best music programs in Oakland, CA

Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.

At Montclair Community Play Center (MCPC), we strive to provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for our children to grow and learn. We are a play-based parent's cooperative preschool in Oakland, California, and have been since 1933. Our campus is situated among redwood trees, and we have multiple outdoor and indoor spaces, including two large outdoor play spaces, a nature area with chickens, an all-weather outdoor art space, a large playroom, a stand-alone learning annex and a snack room. We are a diverse community of 25 families who work together to create an environment that allows our children to learn how to resolve conflict, build self-esteem and value diversity.

It is with this spirit that Temple Beth Abraham (TBA) is proud to endorse the Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards’ December 6, 2006 decision to permit Conservative rabbis to perform commitment ceremonies and allow the ordination of gays and lesbians. We also enthusiastically support the USCJ’s decision to revise its hiring policies and consider applicants for United Synagogue jobs regardless of sexual orientation. At TBA, we strive to create a synagogue community in which all members and visitors feel welcome and included. We are dedicated to providing an environment where everyone can come together in prayer and study, in celebration and grief, in joy and in sorrow. We look forward to continuing to provide this welcoming atmosphere for all of our members and visitors.

Our specially designed Gymboree Play & Music classes are the perfect way to give your little one the best start in life. Combining new technology with classic learning techniques, our classes are designed to engage young minds and promote physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development. With an extensive range of options to choose from, there’s something for babies and toddlers up to 5 years of age. For over 40 years, Gymboree Play & Music has been the global leader in early childhood development programs. Our unique curriculum is designed to foster creativity and confidence in young children, with a focus on social/emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Get your little one off to the best possible start with our specially designed classes, which use a mix of new technology and classic learning techniques to keep their interest and promote their growth. With classes suitable for babies and toddlers up to 5 years old, Gymboree Play & Music has something for everyone.

KinderGuitar can provide your child with the opportunity to experience the joy of making music. The guitar is an ideal instrument to begin a journey of music appreciation and exploration. With its global popularity, flexibility, affordability and portability, the guitar provides endless possibilities for your child to learn how to play and to develop an appreciation for music. With the help of KinderGuitar’s curriculum, your child can explore the world of music and gain an appreciation for music, and the enrichment it provides to their life and the lives of those around them.

At Mr. D’s Music Club, kids of all ages have the opportunity to explore music and creativity in a safe and inspiring environment. What started as a one-week summer camp in 2011 has blossomed into a full-fledged after school program and summer camp that serves hundreds of kids each year. The club is owned and operated by Stephen Duffy, an award-winning singer and songwriter with over two decades in the music industry. Stephen has produced and composed over a hundred albums and has been commissioned to compose for theater, dance, and video. He is currently the music director at Glenwood School in San Rafael, California, and is dedicated to helping children discover the joy of music. Mr. D's Music Club is widely recognized for its quality programs and the inspiration it brings to young kids. With the guidance of Stephen Duffy and his team of passionate instructors, kids of all ages can explore music and creativity in a safe and inspiring environment.

Established in 2007, Musically Minded Academy is a non-profit corporation offering a unique music education program and an empowering environment for students and teachers to connect. At Musically Minded Academy, we strive to provide students with the best music education possible, giving them the tools to not only master their instrument but also to express themselves and build self-confidence. Our unique programs are designed to create a stimulating learning environment with close student-teacher relationships. Our mission is to foster creativity and build community through performance based music education. We believe in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for our students, so they can experience success every day. This is why Musically Minded Academy has become a respected and admired institution, providing excellent music education programs and a close-knit community for all our students.

At our facility, we focus on providing parents and their children with comprehensive training in various areas, ranging from technique and strength, to physical education and biomechanics. Our experienced instructors teach students how to master self-defense and self-discipline, while exploring the history and music behind the movements. We understand that parents want their children to learn and gain the most from their training sessions. That's why we provide a personalized approach, with our experts designing custom programs to suit the individual needs of the student. With us, parents can rest assured that their kids are receiving the best instruction and guidance. Finally, we offer an added bonus of introducing students to maculelê and music through instruments and songs. Our goal is to ensure that our students are having fun while they are learning and developing their skills. We believe that the combination of physical and mental training will help them maximize their learning experience and fitness results.

At Peralta Hacienda Historical Park in Oakland's Fruitvale, we strive to bring people together to understand, celebrate, and appreciate the diverse cultures that have been and continue to be part of California's vibrant identity. Our goal is to foster greater equity, environmental resilience, and a sense of belonging for all. Through our exhibits, events, and youth and community programs, we create a platform to heal historical wounds, take care of the land we depend on, and engage in civic life. By doing so, we hope to provide a model for other communities throughout the United States. At Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, we believe that by coming together to embrace our differences, we can build a better, more equitable future for all. We invite you to join us in creating a more vibrant and unified world for generations to come.

The Oakland Symphony is comprised of the professional orchestra, the Oakland Symphony Chorus, and the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra. Additionally, a staff of volunteers, board members, and community supporters help promote symphonic music in the East Bay. The organization has roots that can be traced back to 1933, when the original Oakland Symphony was founded. After its closure in 1986, the Chorus and Youth Orchestra split into two independent organizations. In 2010, the three ensembles reunited under the name of Oakland East Bay Symphony, and in 2020 reclaimed its original name, Oakland Symphony. All of these components united under one organization are working hard to keep classical and symphonic music alive in Oakland.