Preschool & Preparatory Division
A child’s first encounter with music and movement should be joyful, gentle and encouraging. This is why PPD was designed as a safe and creative environment in which children discover their own abilities and gradually develop a relationship with the arts through play, song, rhythm, movement and imagination. The content and teaching methods are carefully tailored to each age group, so that every new skill is introduced when the child is ready to understand and acquire it.
PPD is not designed as a simplified version of education intended for older students. Each programme has its own methodology, pace and goals—from the first musical games and ballet steps to a carefully guided introduction to an instrument or solo singing. These activities foster concentration, coordination, a sense of rhythm, memory, self-confidence and the ability to work with others, while teachers pay close attention to each child’s temperament, interests and pace of development.
Performing is also an important part of the PPD experience. Students have opportunities to share their first knowledge and skills with audiences at school concerts and large-scale productions, in an atmosphere that encourages them and gives them a sense of security. From an early age, the stage thus becomes a familiar and joyful place, while children develop confidence, responsibility and a sense of belonging to the group.
PPD is therefore much more than time well spent: it lays the foundations for musical thinking, artistic curiosity and a love of learning. When the time comes for the next step, students can continue their development through the PRELUDINO programme and later in the CMD or EAEU department, within an environment that already knows them and continues to support their growth.
Video Gallery
Take a look at what PPD students have accomplished over the past few school years.
1. Music Playroom
Music Playroom for babies and children aged 0 to 2 is a program based on shared music-making and play, through which children are introduced to new concepts and learn their first words.
Children attend Music Playroom accompanied by a parent or another close adult. The aim is for parents, as well as children, to learn to sing our songs, strengthening their bond through a shared activity. In this way, parents help their children grow happily with music.
Music plays a very important role in children’s early development. It creates a sense of relaxation and comfort, stimulates the brain, and supports the development of speech and other psychomotor processes. Early exposure to musical activities also contributes to the natural development of a child’s musical abilities, which are very important throughout childhood. Children whose musical abilities are nurtured from an early age find it easier to develop self-confidence and social skills.
Musical activities offered to the youngest children today are often limited to listening to music on YouTube. One of the advantages of our Music Playroom is that all the songs children learn are sung and played live on real instruments.
Children remember songs sung to them by their mothers particularly well. We invite all mothers and fathers to join us with their children in learning and singing cheerful songs, playing small instruments, and listening to carefully selected music.
Classes are held in small groups once (1) a week, in Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian or English. Four (4) classes are held each month. Classes take place in modern and appropriately equipped facilities, with afternoon time slots.
The Music Playroom program lasts one school year, from September to June, and is divided into three semesters. When a child is ready to remain in class without a parent, they can progress to our Music Workshop program, which offers a wider variety of activities suited to their age.
At the end of each successfully completed semester, the child receives a certificate of semester completion with a descriptive grade reflecting their progress and acquired skills. To qualify for a semester certificate, the child must attend at least 50% of the classes held during that semester. After successfully completing at least three semesters, the child receives an international diploma for completing the Music Playroom program.
Music Playroom is led by Prof. Marija Ivančević-Stipić, author of the preschool music program at BASICSchool and owner of Muzički vrt, our partner in delivering these programs.
Learn more about them:
2. Music Workshop
Music Workshop for children aged 3 to 6 is a program based on play and interactive activities through which young children are introduced to singing, playing instruments, and music as an art form.
Early musical stimulation is much more effective in developing musicality than stimulation at a later age. Children who have the opportunity to make music this early can later follow the program and requirements of formal music education with ease. Music Workshop provides an excellent foundation for further music education.
The Music Workshop program also serves as preparation for PRELUDINO – My First Instrument, helping identify and guide each child’s musical interests, abilities, and aptitudes toward learning the instrument best suited to them.
In addition to musical abilities, we encourage the development of social skills that children will need when entering the formal school system. We work on concentration, attention, and patience, while teaching children to wait their turn, respect one another, and cooperate. Music is a valuable tool in our work with children. We strive to establish a balance between warmth and authority, serious tasks and play.
Classes are held in groups of up to ten (10) students once (1) a week, in Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian or English. Four (4) classes are held each month. Classes take place in modern and appropriately equipped facilities, with afternoon time slots.
The Music Workshop program lasts one school year, from September to June, and is divided into three semesters. Different groups are formed according to the children’s age and level of knowledge. Once they turn six, children can progress to PRELUDINO – My First Instrument or continue attending Music Workshop for one additional year. Once they turn seven, they can no longer attend Music Workshop.
At the end of each successfully completed semester, the child receives a certificate of semester completion with a descriptive grade reflecting their progress and acquired skills. To qualify for a semester certificate, the child must attend at least 50% of the classes held during that semester. After successfully completing at least three semesters, the child receives an international diploma for completing the Music Workshop program.
Music Workshop is led by Prof. Marija Ivančević-Stipić, author of the preschool music program at BASICSchool and owner of Muzički vrt, our partner in delivering these programs.
Learn more about them:
3. Ballet School
Ballet School is a program for children aged 3 to 6 through which children are introduced to ballet and music as an art form. In addition, ballet classes help them develop social skills, learn to work as part of a group, and socialize with their peers.
Take your first dance steps with us! Classes are held in groups of up to ten (10) students once (1) a week, in Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian or English. Four (4) classes are held each month. Classes take place in modern and appropriately equipped facilities, with afternoon time slots.
The Ballet School program lasts one school year, from September to June, and is divided into three semesters. Different groups are formed according to the children’s age and level of knowledge. Children can attend Ballet School until they turn seven, after which they can progress to more advanced ballet courses within the school’s EAEU program.
At the end of each successfully completed semester, the child receives a certificate of semester completion with a descriptive grade reflecting their progress and acquired skills. To qualify for a semester certificate, the child must attend at least 50% of the classes held during that semester. After successfully completing at least three semesters, the child receives an international diploma for completing the Ballet School program.
4. PRELUDINO – My First Instrument
PRELUDINO – My First Instrument is a preparatory music program for children aged 6 to 8 who wish to begin learning a chosen instrument or solo singing. It is designed as a carefully guided transition from the world of musical play to structured music education, allowing every child to take their first steps as a performer with joy, confidence, and understanding.
The program’s special value lies in the fact that children learn not only how to play or sing their first melodies, but also how to listen to, understand, and read music. By combining group learning with individual instruction, PRELUDINO develops musical abilities, creativity, independence, positive work habits, and a love of music, providing a strong foundation for further music education.
Each student attends two 45-minute classes per week: one group Music Mind Lab class and one individual lesson in their chosen instrument or solo singing. A total of eight (8) classes are held each month: four (4) group classes and four (4) individual lessons.
Music Mind Lab is an innovative group program adapted to the children’s age. Through play, listening, singing, rhythmic exercises, and creative tasks, it introduces the basic elements of solfege and music theory. Children gradually develop their musical ear, sense of rhythm, understanding of musical notation, and knowledge of basic musical concepts, preparing them for Solfege and Music Theory classes in the school’s CMD department.
During individual lessons, students can choose piano, guitar, violin, cello, flute, or solo singing. The teacher adapts the content, pace, and initial performance goals to each child’s age, abilities, and level of knowledge, allowing them to progress at their own pace and develop a healthy and positive attitude toward practice and public performance.
Music Mind Lab classes are held in small groups in the afternoon, while individual lesson times are arranged with the subject teacher. Music Mind Lab is taught by Prof. Marija Ivančević-Stipić, while individual instrument or solo singing lessons are taught by one of BASICSchool’s subject teachers, depending on the chosen main subject. Classes are available in Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian or English and take place in modern and appropriately equipped facilities.
The PRELUDINO program lasts one school year, from September to June, and is divided into three semesters. Children can attend the program each school year between the ages of 6 and 8. Once they turn nine, students can continue their education in the school’s CMD department. This six-year program includes individual lessons in a chosen instrument or solo singing, as well as Solfege and Music Theory classes.
At the end of each successfully completed semester, the child receives a certificate of semester completion with a descriptive grade reflecting their progress and acquired skills. To qualify for a semester certificate, the child must attend at least 50% of the classes held during that semester. After successfully completing at least three semesters, the child receives an international diploma for completing the PRELUDINO – My First Instrument program.
