Frequently Asked Questions
Quick links: General · Enrollment & Logistics · Curriculum & Learning · Devices & Payment · For Schools
General
What is Overture Games?
Overture Games is a digital, game-based enrichment program where kids learn music and creativity through play. Our classes blend real music concepts with interactive video games, letting students compose, perform, and collaborate while having fun. (Learn more on our Demo Games page.)
What ages can participate?
Our programs are designed for Grades K–8. Using a Montessori-esque model, we meet kids where they are while supporting varied skill levels—from discovering rhythm for the first time to composing melodies by ear.
Where are Overture Games classes offered?
We partner directly with schools across Chicago, Boston/Cambridge, and surrounding suburbs. Parents enroll through their school’s after-school catalog or via our Find My Program page. ( Enroll Today )
Do students need any prior music experience?
Not at all. Overture is designed to be a student’s best first experience learning music. Students learn rhythm, melody, and harmony step by step through our interactive game worlds, and can dig deeper as they are ready.
What technology do students use?
Each student has access to a device provided by the school or Overture (1:1 ratio). All activities run through Overture’s platform and are facilitated by trusted, Overture-certified teachers.
Enrollment & Logistics
How do I enroll my child?
Find your school on our Enroll page, log in, register your student, and pay. Some schools handle registration internally; in those cases, our site links directly to the school’s registration site or connects you with your after-school coordinator. ( Enroll Today )
What happens after I enroll?
You’ll get a confirmation email and you’re ready to go. With a parent account, you can view your child’s progress and listen to the songs they create.
Can my child join mid-session?
If space allows, yes. We accept late enrollments and you can join the waitlist if a class is full.
What if my child misses a class?
If school closures or weather events occur, we make our best effort to add extra sessions to make up for missed classes.
What’s your cancellation or refund policy?
You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel before the first class.
Curriculum & Learning
What do students actually learn?
Students explore musical worlds—Rhythm, Harmony, Melody, Instruments, and more—each teaching core music skills through creative challenges. They earn rewards and unlock muses (characters) as they grow. ( Explore our games )
Who designs the curriculum?
Overture’s curriculum is designed by Aspen Buckingham, a music technologist and educator who has presented at Northwestern University, Tulane, Techstars, and ISMTA, and serves on the board of CAMTA. Programs are backed by educators and researchers from Northwestern, UChicago, NYU, and partners through ASCAP.
How do games reinforce real music skills?
Every mini-game corresponds to real music learning goals like timing, pitch recognition, or composition. Students hear and see feedback instantly, strengthening real-world musicianship through play.
What’s the difference between the Music and Create Worlds with AI programs?
Our Music program teaches general music including composition, improvisation, and aural skills. The AI program focuses on creativity—students use tools like Gemini, Suno, and ElevenLabs in a safe, structured environment to build characters, worlds, and songs responsibly.
Do students perform or share their work?
Yes. Each program ends with a Showcase Day, where students demonstrate their progress and share their compositions for parents, classmates, and teachers.
Devices & Payment
Are devices included in tuition?
Yes. Your school or Overture supplies student-safe devices with access to our website and activities. Families don’t need to buy or download anything separately.
Is financial aid available?
We often collaborate with schools that use after-school grants or PTA funds to make programs more accessible. Ask your enrichment coordinator if aid or scholarships are available at your site.
How are payments processed?
All payments go through our secure Stripe system on overture.games, or through the school’s portal if they handle registration directly.
For Schools & Administrators
How can my school bring Overture Games programs to our students?
We partner with schools to deliver turnkey, device-based enrichment programs. Schools can start a session in as little as two weeks. No materials or extra staffing are required. ( For Schools )
What support do schools receive?
We handle logistics: scheduling, teacher onboarding, communication templates, and end-of-session progress showing attendance and student outcomes.
Can schools choose custom schedules, age groups, or themes?
Absolutely. Most schools run 8–12 week sessions once per week. We tailor timing and curriculum themes to fit your school calendar and interests.
Are background checks and training required?
Yes. All instructors are fully background-checked and trained in classroom management, digital safety, and creative technology integration before teaching.