The Spark That Started It All

It all began with one Montessori school on a rainy Friday morning in Dallas.

Zoë Madewell arrived as Music Director to her first Montessori school, ready to introduce music to a class of wide-eyed, eager learners. Equipped with rhythm sticks, music theory flashcards displaying quarter notes, eighth notes, and other musical symbols, and songs from around the world, she quickly noticed something remarkable—a deep, natural connection that even the youngest children, some as young as two, had to actual music notation.

Just as children learn their A, B, C’s, these toddlers were able to recognize musical symbols—the quarter notes and eighth notes—and accurately clap the corresponding rhythms, like clapping “1-2-3.”

Just as infants can learn sign language, these young children instinctively grasped complex rhythm patterns from the flashcards and delighted in singing songs in different languages. For them, clapping and chanting rhythms felt as natural as their own heartbeat. Zoë realized that this powerful connection to real music theory, demonstrated by such young children, could serve as a foundation for lifelong learning in music.

A Moment of Inspiration

One rainy Friday morning, as the thunder clapped and the roof pounded with heavy beats of water, Zoë held up a rhythm card with two quarter notes, leading the class in chanting “TA-TA.” A five-year-old boy giggled and said, “Miss Zoë, my mommy says ‘TA-TAs’ is a naughty word!” Surprised, Zoë laughed along with the class and other teachers but realized this humorous moment underscored a larger issue.

In many cultures, words and sounds hold different meanings, and she knew there was an opportunity to make her rhythm language universal and comfortable for all children. She wondered, “What if we changed ‘TA-TAs’ to ‘MA-MAs’?” This small yet meaningful shift marked the start of a more inclusive rhythm language.

Advancing Our Innovative Approach

Building on these early experiences, we have trained new teachers, sought guidance from world-class music educators, and utilized our classrooms and preschools as a laboratory for innovation. It was through these efforts that Musicology Lab was born, dedicated to revolutionizing early music education.

We are introducing a new way to think differently about teaching music to young children, and we are only just beginning. Musicology Lab’s “See It. Say It. Play It.” method, a child-centered approach that integrates visual, auditory, and physical learning to create a lasting foundation in music, has been meticulously honed through years of research and collaboration with thousands of students.

This method sets a new standard in early music education and is at the heart of everything we do.

A System That Sets a New Standard

Our approach doesn’t just teach rhythm—it builds a language of music that’s inclusive, accessible, and grounded in real musical concepts. By keeping things clear and relatable, we make music learning enjoyable while preparing your child for seamless progression into deeper musical studies.

● Rhythm Before Reading™: Establishing rhythm as an essential first step in music literacy.
● Nurturing the Beat from Birth: Recognizing that children are naturally rhythmical and building on this innate ability.
● Early Start: Starting music training before age 7 enhances rhythm, pitch, and sound recognition, supporting both music literacy and cognitive development.

Inclusivity at Our Core

Inclusivity is more than a principle—it’s at the heart of our mission. Our educational tools are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of all children, including those with sensory sensitivities, ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia. By using high-contrast black-and-white visuals and child-friendly materials, we ensure every child can engage in a way that feels  comfortable and meaningful

Global Reach and Impact

Since that pivotal rainy morning in Dallas, Musicology Lab has expanded its innovative music education programs beyond local boundaries, introducing our methods to preschools in Dubai and collaborating with music educators in Australia. Locally, at our own Irving Fine Arts Academy, the Musicology Lab Group Piano classes for ages 2-12 have quickly become the best-selling and fastest-growing program. These classes are not just a concept but a living, breathing program being taught daily, gathering real-time feedback from enthusiastic parents and students. The personal reviews and testimonials from families in our community are a testament to the impact of our method.

We are honored to have received two prestigious global education awards, while the Dallas-based Irving Fine Arts Academy has been recognized as “Best of the City” for three consecutive years. Looking ahead, we are committed to translating our materials into additional languages, offering kits for children from toddlers to age 12, and empowering children worldwide to build a second-language foundation through the universal language of music.

Tested, Proven, and Parent-Approved

● Real Classrooms, Real Results: Developed and refined daily in Dallas-based music classes.
● Parent-Trusted: Backed by glowing reviews from families who have seen their children flourish.
● Proven Success: Our Musicology Lab Group Piano classes are the fastest-growing program for ages 2-12.

Our Community of Experts

A dedicated group of passionate educators, advisors, and music enthusiasts supports our mission to make music education joyful and transformative for every child. With expertise in early childhood education and music theory, they contribute valuable insights, helping us continuously innovate and enhance our learning systems.

Dr. Javeria Khadija Shah, SFHEA

Dr. Javeria Shah is an award-winning educationalist and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) with over 20 years of experience in UK post-compulsory education. Currently serving as Associate Director of the Centre for Inclusive Pedagogy and Practice at Central School of Speech and Drama in London, Dr. Shah leads initiatives in policy, inclusion, and decolonization within creative arts education. She is the founder of the Social Performance Network, which fosters dialogue on identity and social issues through the arts. Her affiliations with Musicology Lab and her “My Name Is” project reflect her dedication to creating inclusive and accessible educational environments worldwide.

Dr. Emily Good-Perkins, Ed.D.

Dr. Emily Good-Perkins holds a doctorate in Music Education from Columbia University and brings deep expertise in childhood music literacy and inclusive education. An esteemed educator and researcher, she has made significant contributions to music pedagogy and teacher training, particularly in designing programs that support diverse learning needs. Her role with Musicology Lab aligns with her commitment to accessible early music education, supporting the creation of evidence-based methods that cater to children of all learning styles.

Dr. Matthew Yip

Dr. Matthew Yip is a prominent figure in EdTech and the creator of the “Mathewmatician’s Dictionary,” an innovative system in mathematics education. He holds double PhDs and master’s degrees in Mathematics and Mathematics Education from top institutions, including MIT. Currently, he leads the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and directs educational programs in various institutions. As both a mathematics expert and musician, Dr. Yip brings a unique perspective to Musicology Lab, emphasizing how early music education enhances cognitive skills crucial for mathematical  development.

Pranav Sharma

Pranav Sharma, Founder and CEO of The Policy Tank Foundation, is a global policy researcher active in nine countries, specializing in public policy and social change. With affiliations at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, Pranav’s expertise spans policy research, sustainability, and community advocacy. His passion for educational equity drives his mission to bring Musicology Lab’s programs to underserved children worldwide through grants and corporate partnerships, expanding access to quality music education for all.

Chris North

Chris North, CEO and Founder of Learning for Good in Australia, is a visionary leader in the nonprofit sector with a focus on expanding arts and culture in education. Known for his expertise in strategy development, Chris has successfully led transformative initiatives that enhance educational access for underserved communities. His partnership with Musicology Lab underscores a shared commitment to creating impactful and inclusive learning opportunities, ensuring every child has access to high-quality music education.

Our Commitment to You

We understand that every child’s learning journey is unique. Whether you’re a parent nurturing musical talents, a school director seeking innovative teaching tools, or a music teacher looking for effective resources, Musicology Lab is dedicated to your success. For parents of neurodivergent learners who may have struggled with traditional music methods, we offer an inclusive, hands-on approach that’s proven to engage and inspire children of all abilities. We support your child’s musical development with safe, joyful, and engaging experiences, continuously evolving to meet the needs of our learners.

Get Involved and Join the Lab

We are always eager to hear your feedback, ideas, and suggestions! As a dynamic and ever-evolving “Lab,” we thrive on input from parents, educators, and music directors to keep improving our approach. Your insights help us refine our methods and innovate new resources.
Ready to unlock your child’s musical potential? Discover our I Can Read Music Kit, join our growing community, or reach out to see how Musicology Lab can make a difference in your child’s musical journey. Your voice matters to us, and we invite you to be part of our journey as we continue to develop and expand our offerings.

Stay Connected and Share Your Story

We encourage you to share your experiences and celebrate your child’s progress with our global community. Each rhythm clapped, each new pattern mastered is a milestone worth cheering for. Through our supportive network, we’ll celebrate every step your little musician takes—from their first claps to confidently playing their favorite songs.

Take the Next Step in Your Child’s Musical Journey

Don’t miss the chance to elevate your child’s musical education!

Join the Waitlist Today!

For Our Next Kit: I Can Play Piano

● Early Access: Be among the first to receive the I Can Play Piano Kit as soon as it launches.
● Exclusive Previews: Get a sneak peek of the kit’s contents and features before anyone else.
● Special Offers: Enjoy early bird discounts and exclusive bonuses available only towaitlist members.
●Support Your Child’s Growth: Continue nurturing your child’s musical talents with our structured and engaging curriculum.