Music has so many benefits for a child’s developing brain! In addition to improving language, memory, cognition, and creativity, it’s just plain fun! Boston is home to some amazing children’s musicians — and we are sharing a few of the best!
Matt Heaton
Matt Heaton believes music for kids can be entertaining for both children AND parents. His songs blend mid-century American guitar styles: surf, rockabilly, western swing, and soul, delivered with a wry sense of humor and a sincere sense of fun. Kids dance, laugh, and sing along. Grownups appreciate the Muppet-esque touches of humor and observations of kid behavior. Call it children’s music, family music, kindie, or toddlerbilly, it’s sure to please listeners of all ages.
Sulinha Boucher
With everything from soothing melodies to upbeat dance jams, Sulinha’s trio performs educational children’s music influenced by traditional Brazilian music. Whether it’s “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” with a bossa nova beat or an original song about crossing the street, Sulinha’s hits are engaging and interactive. The trio uses traditional instruments from their native country, like berimbau, cuica, pandeiro, and surdo. Sulinha has received the Parents’ Choice Award for two of her albums!
Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys
Packing concert halls, preschool fundraisers, libraries, and outdoor venues with dancing kids and families, Vanessa Trien is known for highly interactive and energetic shows that feature plenty of group singing and movement.
With Vanessa’s four Parents’ Choice Award-winning albums of original songs based on her years of teaching preschool music and parent-child music classes and, more importantly, on her 13 years of parenting her two kids, she brings a warmth and connection with audiences that makes her shows extra special.
Ben Rudnick and Friends
Ben Rudnick and Friends play the hippest family music around. With countless awards to their credit, including seven Parents’ Choice awards, their adventurous, high-energy blend of happy, upbeat acoustic music is guaranteed to entertain the entire family. Bending musical styles from country to bluegrass, rock to second-line New Orleans, their original songs and familiar tunes make you sing, make you dance, and make you happy. Join the fun!
Wayne Potash
When it comes to Boston children’s musicians, Wayne is a classic! His super-fun solo and band performances for young audiences are interactive and high energy. He plays all over New England at festivals, libraries, and more. You might even catch him at a local birthday party or at your child’s school! Wayne graduated from the Berklee College of Music and has released eight award-winning albums for children over his 30+ years as a children’s performer!
Jeff Jam
Jeff Jam is a friendly, goofy guy who sings and performs songs for children of all ages. He travels all over Massachusetts, New England, and the world with his acoustic guitar, bringing songs and smiles to children everywhere. Jeff Jam is a certified Music Together teacher and leads music classes in Cambridge, Arlington, Somerville, and Lexington. He has released five albums, including his hit songs “Crazy Monkey Day,” “Tutu Bird,” and “Bad Sandwich.” His YouTube channel features hours of family-friendly songs, including his “Old MacDonald” video with more than 9 million views!
Jeremy Lyons
Jeremy Lyons began his professional music career playing blues guitar and singing on the streets of New Orleans. Now, he does it all, including rock, folk, jug band, children’s music, and education. Jeremy and his various bands perform around the world, but you can also find him serenading happy children at the Fox Library in Arlington, MA.
Alastair Moock
One of Boston’s premier folk artists, Alastair Moock is a Grammy nominee for best children’s album, a three-time Parents’ Choice Gold Medal winner, and recipient of the ASCAP Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award. Alastair celebrates the roots of American music while knocking down the walls between different audiences, genres, and musical traditions. A social justice and songwriting educator for all ages, Alastair is the proud co-founder of The Opening Doors Project, an anti-racist music organization.
Alissa Coates
As a teacher, Alissa combines entertainment with the all-important skill of group management! She brings with her a passion for education, a fundamental knowledge of music, and a love for making music inclusive and fun for all ages. Her energetic, engaging, and educational show is always a hit!
Rockabye Beats definitely needs to be considered for the list! Boston families love Marcos & Shon! 🙂
Definitely add Stacy Lake of Small Singers & Shakers! She offers structured classes, drop-in, school/birthday. She is the best!! http://smallsingersandshakers.com/
How is Evan Haler from Music from the Blissful not on this list? He is a Boston area legend.