Spring Registration is OPEN!
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!
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.
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!
Each class has between 6 and 14 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).
Yes, parents, grandparents, or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time—no need to ask!
Play your songs frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make the music available for your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. In the McBride family, we love listening in the car! Create your Music Together account and download the "Music Together" app for digital versions of the songs and more activity ideas to try!
Use the songbook to help you learn the songs and get new musical activities to use at home. If you play an instrument and want to play along, the music notation is available at the start of the semester or in the Family Music Zone on the Music Together website. Try using the songbook at storytime!
If you have an unusual schedule/travel situation, let us know and we can often work something out! Or, if you end up having to miss class due to sickness more than 2-3 times, reach out to your teacher about getting credit toward a future semester!
Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms.
Any potential cancellations due to weather will be communicated via email.
Short answer: probably yes! Just ask your teacher. Music Together® classes may be in session when older children have a school holiday, and we can usually accommodate having them in class. We also love to have your friends visit class to see what it's like! However, all guests must be prearranged with the teacher to ensure adequate space in the class.
Gift certificates toward classes can be purchased at any time. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts. Please contact us if you’re interested in purchasing one.