It is well-documented that Vienna is one of the most liveable cities in the world, demonstrated by it’s consistent position in the No. 1 or No. 2 position on the Global Liveability Index since 2015 (excluding a brief relegation in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions).
Much of this comes from statistics such as housing availability, rental rates, job opportunities and so forth.
But there is an important element in liveability that is harder to quantify: opportunities and programs for kids and families.
In the next few months, I hope to use my position as a new father to lift the lid on the huge amount of events, locales and happenings arranged by the city of Vienna for families.
Movin’ and Shakin’: Music and dance classes for children
As the winter months close in, it becomes more and more necessary to find opportunities and classes to keep young children inspired and moving, especially if you have children at home who have not started kindergarten yet. Fortunately, being a very culturally rich and vibrant city, Vienna does not disappoint. There are many, many private and public options for music and dance classes for young movers and shakers, spread throughout the city.
As my partner is part of the music education and performance world in Vienna, we are lucky to have some wonderful connections for classes and programs for kids of all ages. We also have many friends with young kids who have also recommended different programs and activities to us.
There are a large number of programs on offer in Vienna, ranging from publicly-funded free (or cheap) classes, to more specialized and private classes offered by influential educators in their fields.
• Breakdancing, not breaking the bank: Affordable introductions to kids music and dance
If you’re not sure about music courses, it’s a good idea to start with courses that will not break the bank. Some of the children’s hospitals offer music classes which are affordable, and have been recommended to me by friends. One particular hospital program that is popular is the MusikGarten program at the St. Josef hospital (where our son was born), which offers music and movement classes from 1.5-3 years.The price for 14 weekly classes is only 175 euros, which is half the price of some private, fancier institutions.
You can get all the details here.
• Rythmics
For something completely free, the music university offers classes led by it’s students who are studying Rhythmics, a curriculum combining education, movement, creativity and music. These courses are free to enroll, and take place in the afternoon 1-2 days a week during the university semester.
As the music students are giving these classes as part of their degree program, they are enthusiastic and creative in their approach, and as somebody who has attended a few of these classes I can speak for the playful and inspiring nature of the lessons. If you find that the Rythmics philosophy and educational practice is something that you and your child enjoy and fit well to, there are also professionally-led Rythmics courses at the Rhythmik Studio in the 3rd District, offering a wide range of classes from 2-15 years old starting around 300 euros for a full course.
Finally, for affordable music and theatre performances for young kids, the WUK Cultural Centre in the 9th district has been offering inspirational programs to community members of all ages for decades. They have a great kids program with tickets ranging between 10-15 euros, combining music and theatre
performed by committed and playful performers with dates spread throughout the year.
Sign-up to get down: Private music and dance groups
Being a musical city, there is no shortage of music groups in Vienna. The tricky thing is knowing which ones to pick! Here you can find three music groups which have been recommended by friends, parents and musicians so that your little ones can explore sound, rhythm and instruments through a large range of courses and programs around the city.
• KinderMusikGruppe
Led by the head of Early Childhood Music Education at the MdW (Vienna University of Music), the KinderMusikGruppe in the 6th district is a colourful and multi-disciplinary school offering courses to kids from 3 months to 6 years, in the heart of the city at Mariahilferstrasse. Most of the courses combine dance and movement with experimenting with instruments (percussion and noise-makers are always a favourite!), alongside singing, painting and exploring sound. And the best part is, parents are expected to take part as well!
• The Redenbach
The Redtenbach cultural centre in the 16th District hosts a variety of workshops and performances, mostly focused around classical instrumentation and modern interpretations. They also offer children’s programs and choirs, with a focus on classes for kids 0-18 months and from 18 months to 5 years old.There is a strong focus on creating a relationship with music, building confidence and realizing potential through the use and experimentation of sound and musical instruments.
• Zentrum für Musikvermittlung
In the 14th District, the Zentrum für Musikvermittlung has a huge selection of programs for adults, teenagers and younger children alike. The centre offers many of the same styles of early childhood music courses that are on offer elsewhere, but there are a few programs on offer that really help this program stand out.
One of these is an “instrumental taster” course that children can experiment and try different instruments so that they can help choose what might be the right fit for them as they get older. It is also one of the few programs that offer organized choirs and singing programs for younger kids, in groups from 4-5 years and 5-6 years in order to help our youngest musicians discover their voice and the power of harmony within groups.
• English Dance Academy
If you are looking for classes and programs based more on dance, and are coming from an international background, I recommend giving the English Dance Academy a visit. Located in the 8th and 22nd districts, the organization offers a variety of different styles and disciplines to a variety of ages. From parent-assisted “early walkers” movement classes, to ballet and contemporary classes for older kids, the EDA has a large number of options. Each hour-long class costs between 20-24 euros without having to commit to a full course, so it is definitely worth a try!
• Bewegungsraum
Another dance and movement themed program can be found in the 18th district at the Bewegungsraum, a space that also hosts a mix of dance classes for a mix of ages (this time in German). The price is a little cheaper (around 230 euros for 15 lessons), but you must sign up for the entire course.
For a general overview of what is on offer in Vienna, the WienXtra organization (previously explored in my “Family Fun in the Sun” post) has a comprehensive list of many of the cities best activities. From learning instruments and music in group classes to children’s choirs and singing groups, WienXtra has great information.
It’s also extra helpful that the courses organized by district, so it’s easy to find activities in your neighbourhood!
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Read more about Vienna here in Dispatches’ archives.
Thom Harding was born and raised in the UK and USA, sharing his time between Bath and Boston. Upon completing his studies in Art History and Painting in Florence, Thom travelled around Mexico and India before moving to New Mexico to start his career as a Primary school teacher.
After completing his MA in Education, he now lives and works in Vienna, Austria and enjoys spending his free time hiking, reading, travelling and exploring around Europe.
See more of Thom’s work here in the Dispatches archive.
You can read more about Vienna here in the Dispatches archives.
