Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I expect from class?
- Why aren’t there separate classes for different age groups?
- What is the class size?
- When can I expect class confirmation?
- What if I miss a class during the semester? How can I schedule a make-up?
- What is your refund/transfer policy?
- Can we eat in class?
- Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?
- As a parent, what is my role in class?
- How should we use the Music Together Materials?
- Where can I buy some of the instruments we have in class?
- Do you offer gift certificates?
What can I expect from class?
Music Together is designed for children ages birth through kindergarten. At Music Together we believe that music 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.
Why aren’t there separate classes for different age groups?
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.
What is the class size?
Each class has 6- 12 registered children plus their primary caregiver(s).
When can I expect class confirmation?
For Early Bird registration (currently enrolled families only), an email will be sent confirming your class before we launch Open Registration. At Open Registration time, all families enrolling receive their first class time choice and there is no need to choose a second choice (the option shows but is not active).
What if I miss a class during the semester? How can I schedule a make-up?
* Please note: The make-up scheduler is not available until after week two or three of classes when all the transfers, adds, and drops are complete!
Families are allowed three makeups per semester. Makeups are available only at NON-Community Center sites so if you take classes at a Community Center you'll need to visit a different location for your makeup class. To schedule a makeup, log in to your account click on "My Classes" and choose "Schedule a Makeup" listed next to the current semester & class time. If you have more than one child, you will only need one makeup slot per family for both children. If you take classes at a facility that did not enroll through our website music4families.net please contact us to link your account to a current class in order to schedule make-ups. (Please note: makeups do not carry over from previous semesters).
What is your refund/transfer policy?
Refund policy for Music for Families: For classes that enroll through music4families.net, full refund if cancelled 48 hours before the first day of class. Partial refund [tuition less $40 materials/service fee (if you choose to keep the materials), one class tuition, and $15 processing fee] when cancelled within 48 hours after first day of class. There will be no refunds later than 48 hours after the first class. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your refund to be processed. Thank you.
Refund policies for Community Centers and Partnership Locations: Refund policy information for your facility is available in their brochure, community guide, or on their website. All refund requests for tuition should go directly through your facility. Additionally if you paid a lab/materials/service fee to your teacher on the first day of class and would like to return your materials, you will also need to contact Music for Families to process a lab/materials/service fee return. Lab/materials/service fee return requests need to be processed by the end of week three of your session.
Transfer policy for Music for Families: For classes that enroll through music4families.net, transfer requests are allowed through the end of the third week of classes. After week three, we request a $15 fee per transfer.
Transfer policy for Community Center and Partnership Locations: Same as refund policy (above).
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.
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.
As a parent, what is my role in class?
Enhance your child's experience in class by remembering to sing, sing, sing. 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 yourself! Wandering toddlers is 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!
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 storytime 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.
Where can I buy some of the instruments we have in class?
Instruments are available for purchase for use at home or as gifts directly from http://musictogether.com/Store.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates for any amount towards classes can be purchased at any time. It makes a nice baby shower or birthday gift. Grandparents love to buy these for holiday gifts. Let us know if you would like it sent directly to the recipient or to the purchaser.
