degree under the guidance of famous Georgian pianist Nino Chirakadze.
Tamara then started teaching piano at the college of Instrumental and Performing Art in Tbilisi and continued her performing career in Tbilisi and subsequently in London.
In 2003, Tamara moved to Paris, where she completed the courses at Conservatoire Supérior de Région de Paris (CNR) under the guidance of famous French pianist Yves Henry. Tamara continued her teaching and performing career in Paris, including as an accompanist in ballet classes at the Russian School of Arts in Paris.
The highlight of Tamara's teaching career was attending Al Bustan International Festival in Lebanon, where her student was invited to take part by maestro Gianluca Marcianò.
Since Tamara’s arrival in Chicago in 2016, she has been building her teaching and performance business at Domipiano.com. Tamara is fluent in English, French, Georgian, and Russian.
Maria Hodson
CloseMaria Hodson is a passionate and experienced violinist with a deep commitment to music education. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Music Education at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, where she has been recognized with both the Dorothy and Carl Johnson Scholarship and the Russell & Hazel Morgan Music Education Scholarship. Maria holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Maria's teaching journey began in high school with her private violin studio in Simsbury, Connecticut. She further honed her skills as a violin instructor and counselor at Belvoir Terrace in Lenox, MA, and she contributed to the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education by helping to pilot and launch the "Daytime MoonCreations" theater program, where she developed curriculum and coached children with disabilities.
As a performer, Maria has played with esteemed ensembles and festivals across the US and Europe, including the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, Boston Conservatory Orchestra, Borromeo Music Festival, Harvard Music Festival, Zodiac Music Academy and Festival, Green Mountain, Promisek Bach Workshop, Credo Oberlin, CMEA Northern Regionals and All-State Orchestras, and the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall.
As a Kindermusik teacher, Maria is excited to share her love of music with young learners and help them discover the joy of making music together.