Frequently Asked Questions
Are the same songs use every season?
No. Each ten-week program uses a different song collection. There are nine song collections in all presented as a three-year cycle which can be repeated. Because song collections are not sequential, families can start any season.
The song collections have been designed to offer a wide experience of different rhythms, duple, triple, and complex meters, major and minor tonalities, various styles and different instruments. There are a mix of traditional songs, world music, instrumental play-alongs, original music and rhythmic chants. The music is not your typical “kiddie music” and is enjoyable at an adult level, as well.
Do you use the same songs every week?
Each class includes about 12 songs from the current collection, of which there are 25-30 total songs. Each song will be used at least 3 times per season. Some of the songs will be done a few more times. However, the presentation of a song varies (perhaps large movement one week and a finger play the next). Occasionally, songs from outside the collection are introduced, or families request particular songs. We also welcome your music ideas for the Play Along and the Free Dance sessions.
What kind of instruments do you use?
We have a wide variety of child-friendly percussion instruments such as Bells, Drums, Rhythm Sticks, Shakers, Tambourines, and Triangles. Sometimes extensions of the body are used, such as scarves, a large piece of cloth, hoops, or a parachute, which help to emphasize the rhythm. For accompaniment, the teacher leads the group to sing, sometimes a cappella (voices only) and sometimes with an instrument. Recorded music is also used, but limited to a few songs per class, so that the experience of music and movement is emphasized, rather than passive listening.
How should we use the Music Together materials?
Play your songs at home or in the car frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make it available for your child to listen to while she or he is playing, or before nap or bedtime. Create your Family Music Zone® account and download the Hello Everybody 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 ideas for musical ideas to use at home. If you play an instrument and want to play along, the music notation is available in the book. Try using the songbook at story time instead of a regular book and sing through the songs as you go along.
How many seasons do you offer per year?
Our Music Together program runs year-round.
In the Fall, Winter, and Spring we offer 10-week trimesters.
In the Summer we offer a 6-week program.
What is the class size?
Each class typically has between 6 and 12 children, plus their caregiver(s).
Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?
Yes, parents, grandparents, or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time! Just please notify us always in advance so we can make sure there is space available.
Can I bring a guest or an unregistered older sibling to class?
Music Together classes may be in session when older children have a school holiday, and it is natural to want to bring them with you to class. Feel free to bring them along. Please read our Policies for more details on this. All guests must be prearranged with the teacher to ensure adequate space in the class.
What is included in the price?
Please visit our Prices page to read all details on this.
What if I miss a class during the semester?
We offer two compensation classes during each season. Although consistent attendance helps your child's learning and helps build community, we understand that life can be unpredictable. So, flexibility is important in supporting your family's experience. Please read our Policies for more details on this.
Can we eat in class?
Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms. Please read our Policies for more details on this.
Is there free parking around the area?
Yes, to locate the free parking zones near the classes click here.
Do you offer gift certificates?
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.
Why aren't there classes for specific age groups?
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!
What's expected of my child in class?
Children are expected to simply keep being children when they come to Music Together! Learning in early childhood only happens when children are relaxed and in charge of their experiences, not when they're being forced to pay attention or follow along. So, although we invite you to sing, move, grove and get a little silly with us, your child is free to roam, watch, snuggle in your lap or jump into the middle of the action as they need to. Expecting them to pay attention and follow along is not developmentally appropriate and will actually interrupt the natural learning process. So Music Together children, as long as they're safe, are "free range" in our classes!
As a parent or caregiver, what is my role in class?
Sing, dance, and have fun! Even if you don't consider yourself to be "musical”. 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 a great singer or dancer. The great news is that your child doesn't care about whether you sing or dance well--they only care that you sing and dance with them, every day. 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.
