Clubs, band and other groups can give children what they need most: human connection and the experience of contributing to a common goal.

Music lessons are sometimes sold as a sort of cognitive training. Put a child in front of a piano, the story goes, and they’ll get smarter. Mainstream news headlines have helped fuel the belief, ...

For the youngest children, classes include stretching, baby exercise, working fine-motor skills, bonding time with parents and play time all set to music. “It’s really neat stuff,” said Joan Prenosil, ...

The transition from singer-songwriter Jeff Klemm to children’s music maker Mr. Jeff started with a simple goal. “I’m going to make music that my generation of parents actually want to hear, but direct ...