About Little Folkies
Little Folkies is a multi-award winning early childhood folk music program for parents and kids ages 0-5. the program was created by Irena Eide in San Francisco in 2009 and continues to expand with teachers and locations throughout the United States and beyond. The Little Folkies curriculum features a collection of 70+ original and traditional folk songs enjoyable for kids and parents alike.
“Music is such an important part of a child's early development, and the more positive musical experiences we share with a child early on, the stronger their foundation is for musical competence later in life. There is so much to learn from a little song, and the connection made between child and parent through music and singing is one that will only strengthen and build, creating a loving foundation as
they navigate through life.” - Irena Eide
Early childhood music helps develop fine and gross motor skills, coordination, improve language development, focus and memory, fundamental math skills, as well as self- confidence and self-esteem.
At Little Folkies we nurture the love for music that we all have, and inspire families to sing and play.
We LOVE music, and enjoy discovering and sharing new and old songs along with rhythmic dance and movement, playfulness, musical games and fun activities that promote musical confidence in children as well as the adults. Our highest priority is quality over quantity, and for the music in class to be as fun and inspiring to the parents as it is to the child. We have a new collection of music for each season, with a wide repertoire of original and traditional folk, old-time and bluegrass songs for children. Music is the creative fabric of our society. Children who are exposed to music classes are more likely to be intellectually and emotionally developed with empathy for other cultures. Children who take music classes tend to have higher self esteem and are more equipped to cope with anxiety. Each song is accompanied by finger play, hand movement, foot-stomping, hand-clapping, dancing, or instrument jamming. There is never a dull moment during the 40-minute class, our goal is for every person to leave elated and invigorated with melodies and tunes ringing fresh in their mind as class members go about with their day. Music is within us all, and it brings happiness into our lives and brightens the day, rain or shine. Music fosters the imagination and curiosity for learning. Introducing music to children at an early age helps foster a positive attitude towards learning. Musical education aids in developing the imagination which is essential to creative problem solving.*
We offer weekly classes at multiple locations throughout the United States. Our amazing instructors are all , engaging, sweet, energetic and amazing musicians and dedicated music teachers.
The Little Folkies class is 40 minutes long and follows a perfect arc that engages students throughout the class with a repertoire of upbeat original and traditional folk tunes. The teacher plays guitar and leads the class in song, finger play, hand movement, clapping, call and response, dance, rhythmic play and hands-on instrument jamming on kids wooden kids instruments.