What is expected of me in class?
Our expectation is that you will join in as soon as you are able. Sing, dance, and have fun! You might be surprised to hear that you are your child's most important music teacher right now—and it doesn't matter whether you think of yourself as a great singer or dancer. Young children develop dispositions for certain behaviors, including learning to love music, by observing and imitating their loved ones. Simply by participating enthusiastically during class and playing with the ideas at home, you'll give your children the modeling they need to learn to love to make music. Please wait to socialize or use your cell phone until after class and instead help us create a music-only environment.
What is expected of my child in class?
Our expectation is that your child will act their age! At Music Together®®, children are never required to sit in the circle or expected to conform to an adult's idea of participation. We know that children learn differently from adults. They learn instinctively and constantly, through observation, interactions with adults and older children, and through imitation, play, and, especially, movement. One hallmark of Music Together is the insight that children will naturally develop music ability simply when they are immersed in a community of families all making music.
Children's responses depend on their most dominant learning style and temperament as well as their age and developmental level. Some might follow the teacher right away. Many will simply want to watch and absorb, particularly in the first few weeks of class. Some might crawl or toddle around; others are stimulated by the music and respond more actively, running, jumping, or dancing. All are perfectly natural responses to the new, musically rich environment. Throughout the semester, your teacher will help you tune in to how your child learns best so you can support their music development in class and at home. Feel free to ask if you have questions!
How should we use the Music Together® materials?
Use your personal Family Music Code on the inside cover of your songbook(s) to log in to the Music Together app or the Family Music Zone® Download or stream the music, get the song notation, and explore additional content for Music Together families. If you do not use CD's, consider sharing them with grandparents or other grown-ups in your child's life. Or set up a "music area" with a small CD player and let your kids build their own Music Together library (a great idea for families wanting to keep their kids off their phone/computer). Use the songbook as a family as you learn the songs and make them available to your kids. They will be singing their way through in no time!
Who is invited to come to class?
Our classes are for kids and the grown-ups who love them (i.e. Mom, Dad, Auntie, Grandpa, Nanny)! Unregistered siblings are also invited to join us for a complimentary visit once per quarter. They are welcome to join us again for $20/class. Email Mrs. Chrisi with your drop-in sibling requests!
How many kids are in class?
Each class has 6 - 12 families, depending on the room size and class enrollment.
Can we eat in class?
You are welcome to nurse or bottle-feed babes in arms, but we ask that you not bring food or drink (other than water) into classrooms. Please finish eating before entering the classroom. You may consider keeping snacks in the car, as even "hidden" snacks can be a distraction.
Can I take pictures in class?
Please do not take pictures or video in class. When we do, the experience changes for our kids from connection to performance. We want to fully engage with them! We also need to be mindful of not filming other famiies in class. Instead, create music-making moments at home and capture and share them (We love getting these)!
What if I miss a class?
We realize life sometimes throws us curve balls and as a courtesy we offer our registered families an opportunity to make-up missed classes. Make-up classes are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. and must be used within the current session. They can be scheduled under "enrolled families". You are also welcome to use this feature if you join a class mid-session and miss class in your first month. Registration is not pro-rated for mid-month enrollment.
What if I need to switch classes or withdraw?
You are welcome to move to a different class, depending on class availability. Class change requests can be made at any time. At least thirty-days notice by email request is required to withdraw. Enrollment ends on the last day of the month following notification. Please email Mrs. Chrisi with requests.
Why are all ages in one class?
Classes with children of different ages have intellectual and social benefits for both younger and older children. In fact, it's the learning environment recommended by many early childhood researchers. Older children learn empathy and awareness of others, while developing leadership qualities and gaining self-confidence. Younger children learn by imitating the older ones and often show more complex behaviors earlier than usual. Even babies benefit by being in an environment that gives them lots of opportunities to observe the behavior of children of varying ages. Plus, it allows everyone—siblings, parents, grandparents, caregivers—to share in the musical experience together!
Do you offer gift certificates and music parties?
Yes and Yes! Gift certificates can be purchased at any time here. Share the fun with your loved ones! They make great shower, birthday, and Christmas gifts. Music parties add big fun to birthday celebrations, reunions, or playdates! As with all our classes, adult participation is expected and a music specialist will help lead the fun. Please email Mrs. Chrisi for information.
More Questions?
Check out the Family Music Zone® FAQ
