If the question you have is not included below, please contact us by email at webop@jazz.org or by phone at 212-258-9922. Thank you!

Q: What do you do in WeBop?
A: Each class is led by a WeBop teacher, with support from an accompanist playing piano.  Classes incorporate both live and recorded music with ritual songs, educational activities, and storytelling. The 45 minute classes encourage families to learn about jazz, and express themselves through movement, singing, clapping, and playing small percussion instruments. In addition to these activities, professional jazz musicians visit WeBop twice per term to introduce the children to live music and instruments, reinforcing the repertoire and concepts learned in class.

Q: Is each term different?
A: Yes, each WeBop term features a different theme. The fall, winter, and spring terms are eight (8) weeks, and we offer a shortened four (4) week summer term.

“Jazz Basics” covers fundamental concepts such as swing, tempo, dynamics, scat, solo, call and response, and song form.

“Jazz Heroes” focuses on legendary jazz musicians and composers such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Thelonious Monk.

“Meet the Jazz Band” explores the instruments in a jazz combo including piano, bass, drums, saxophone, trumpet and trombone.

“Exploring Jazz Styles” exposes families to the different sounds of jazz, from New Orleans and Kansas City Swing to Bebop and Latin Jazz.

Q: Do you have to register for all terms?
A: Taken together, all four terms provide a cumulative experience and allows children to develop a deeper engagement with jazz over time and through a variety of different activities. However, each individual term is designed to “stand alone” as an educational experience, and each term is cumulative within the eight week session.

Q: Is WeBop a drop-off class?
A: No. WeBop focuses on the adult-child dyad and the relationship that they build while experiencing jazz together. Our classroom activities are designed to incorporate active participation of both adult and child, allowing for a deepened learning experience through children and caregivers both embodying the concept of the lesson and making music together. Our curriculum is designed to speak both to children and adults, introducing both to the lessons of this uniquely American art form,  and encouraging families to take what they’ve learned in class and apply it at home. Because of this, we kindly request that adult attendees remain actively engaged alongside their children, and refrain from using cell phones in class.

Q: How many students are in each class?
A: There is a maximum 10 adult-child dyads in all classes, with two additional spots per class for make-up classes.

Q: How many parents may attend class?
A: We ask that one (1) adult participates in class in order to be fair to all families and to respect our classroom capacity, ensuring we have space for all participants to move around freely. Please email  webop@jazz.org or contact Customer Service at 212-258-9922 in advance if you would like to have a second adult observe a class, as we can accommodate requests provided there is space available. You may alternate the adult that attends class with the child at any point during the term.

Q: Can my child join a certain age group if he/she is turning the minimum age after the first few lessons?
A: The WeBop curriculum is specifically designed for the developmental strengths of each age group, children must be of age before the start of each specific class. An exception can be made if the child is turning the minimum age within the first two (2) weeks of class.  WeBop classes are divided into the following age ranges:

Hipsters 8 months – non-walkers (~15 months)
Scatters walkers (~16 months) – 23 months
Stompers 2-3 years (children older than 3.5 may be more comfortable in Gumbo Group classes)
Gumbo Group 3-5 years (children 5 or older may be more comfortable in Syncopators classes)
Syncopators 4-5 years

Q: Can my child join a certain age group if he/she is not of age, but exceptionally talented and/or has taken other music classes before?
A: (see answer above) We recognize that many of our students are exceptionally talented and have had strong exposure to music at an early age. Many have participated in WeBop or other music classes before, and it is this mix of experiences that contributes to the richness of WeBop class, where group interaction is encouraged.

Q: If my child has a disability can he/she join?
A: Absolutely. Please contact our staff to determine if this setting is the right one for you and your child.

Q: Can siblings attend WeBop together?
A: Yes, siblings may attend the same class together if they are within the age limits of the specific class.  Each child must have an adult participating with them individually in class. If they are not within the age range of a specific class, families may register the siblings in separate classes.

Q: May I bring another child to class? (i.e. A sibling who is not in the same age group as the other child, or not of age for the program)
A: All WeBop age children (8 months – 5 years) must register for the class they attend. If they are of the appropriate age for the class, siblings or friends may register as single class attendees to join. If you have a second child that will not be able to join the class, please plan to have a second adult accompany them in our waiting area just outside the WeBop classroom. The WeBop curriculum places a very strong emphasis on the adult-child experience, having only students in the classroom allows each child to get the proper attention in class.

Q: Are there trial classes?
A: We do not offer free trial classes. However, if you would like to observe a WeBop class to determine if it would be a good fit for your child, please email webop@jazz.org or call 212-258-9922 to schedule a free observation without your child. We kindly request that these visits be scheduled in advance.

Please be aware that we make single class registrations available for families who would like to drop in. See our answer regarding single classes below.

Q: Are there makeup classes?
A: Families are permitted a maximum of two (2) makeup classes per term. All makeups are subject to availability, are scheduled on a first come first served basis. Families are allowed to attend another class appropriate for their child’s age group that is within the current term. We strongly recommend scheduling makeups as soon as you become aware of a conflict, as available space may sometimes be limited. To schedule a makeup class please email webop@jazz.org or call 212-258-9922.

Q: Are there refunds?
A: Tuition fee is fully refundable up to two weeks before the start of the term. A 50% refund is available for registrations cancelled within the first two weeks of class. No refunds will be issued after the first two weeks of class.

Q: Can I register late, and if so, is the registration fee pro-rated?
A: Yes, registration is available through the second week of the eight-week term. We do not pro-rate the registration fee, however for every class missed, you will receive an additional makeup class, up to two (2) total. Registration closes after the second week of the term.

Q: Do you offer single classes?
A: Although it is most beneficial to attend a full term to have a comprehensive program experience, we do offer single classes based upon availability. Single classes are available in full term classes that are not at capacity (10 families). You can view single class offerings for the current term here: academy.jazz.org/webop-single-classes/
To inquire about specific availability and to register for a single class, please call 212-258-9922.

Q: Do the children play musical instruments?
A: The WeBop classroom has a wide variety of musical instruments for the children to explore and play in class, including: toy pianos, maracas, bongos, tambourines and other small percussion instruments. The children are exposed to the piano with our accompanist each week, and they also experience other musical instruments when our guest musicians visit class, including drum set, trombone, saxophone, and trumpet. During the “Meet the Jazz Band” term, children have the opportunity to play toy trumpets, saxophones, and kazoo trombones, and play a small bass, with adult supervision. WeBop is not an instrumental music class.

Q: Who teaches WeBop?
A: Our WeBop teachers are all professional musicians working in the New York City area and beyond, and specialize in early childhood music education. They have all completed at least an undergraduate degree in musical and/or jazz performance. To learn more about our faculty, visit our WeBop Faculty Bios page.

Q: If my class is cancelled (due to unforeseen conditions like snow or teacher illness), will an extra class be added to the schedule? Will there be substitute teachers?
A: In the unlikely event of class cancellation, you will be contacted and a makeup day may be scheduled subject to room and teacher availability. On occasion, a substitute teacher may cover a class.