Spark Imagination Through Music at the ISO’s Teddy Bear Concert Series

Introducing young children to the arts can be a challenge. Finding age-appropriate experiences that don’t cost a lot and happen during daytime hours is tricky, which means many children do not get to experience the arts. Fortunately for us in the Indy area, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has partnered with the Indianapolis Colts to bring quality music to little ones via The Teddy Bear Concert Series.

In 2025, the Teddy Bear Concert Series takes place on February 8, March 1, March 8, March 31, May 31, June 21, and July 19.

These short, interactive programs designed specifically for children ages 3 to 7 happen around the city during daytime hours. Here’s what to expect during a concert and how to use this free educational program.

A young girl learns to hold and play a child-sized violin at a Teddy Bear Concert in Indianapolis.

Why Classical Music Matters

Exposing children to classical music at a young age has been shown to have numerous benefits for their development. The complex rhythms and melodies found in classical music can help to stimulate the brain and improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive ability. Additionally, the structure and patterns found in classical music can also help to improve spatial-temporal skills, which are important for problem-solving and decision-making.

Consistently listening to classical music has been linked to improved listening skills in children. Because classical music is not usually repetitive like songs that might be on the radio, listeners are challenged to follow the ever-changing tune. A study found that children who were exposed to classical music had better verbal memory and language skills compared to those who were not exposed. This is likely because classical music often includes complex rhythms and melodies, which can help to stimulate the brain and improve language skills.

Exposing children to classical music can also have emotional benefits. Listening to classical music can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. The calming effect it has causes your brain to release dopamine, which prevents the release of stress hormones. This leads to clearer thinking and boosts creativity!

Four musicians prepare to play for an audience of families at a Teddy Bear Concert in Indianapolis.

Teddy Bear Concert Series: What to Expect

The Teddy Bear Concert Series has been around for over a decade, meaning that it has impacted the lives of over 10,000 central Indiana youngsters. The Teddy Bear Concert series won The Ford Musician Award for Excellence in Community Service in 2019.

A Teddy Bear Concert introduces young children to the instruments of the orchestra through storytelling, movement, and live music. All performances are free and open to the public (Registration may be required). Stuffed friends are always welcome!

A child holds two small teddy bears and smiles while leaning against a giant plush teddy bear at a children's classical music performance in Indianapolis.

ISO violinist Victoria Kintner Griswold wrote five original stories which together introduce 18 different instruments from the symphony orchestra. The stories include The Garden Symphony, The Monkey’s Jungle, The Runaway Strings, The Big Note, and The Giant’s Violin. The stories are unique but the music is familiar. You might hear Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, or Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals. As many of the musical selections are popular, whispers of “I know that one!” can be heard during the performance.

Before the concert begins, the narrator will give the children the expectations for the show, as well as explain different movements and when to do them. Standing up, jumping, clapping, reaching toward the sky, and pretending to fly are some examples of movements the children will do. If you go to the ISO’s webpage, you can find the movements that are going to be taught, plus the sound they will accompany for each of the stories. For example, in The Garden Symphony, during Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee, kids are invited to stand up and fly like a bumble bee.

Two children smile from their seats at a Teddy Bear Concert in Indianapolis.

A Hands-0n Musical Experience

After the 30-minute performance concludes, children will be invited to come up and explore a real violin and talk with the musicians. Bringing classical music into the hands (literally) and hearts of children is sure to make a favorable impression on your little ones. The Teddy Bear books (all made in Indiana) are available for purchase at every performance. Written by Victoria Kintner Griswold, they were illustrated by Sharon Vargo who is also a central Indiana resident. Some are available from our public libraries as well.

Musically-inspired storybooks are sold at Teddy Bear Concerts in Indianapolis.

The concert series happens in public locations such as libraries and museums throughout Indianapolis and surrounding areas. This 9-series event begins in January and concludes in July. Locations and content vary so it is best to check out the ISO webpage for specifics.

If you have older children and are interested in exposing them to classical music, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has Discovery Concerts, which are geared towards students in grades 3 through 6. These are a wonderful opportunity to experience orchestral music at Hilbert Circle Theatre!

These Indy-area ballet classes are perfect for beginners!

Get access to free books for kids through the Imagination Library.

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