We're taking registrations for upcoming classes now!

Winter session begins Jan 12th. Register early to secure your placement.

Ten weekly, 45-minute classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes, movement, and instrument play. These activities are presented as informal, non-performance-oriented musical experiences--developmentally appropriate for children and easy for parents and caregivers--regardless of their own musical ability. CDs and Songbook are included!

All classes are mixed ages. Early childhood educators are now recommending mixed age groupings as a better learning environment, promoting social development and self esteem. Older children learn from being in a leadership role, and younger children benefit from the example of an older child.




What are Music Together^® classes like?

Twelve children and their parents or caregivers (nanny, babysitter, grandparent) meet weekly for 45 minutes each for ten weeks to experience new songs, chants, movement activities, and instrumental jam sessions. Both adults and children sit in the circle and participate, led by a teacher with early childhood and music skills. The teacher helps adults understand how to participate and the importance of relaxing and enjoying the activities with their children.

Children have many opportunities to create and to play - making up rhythm patterns, making up new words to songs, making up movements to express a sound. Some children will simply stare and "study" the experience, as they absorb the musically rich environment. Other children will sing, play and dance freely, because they are in a comfortable, encouraging environment and because they know the songs and chants from the songbook and cds they take home. Each class has ritual features which the children need and enjoy such as the "Hello Song," the instrumental "Play-Along," a lullaby, and the "Goodbye Song." Eight to ten other experiences are included in each class, ranging from free movement to songs in unusual meters.

The enjoyment doesn't stop when the class is over. Each semester families receive a song collection and recording of original compositions and traditional songs performed by outstanding singers and instrumentalists. The children will often ask to hear the Music Together CD in the car and a home, or when friends come over to play. The songbook often comes, out at bedtime or naptime and is used as a storybook. Parents are encouraged to "read" the songs, even if they don't read music. At home, parents also enjoy their children singing parts of Music Together songs and dancing spontaneously to music.

Years after your child takes a Music together class, he or she will still remember the "Hello Song" and other favorites. Parents of former students tell us "We still have those CDs!" With a childhood of Music Together experiences, your child will be among the young people who have a deep-seated love of music-making. Enjoy!

• Informal Instruction: Children may or may not participate as they choose and do so according to their developmental level. The class experience, reinforced by tape listening and parent involvement, stimulates learning at home through play.

• Infants: Infants blend with any age group. We have found that early exposure to music greatly benefits their musical development. The rewards for this can be seen as they grow and develop.

• 4 year-olds: Most are still in primary music development. Because of this they do best in a mixed age Music Together class with its informal structure and style. It is a very free and comfortable environment for 2,3, and 4 year olds to express themselves creatively without unnecessary rigid structure.

• Mixed Ages: Activities focus on adult/child interaction rather than child/child interaction, so children of different ages (such as siblings) can enjoy class together. Also, many childhood educators consider mixed-age groupings beneficial and the process of music development throughout this age range is similar. Adults, regardless of their own musical ability, find it fun and easy to help create an environment that supports any child in achieving basic music competence. Children participate at their own level in classes of mixed ages by singing, moving, chanting, listening, and exploring musical instruments.

• 3–4 year-olds Only: This afternoon class has
musical experiences geared toward older children who are unable
to come to morning classes. (Any Mixed Ages class is also appropriate
for 3 and 4 year olds.)