HeartStrings
Children playing compact red keyboards, ukuleles, and rhythm buckets in an after-school music classroom

Hampton Roads and the Historic Triangle after-school music

Music w Friends

A HeartStrings Program

Small-group piano, ukulele, and hybrid music classes for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, with middle school options by request.

Bring HeartStrings to Your School View Programs

A free community music event · Christmas 2026

The Christmas Carol Challenge

One hour. One Christmas carol. A proud moment to share.

This holiday season, HeartStrings is planning free, one-hour music classes for children in grades 3–5 across Hampton Roads. No musical experience needed—just come ready to make music!

  • Separate piano and ukulele sessions, with all instruments provided.
  • Kids vote on the Christmas carol they’ll learn.
  • Each session ends with a little performance for parents.

In planning · Dates and location to be announced.

Start the conversation

Bring Music With Friends to your school.

Request details for your school, or suggest a school contact so HeartStrings can follow up with a warm introduction.

Program tracks

Choose the music experience that fits your students.

Compact red classroom keyboard with sheet music in an after-school music room P

Piano Power-Up

Portable Loog-style keyboard labs for 3rd-5th grade beginners, with ensemble games, rhythm fluency, note reading, and simple repertoire.

  • Compact red keyboards for group learning
  • Designed for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders
  • Available as 6, 9, 12 week, or full term
Close-up of a wooden ukulele body, strings, and fretboard in a classroom music space U

Ukulele Explorers

Accessible chords, strumming patterns, singing, and ensemble confidence for 3rd-5th graders who want music in their hands quickly.

  • Friendly entry point for chord playing
  • Social, portable, and performance-ready
  • Middle school groups available by request
Keyboard, ukulele, and bucket drum arranged together for a music discovery class D

Music Discovery

A guided sampler for 3rd-5th graders to explore keyboard, stringed instruments, and rhythm, then discover which musical path feels like the best fit.

  • Best for students still finding their instrument
  • Compares keyboard, strings, and rhythm
  • Great first partnership model

Program formats

Each program can run in four lengths.

Each class meeting is one hour. Schools can start with a short spark session, build momentum across a longer term, or choose a full-term partnership.

6-Week Spark $120 Per student. Best for new partner schools and first-time interest.
9-Week Builder $160 Per student. Best for consistent enrollment and skill-building.
12-Week Showcase $200 Per student. Best for visible student growth and a simple sharing moment.
Full-Term Partnership $240 Per student. Best for returning schools and long-term partners.

Mission

We help young musicians find belonging through shared music-making.

Our mission is fostering an enduring love for the musical arts. Music With Friends brings that mission into shared, structured classes where students learn practical musicianship, listen to one another, and build the courage to participate.

For schools

After-school music, made simple for schools.

Easy enrollment

Simple inquiry and registration flow for families, with details gathered before class begins.

Experienced instruction

Warm, structured teaching that helps students feel capable, musical, and connected.

School-ready logistics

Flexible program lengths, clear communication, and equipment planning around your space.

Parent Portal For enrolled families to view dates, reminders, and class notes. Coming in January
Command Hub Internal tools for rosters, materials, schedules, and school communication. Coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Music With Friends launching?

We are preparing to launch as early as January 2027 for partner schools across Hampton Roads and the Historic Triangle.

Do students need prior experience?

No. Music With Friends is designed for 3rd-5th grade beginners and early musicians who benefit from friendly structure.

Do families need to purchase an instrument?

An instrument to practice on is essential for long-term progress and growth, but Music With Friends provides the instruments students use during class. This can include Loog-style keyboards, ukuleles, and other classroom materials.

Are your Music Mentors background checked?

Yes. All HeartStrings Music Mentors have cleared a background check within the past 12 months.

Can a school start with one program and expand later?

Yes. A pilot can begin with piano, ukulele, or the Music Discovery hybrid program, then expand once student interests and enrollment patterns are clear.

How long are the programs?

Each program can be offered as a 6-week, 9-week, 12-week, or full-term experience, depending on the school calendar, enrollment, and goals. Each class meeting is one hour.

How much does Music With Friends cost?

Current tuition is $120 per student for the 6-Week Spark, $160 for the 9-Week Builder, $200 for the 12-Week Showcase, and $240 for the Full-Term Partnership.

Which grades are the best fit?

Music With Friends is primarily designed for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. Some middle school groups may be a good fit depending on the school, schedule, and program goals.

Do you offer private lessons if my child wants to continue after class?

Families are welcome to discuss continued study with their Music Mentor. Availability may vary by mentor, schedule, and program location.

What happens after we request information?

We will follow up to learn about your school, space, schedule, grade levels, and program goals, then recommend a starting format that makes sense.