DENTON - A North Texas college that is known to crank out talented musicians is now focusing on getting the young in tune.

The University of North Texas, which is world-renowned for their music program, has started a program in which infants and toddlers have become students.

"We are trying to lay the foundation for a strong musical future," said Dr. Warren Henry, founder of the early childhood music class.

Parents have gotten into the rhythm of bringing their babies to bond with music each Saturday morning for 10 weeks.

"I wanted him to have musical abilities that I never had," said Gabe Ignatow, who enrolled his son.

Dr. Henry said the goal of the class is to teach the children how to speak the language of music.

"I think music is a language just like Spanish or sign language or anything like that, and the earlier they can pick it up the better," said James Schultz, another parent who enrolled his daughter.

By exposing children early to music, experts say they will jump to the head of band class.

"Absolutely, just as a child who is spoken to throughout their first five years will be way ahead of a child who metaphorically was never spoken to during their first five years," Dr. Henry said. "There are studies around that say those who are active in the arts do better in school."

One parent said he has already witness his child's curiosity become stimulated after attending the classes.

"He asks so many questions and we attribute it to the music class," he said.

Those looking for more information can contact E-mail ecprogram@music.unt or call 940-391-4085.