WEST HARTFORD – This fall, the Mandell JCC’s Family Room Parenting will partner with the Hartt School of Music to offer First Steps in Music, an interactive early childhood music program that engages parents and their children, ages newborn to five years. The program will be held Thursdays and Sundays starting Sept. 17 at the JCC, located at 335 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford.

Based on folk and classical materials, the eight-part lesson plan encourages development in steady beat, vocal exploration, as well as rhythm and melody through informal games and musical activities. Designed by Dr. John Feierabend, a national leader in early childhood education and chair of the Music Education Department at the Hartt School of the University of Hartford, First Steps in Music gives parents the tools they need to promote music in their families and help unlock the door to a child’s music potential. For more information regarding contact Rhonda Wirth at (860) 231-6344 or rwirth@mandelljcc.org. To register call (860) 236-4571.