Kindermusik to offer classes at Starlight Dance Academy in Emmerling Plaza in January

Kindermusik educator and program owner Christa Beck will be starting the new year with an additional location — her fourth — of the children’s music program.

Opening Jan. 4, the new spot in Indiana Township will be inside Starlight Dance Academy in Emmerling Plaza on Route 910.

“I am so excited to meet new families and to see the joy that happens in the classroom,” said Beck, who lives in the Natrona Heights section of Harrison.

Beck said a number of families from the area asked whether the program could be taught in their communities. She was able to secure a space in the dance academy because she knows the owner, who brought her son to Beck’s classes years ago.

Beck’s program has locations in Tarentum, Murrysville and Buffalo Township. Four educators teach across all locations.

Kindermusik is an international program that uses music, movement and instruments to help encourage a child’s development. The method focuses on social-emotional, language and music development. Classes are targeted to children as old as 7.

At the new location, classes will be added in March focusing on babies up to 2 years old and toddlers ages 2 and 3.

Beck started the local program in September 2001. Eight families attend each 45-minute session, Beck said, and 200 families are enrolled in the program.

Chris Diorio attended her first class Tuesday with her granddaughter, Ellie Hilliard. She enjoyed seeing the 1½-year-old having fun with the music and props.

“She really liked it. I thought this would help get her with other kids and give her that interaction,” she said.

Sarah Greco has been attending the music program off-and-on with her son Salvatore.

“It’s a nice time to get one-on-one interaction with him and playing with the kids,” Greco said.

Beck looks forward to giving a similar experience to new families at the new location.

“I am greatly appreciative that this community believes in early childhood development and music education,” she said.

For more information, visit christabeck.kindermusik.com.