Rockness Music (formerly Preschool of Rock) was founded by Michael Napolitano in 2009. "It was created, dreamt and developed for the past five years.” As a parent, he was searching for something new and exciting. He wanted a music class that was both educational and entertaining. These classes are high-energy and will awaken even a reluctant little musician.

I brought my 2.5 year old son Dylan in for the Jersey City (which is held at Three Little Birds) class. The vibe was definitely exciting as soon we walked in the door. Dylan was hesitant at first, but liked that I was going to stay with him. Michael played guitar to a packed house of moms, dads, caretakers and little rockers. Most kids seemed to know the songs and even the adults were singing along. The opening song was a hello to all the kids in class and everyone loved singing their own names and the names of their classmates.

Michael was very engaging with the children and made sure to come over to each one and get them involved. Although Dylan was feeling shy, whenever Michael came over with his guitar, he always smiled. Most songs were sung with the guitars, but the bongo drum came out for one song and it was a big hit. Next, the children were all given egg-shaped maracas and we all played along to a song. Then came Dylan’s favorite part, the drums! Drum sticks and small flat drum tops were handed out and all the kids played along to the alphabet and counted while hitting their sticks together. We were having so much fun – the class flew by! Suddenly, it was time to sing our last song and everyone got involved. Some little ones even got up and danced along in the middle of the room. At the end of class, the kids gathered around and took turns slapping on the bongo drum.

Rockness Music offers classes in Montclair, Riverdale, Tribeca, Westfield/Garwood, Livingston, Metuchen, Jersey City and two locations in Hoboken (at The Music Space and Local Barre). Most locations offer all ages classes, which are appropriate for kids from 6 months to 5 years of age. Some locations offer after-school rock enrichment and baby classes. “Depending on the age group, we target certain interests and phrase everything in a way to cater to the children in that given class.” The spring semester starts the week of April 8, 2013 and runs for 10 weeks. Click here for a schedule of classes. The cost for all locations, except Tribeca, is $225 per child and $135 for each sibling. Drop-ins are $30 per class and must be scheduled in advance.

CD’s are available for digital download on iTunes and you can purchase a physical copy at one of their shows. Rockness Music also offers birthdays and events. Click here for more details and for pricing information.