Music Together is designed for children ages birth through kindergarten. At Music Together we believe that musical ability is as much a basic life skill as walking and talking, and that all children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with pleasure and confidence in the music of their culture. Music Together classes nurture the child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement as we sing, dance, chant, and play instruments in an informal setting that will enrich her musical environment and guide her towards a lifetime of music-making enjoyment.

In the 1980s, Music Together pioneered the development of the mixed-age approach in early childhood music. In each class we strive to create a musically rich, developmentally appropriate environment where the whole family can enjoy music and nurture skills at the level right for each child. Mixed-age classes also provide a rich learning environment because children of different ages thrive when they interact with each other: the babies are often fascinated by the older child, and the “big” children enjoy helping and sharing with the “little” ones. This approach is based on research from music education, early childhood development, and family relationships, as well as our 20 years experience in the field.

Each Music Together class has 6-12 registered children plus their primary caregiver(s). Music Makers classes contain 2-8 children.

Confirmation emails or phone calls are made once the class has met minimum enrollment. If the class has not met minimum enrollment, you will be notified of placement in your second choice or notified of a refund if neither class fills.

No. The Music Together curriculum offers a new song collection each semester for three years, featuring great arrangements of original and traditional songs in a wide variety of tonalities, meters, and cultural styles.

Many of the activities, however, involve movement, which can best be done with scarves, beanbags, or a parachute.

Furthermore, experiencing music in our classes, at live concerts, and on recordings will teach a child to discriminate accurate pitch and rhythm, so the “non-musical” parent can relax about these things.

Q. As a parent, what is my role in class?

Enhance your child's experience in class by remembering to sing, chant and move. Your active participation is the key to your children learning and growing musically. Support the creation of a music-only environment while in class by not talking to your children or other adults during the 45 minutes. Since it is difficult for a young child to mask out adult conversation please wait to socialize till after class, and instead contribute to the creation of a musical environment for the children to absorb.

Try not to give verbal directions. It can be tough to restrain the impulse to give your child directives such as, "Do what she is doing, hold your instrument this way”; but children respond best by just seeing and hearing you doing (and enjoying) it themselves! Wandering toddlers are fine, but if you want your child to come back to you, avoid calling to him from across the room. If necessary, redirect your child physically back to you or the circle. Of course watch out for your child’s safety, but mostly your job is to just relax, and have fun!

Q. Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?

Both or either parent, grandparents or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time—no need to ask. Whole family music making in your home is extremely valuable to your child's musical development, and attending class occasionally helps the other family members to join in at home.

Q.  How should we use the Music Together Materials?

Play your CD at home and in the car as frequently as possible, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make it available to your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. Use the songbook to help you remember the songs or to play along if you play an instrument. Try using the songbook at story time instead of a regular book, and sing through the songs as you go along. Looking at the printed notes on the page will help children understand that music is something that can be read, like words. Familiarization with notation will help them when they are more ready for formal music instruction, typically when they are school aged.

New Music Together parents receive our introductory DVD “Music Together at Home: Helping Your Child Grow Musically.” During class your teacher will refer to topics and point out examples of things covered in the video. We are also happy to discuss your child's individual progress in obtaining musical competence at any time outside of class. If you are a returning student and it has been months or years since you have read the Parent Guide or seen the new DVD, reread it or ask for a copy of the DVD today! You may be surprised how valuable it is, especially after having personal experience observing your child's music development.

 Q. Do infants really benefit from music classes?

• The Music Together curriculum is research based and unique in that it emphasizes a rich, musical vocabulary using songs and chants that are attractive and appealing to both children and their parents.
• The Music Together philosophy focuses on musical development rather than non-musical goals.
• The Music Together philosophy encourages mixed ages, a setting that we believe has many advantages.
• The Music Together philosophy supports an informal, non-performance oriented lesson. We encourage children by using their spontaneous responses and provide many opportunities for them to move around in class.
• The Music Together curriculum offers flexibility that allows us to develop lesson plans that work and to incorporate some of our own songs and chants.
• Music Together teachers receive quality training and excellent support from the national center. Many Music Together teachers are experts in theater, dance, early-childhood education or parenting, as well as music.

Q.  What if my child doesn’t want to participate in the class activities or wanders around the room?

 Q.  What should I do if my child misbehaves in class?

In a situation that involves excessive noise, step out of the classroom until the crisis is over. Feel free to come back when you are both ready.

Q.  What happens if I need to miss a class?

Like most schools, we cannot refund tuition for classes missed during a session, even if those absences have been frequent. The orientation of our program is towards extending the class experience into the child’s life outside of class by means of parent education and supporting materials. Tuition includes these items and consequently is not “wasted”’ even if classes are missed. In addition, as a courtesy we provide a unlimited monthly makeup class option on Saturdays.

For additional information, read the Music Together Policies. 

Q. What if I miss a class during the semester?

Each family contributes to the class as a whole, so we appreciate your effort to attend each class. In the event that a class is missed, we do provide makeup classes regularly each month on Saturday. To schedule a makeup, use the online makeup book or call the office. Makeup classes can be completed at any time during the year.   If you know you’ll miss a class during the semester, please contact us and we will inform the teacher.

Q.  Can I switch to a different class?

Requests for class changes must be initiated within the first three weeks of the semester, and are made at the discretion of the Academy of Music director, depending on class availability. Changes are not made after the third week of the semester.

Q.  What if I start classes after the semester begins?

The Academy of Music studio is happy to accept students after the semester begins. 

Q. Can we eat in class?

Please feel comfortable to nurse your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms.

Q.  What if I need to withdraw from class?

Families who register for class and need to withdraw before the semester begins must do so before the first day of class.  Cancellation fees will be processed for those who withdraw after the first day of class.

Once registered and enrolled in our classes, families are automatically re-enrolled for subsequent semesters.  Withdrawal dates are posted and families are given written and verbal reminders of the withdrawal dates.

Families are responsible for class attendance. Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal and all tuition fees are forfeited if the Academy of Music office is not informed of your withdrawal before the registration deadline (November 15, February 15). If circumstances necessitate withdrawal from class, please call the

Q.  Will classes be canceled because of weather?

Yes. We make every attempt to contact families when classes or lessons are canceled.  However, you may also check the WoodTV8 list, check our website, email us, or call the office to find out if classes are canceled. In the event of a snow day, weather occasionally clears later in the day.  Sometimes weather conditions worsen throughout the day.  Always know that it's important to keep your child safe on the roads.  Our generous makeup system makes it easy to make a good decision on those days.