What makes Music Together® different? Research. Music Together was first offered to the public in 1987 and pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum. Today classes are offered in thousands of communities accross the United States and all around the world. Ongoing research at our Princeton Lab School, as well as the research of others, continually informs Music Together’s work on program content and development, varied applications of the program, and teacher training. Everything we do in class has an educational purpose.
As a parent, what’s my role in the 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!
What should we bring? For Babies Only students and anyone under 8 months who is auditing a Mixed Ages class, please bring a mat or blanket for baby to comfortably lay on.
What is the class size? Each class has between 6 and 12 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).
How long are the classes? All class types (Mixed-Age classes and Babies) are 45-minutes. All classes meet once a week.
How long are the semesters? We offer a 10-week Fall, Winter and Spring semester, and a 6-week summer session.
What is the refund policy? No tuition refunds are given after your first week of classes.
What is the make-up policy? We offer unlimited makeup classes during each semester session as space allows. Makeups must be used within the same semester and cannot be transferred to another semester. Please write to info@musictogetheroip.com to schedule makeup classes. Families enrolled in Babies Only are invited to makeup classes in Mixed Ages classes.
Can I switch to a different class? As long as there is space in the class you want to switch into, changes can be accomodated. Please contact the info@musictogetheroip.com to make a class change.
What if I start classes after the semester begins? While we encourage families to start at the beginning of the session, we’ll welcome families at any point in the semester, as space permits. Tuition will be prorated, please contact info@musictogetheroip.com to figure out the details.
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.
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!
What should we do if we need to miss a class? If you need to miss class due to illness or conflict, please email info@musictogetheroip.com as soon as you know of the absence. Please do not come to class if you, your child, or anyone in your party is sick with any kind of illness.
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 happens after we complete a semester? A different song collection is used each semester –there are nine different song collections- so when you re-register, you can look forward to expanding your repertoire with a variety of new songs and chants. The curriculum is designed so that families can continue classes for three years before revisiting a song collection. In three years, you and your child will learn over 250 songs! If you do continue in the program beyond three years (and we hope you will), your child will experience his or her first song collections in a brand new way
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 available on the Family Music Zone 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.