FAQs - Classes
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 across 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 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 are 45 minutes and meet once a week.
How long are the sessions?
We have moved to a continuous enrollment membership plan, so we don't have "sessions" anymore. We still have 4 Song Collections through the year- Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer.
What if I can't make it to my scheduled class?
While we no longer have "make-up classes," we offer unlimited bonus classes as long as there is room in another class! You are also able to join a live or recorded online class if you can't come at another time! Please cancel your attendance in Fons for your normally scheduled class so we can open your spot up for other demos and bonus participants, and schedule bonus classes after check that there is room in the class you would like to drop-in on in Fons.
Can I switch to a different class?
As long as there is space in the class you want to switch into, changes may be accommodated. Please contact the Director to make a class change.
What if I start classes after the month or song collection begins?
While we encourage families to start at the beginning of the song collection, we welcome families at any point, as space permits, and tuition will be prorated. If you join past the 1st month of a song collection, you will receive the materials at the beginning of the next collection.
Can we eat in class?
Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in class, but we ask that you save food or drink (except a water in a bottle or closed cup) for after class outside of the classroom.
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, but can usually be accommodated. The first visit is free, an additional sibling visit is $15.
Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?
Yes! Each family can have up to 2 adults so parents, grandparents, or nannies/caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time.
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!
*We do offer Babies classes for babies birth-9 months with a grownup, and Rhythm Kids® for ages 4-8 with or without a grownup at select locations.
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 email the center director at MTMosaicMelodies@gmail.com to purchase.
What happens after we complete a song collection?
A different song collection is used each season- there are 12 different song collections- so every 3 months or so, 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 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.
Can I take pictures in class?
As our classes are participatory and educational experiences between adults and children, it is ok to take a few pictures to help capture the moment, but we ask families to try to refrain from keeping their phones out during class time. Being present and in the moment with your child is important to enjoy Music Together.
Can I bring my child's toys to class?
Unless specifically asked by an Instructor to bring things to class, bringing your child's toys, dolls, and things of the sort is discouraged. It can detract from your child's participation in the class, as well as serve as a distraction and source of conflict for other children.
Check our FAQ's - Policies page
Have any other questions?
Feel free to email MTMosaicMelodies@gmail.com at any time! We welcome feedback from our families!
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