Children and adults enjoy music and art together.

This program proves that Learning is FUN!  Using music and creative movement, art, letters, numbers and free play, this program provides an opportunity to meet new friends while building self-confidence and sharing successes. Music class develops physical, verbal, memory and musical skills. Art class widens a child’s curiosity and imagination and builds motor skills. This program also helps your toddler get ready for preschool. Time for Partners is a childhood “right of passage”, helping to bring toddlers to preschool readiness all across Newton and neighboring towns. 

Many music programs have classrooms. We are in an auditorium. The subtle acoustic sound effects serve children's sensitive ears and you will find they pay extra attention to the music. The beautiful space with high ceiling, big windows, and ample natural light help adults and children enjoy a great time together.

We are well-known in the local community for 50 years.

Much of our lives are quite different today than in the 1970s, but one constant that never seems to change is the innate need for children to play and the desire for parents to see their youngsters explore, socialize, and thrive in their early years. Back in the ‘70s, several Newton residents seized the opportunity to start a “caregiver and child” program to accomplish it all in one place - thus was born Newton’s own “Time for Partners” program. Phyllis Bernstein, Karen Milner, Arlene Litwin and singer/songwriter Van Gilbert were founding music and creative movement teachers. The program has attracted outstanding staff over the years, including professional musicians, performers, and educators.

Parents whose children aged out of this program now bring their grandchildren back to enjoy the same learning experience as a generation before. 

We are flexible and adaptable.

Through the years, our program constantly evolves and always accommodates your family's needs. During the pandemic, our outdoor classes provided the social interaction which was lacking yet crucial to early childhood development. Starting from the spring semester of 2024, musician Memo Rubio will incorporate Spanish songs in his repertoire to enrich the children's language learning experience.

Whenever you register during a semester, the tuition is prorated. You can also bring along siblings for a reduced registration fee.

Our teachers are professional musicians and educators and have impressive background and teaching experience. Come see for yourself and try out a class.    

• Teresa Curtin (art) received a BA in Early Childhood Education from Stonehill College and worked as a preschool teacher for 16 years. She attended Time for Partners with both her children and her niece. In her free time, Terry enjoys photography and is often seen with a camera around her neck capturing stunning pictures of children and nature.

• Memo Rubio (music) musician, singer, composer and producer, founder of Memo Rubio Music School. For over 10 years, he has worked with children and adults of all ages teaching Guitar, Bass, Piano, Ukulele, Drums and Singing lessons in English and Spanish, helping them to shine in the school's musical recitals. He has participated in live and recorded performances as a touring musician. Currently with over 280 music lessons and tutorials on his YouTube Channel, Memo enjoys creating tools and content for the new generation and sharing his love for music with the world.

• Substitute Music Providers: 
  • Kat Chapman (music) This singer songwriter, touring musician and Newton mom is happy to be reunited with our program for some guitar strumming and singing this summer!
  • Michelle Shirley (music) grew up as a dancer at the Boston Ballet School in Newton.Upon graduating she then earned her degree in Dance Education from Dean College.Teaching dance and enriching the lives of children has been a lifelong dream and she finds joy in bringing music and movement to her students for over 20 years.