About Musical Chess™
Big Growth Starts with Little Moves
At Musical Chess, we believe every child is a symphony of potential—ready to explore, express, and grow. We blend chess, music, and imaginative play into one joyful, developmentally rich experience for kids ages 2½ to 7.
Our mission is simple: spark curiosity, nurture confidence, and help children build lasting skills—on and off the chessboard.
Founder's Story
Adrienne Tellier has always been inspired by the magic of childhood—bright minds, big imaginations, and the spark that happens when learning feels like discovery.
A lifelong lover of the arts, Adrienne grew up immersed in music and performance: piano, voice, musical theatre, dance, even aerial silks! She earned a BFA in Musical Theatre and moved to New York City to pursue her acting career.
Along the way, she found a new kind of stage—one filled with eager learners and creative energy. As a teaching artist, Adrienne explored everything from early childhood music to directing and choreographing children’s theatre and tutoring chess. It was in those spaces that she discovered the magic of introducing chess to young kids, watching them grow more confident, focused, and capable through engaging, hands-on learning.
Her experience led to a leadership role in curriculum development at a fast-growing NYC education startup, where she saw firsthand how powerful imaginative learning can be.
Fueled by her experiences, Adrienne created Musical Chess!—a program that brings together music, strategy, and engaging play to make chess exciting and approachable for young children.
At Musical Chess, learning isn’t about memorizing moves—it’s about discovery, connection, and having a blast. Adrienne’s goal is to give little learners a meaningful foundation—building cognitive skills, self-assurance, and a love of learning that lasts well beyond the board.
What Makes Us Different?
Play-Based Learning:
We meet kids with joy and creativity—not pressure or perfection.
Musical Magic:
Learning becomes unforgettable with our unique approach—original lyrics paired with engaging melodies. Every lesson is a musical adventure, transforming concepts into captivating songs.
Real Growth:
From focus and memory to emotional regulation and confidence, our students develop skills that last far beyond the chess board.
Ages 2½ and Up:
Yep, even toddlers can play chess—our program is designed just for them.
What Experts Say
What doesn’t Musical Chess address?
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I enjoyed observing all the skills this class has to offer. In this class your child is in good hands! They will practice attending, vestibular processing, body awareness, body schema, executive functioning skills and more! During the class, music is paired with movement activities that will challenge coordination skills and executive functioning skills. The musical and movement activities will also aide in regulating your child’s nervous system in order to help maintain attention for learning to play chess! A calm, regulated body is a foundation needed in order to practice their higher level skills during chess such as executive functioning, coordination, visual perceptual and ocular motor skills. I believe this program is designed to address all the skills mentioned above, which will not only allow them to become chess players but grow in other areas of their daily activities. I am happy to endorse this program!
-Alexis Davis MS OTR/L
R&R Therapies Owner
FAQ'S
1. What age group is Musical Chess designed for?
Musical Chess is made for early learners ages 2½ to 7. Our classes are play-based and developmentally appropriate, with options tailored by age and ability.
Check the schedule here to find the best fit for your child.
We also have a YouTube channel if you prefer learning at home.
2. Does my child need to know chess or music beforehand? Not at all! No experience needed. Musical Chess is beginner-friendly and focuses on building joyful, hands-on foundations for both.
3. What exactly is Musical Chess?
Musical Chess blends chess instruction with music, games, and playful activities to help kids learn strategy in a way that’s fun, engaging, and developmentally just right. Expect to sing, move, and yes—play chess!
Interested in seeing what a class is like? Check out our YouTube channel to learn a little bit more.
4. What will my child learn in a Musical Chess class? Through our different “Acts”, they'll learn how each piece moves, basic strategies, how to start playing independently and more. But they’ll also grow focus, memory, creativity, coordination, and confidence—through music and play.
5. How long are the classes?
Class lengths vary by location, but most Musical Chess sessions run 30 to 45 minutes—perfect for young attention spans!
Check the schedule here to find the best fit for your child.
6. Can parents attend or observe classes?
It depends on the location and format. Some sessions include parent participation; others encourage independence.
Each class listing will note what to expect.
7. How do I register and pay for a class?
We are constantly adding classes to our schedule.
Want to be the first to know when classes are announced? We’d love to keep you in the loop!
Just leave your info right here and we’ll notify you the moment registration goes live.
8. Will my child actually learn to play chess?
Yes! While our approach is playful and musical, children gain a solid foundation in chess—learning rules, piece movement, simple strategies, and how to begin playing independently over time.
Interested in seeing what a class is like? Check out our YouTube channel to learn a little bit more.
9. What if my child has a hard time sitting still? That’s totally okay—actually, we expect it! Musical Chess is designed with wiggles in mind. We switch between sitting, moving, and playing, which helps keep energy high and attention focused. And yes—chess is a great way to gently stretch those attention spans over time.
10. Who teaches Musical Chess? Our teachers are trained in the Musical Chess method and come from early childhood, music, theatre, or chess backgrounds. They’re warm, playful, and dedicated to helping every child shine. All instructors are background checked and trained to deliver a consistent, joyful experience.
11. What should my child bring to class? Nothing but their curiosity! We provide all materials needed for class. Comfortable clothes are recommended—we might be sitting, stretching, or dancing!
12. What are the different ways my child can take Musical Chess?
There are four ways to join us:
• Public Classes – Held at local venues and community spaces (learn more)
• In-School Programs – Offered as part of school enrichment or afterschool programs (see partnerships)
• Private Lessons – One-on-one or small group, including co-ops (details here)
Each format uses the same playful, music-rich curriculum and can be adapted to your child’s setting. All in greater Greenville SC.
Not in Greenville? Try our Online Learning via YouTube — designed as smaller snippets to bring the joy of learning wherever you are!