Music & Movement in English
A play-based English music and movement class for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers.
Classes for international and Japanese families in Kyoto.
- Trial fee ¥1,500 per family
- Saturday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (35 min class, followed by optional lunchtime)
- Sakyo West Area Iki-Iki Citizen Activity Center
Class experience
Takaragaike Park
Occasionally, we take our classes outdoors at Takaragaike Park (near Kokusaikaikan Station). Spending time in nature is a powerful way to regulate our nervous systems, and singing together under the trees makes it even more special. Feel free to bring a bento and join us for an optional picnic after class!
“Singing together with the children to live ukulele and other instruments is so much fun, and it’s a soothing time for us grown-ups, too!”
English, experienced naturally through acoustic music
Real voices, real instruments
Every class is led by a bilingual educator with guitar or ukulele. Children get hands-on with rhythm sticks, shakers, and drums.
No flashcards required
By singing, dancing, and playing, babies and toddlers naturally pick up the phrasing, cadence, and sounds of English.
A welcoming space
From observant babies to on-the-move toddlers, every child is encouraged to participate at their own pace. A relaxed morning space for Japanese and international families to connect.
Why music for English?
In early childhood, music and language processing share foundational neural pathways. By singing and moving together, young children absorb the natural cadence, phrasing, and patterns of English organically through play, no flashcards required!
Hi, I’m Jeweliann.
Hi, I’m Jeweliann, a bilingual Japanese-American early childhood music educator and mom based in Kyoto. Raised across both cultures, I created Birdsong Kyoto to help families rediscover the joy of making music together, in a warm, playful space where English happens naturally.
“The teacher’s singing and playing are so gentle and fun. Children and parents alike were wrapped in English, and it was an experience that soaked right into our bodies and hearts!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! As long as everyone is safe, we welcome any form of participation. Movement, wandering, observing from the perimeter are all completely normal ways young children learn.
We offer 4 dedicated Saturday makeup sessions each year. In addition, you’ll have our weekly digital song videos to keep the music going at home.
Yes! We love welcoming both parents, partners, or visiting grandparents whenever room space allows. Please let us know in advance if extra adult family members plan to join.
- A water bottle or drink for yourself and your little one.
- Comfortable clothes for sitting on the floor, moving, and dancing (bare feet work best for little ones).
- If your child uses diapers: a changing mat
Iki-Iki Center does not have built-in changing tables in the restrooms, but you are very welcome to change your baby directly on the floor in our room. Please just bring a changing mat. You are also warmly welcome to breastfeed or bottle-feed anywhere in the room, whenever needed.
Ready to join? Come try a session!
Experience the warmth of live music and immersive English for yourself before committing to a monthly membership.
- Trial fee
- ¥1,500 per family
- When
- Saturdays: September 26, October 3, October 10
- Time
- 10:30 – 12:00 (35 min class, followed by optional lunchtime)
- Where
- Sakyo West Area Iki-Iki Citizen Activity Center
- Payment
- Please pay in cash on the day of your trial class.
Spaces are limited to 8 families per class.
Special Welcome Offer Sign-up within 7 days of your trial class to enjoy free registration (a ¥5,000 value).