As a parent, what is my role in class?

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 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's expected of my child in class?

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?

Play your songs at home and in the car frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make it available to the music available for your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. Create your Family Music Zone^®® 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 ideas for musical ideas to use at home. The music notation is in the book if you play an instrument and want to play along. Try using the songbook at storytime instead of a regular book and sing through the songs as you go along.

What is the class size?

Each class has between 6 and 12 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).

What if I miss a class during the semester?

We offer unlimited makeup classes during each semester session. Please note that these are for your current session only and do not carry over to another session, and may be subject to availability depending on class sizes.

Is it important to be on time?

Please make every effort to be present for the "Hello Song" - it is so important for children to participate in this ritual song and be welcomed to class hearing their own names.  The "Hello Song" is a family favorite and is often the first Music Together song children learn.  So don't miss out!

Can I switch to a different class?

Requests for class changes must be initiated within the first two weeks of the semester. Depending on class availability, changes are made at the discretion of the center director and teachers involved. Changes are not made after the second week of the semester.

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

Little Music Makers welcomes families at any point during the semester! 

Is it okay to talk during class?

We aim to make class time a total music-immersion experience.  We hope you make new friends and build a community of families, but please save chatting for before or after class.  Talking is distracting to your child, other families, and the teacher.  What happens between the songs can sometimes be the most exciting part of class.  This is when your child may audiate (imagine the sounds in his/her mind) or miimic the last tones or rhythms, and we don't want you to miss it!

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. We also provide an area to nurse privately if desired.

Can I take photos during class?

We know you will want to take photos/videos of your child making music!  However, since your participation is essential, please limit picture-taking during class.  Also, please DO NOT photograph, film, or post photos of other children without their families' permission.

Little Music Makers may occasionally take photos or videos to post on our website or social media, but only if you have signed and returned the consent form.

Will classes be cancelled in inclement weather?

We will send a text to your class group 90 minutes prior to class time (if not the night before) to inform you of cancellations.

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. All guests must be prearranged with the teacher to ensure adequate space in the class.

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—no need to ask!

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 about screen time with Music Together Online?  

We know screen time isn’t generally recommended for this age group, but here’s the difference: YOU! When children stare at a screen and passively receive information, they don’t take it in the same way nor do they learn in the same way as when they have the active participation of a caregiver or parent. So, just like in our classes, you’re still the most important part. Your teacher will be on the screen, they might see their classmates on the screen, but it is truly the interaction of the parent/caregiver with the child that is going to continue their music development! We will also give you lots of fun activities and ideas to do at home while we’re all looking for things to do!