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.
As a parent, what is my role in class?
Enhance your child's experience in class by remembering to sing, sing, sing and move, move, move your body. 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 the music 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. Try using the songbook at story time instead of a regular book, and sing through the songs as you go along. Create your account and download the Hello Everybody app for digital versions of the songs and more activity ideas to try!
How I can make music at home with my child?
One great place to find ideas about playing with your child musically at home is in your songbook. There are lots of ideas listed under each song with activities about how to use the songs at home. Other fun things to try are:
• Have a play along jam in the kitchen with all of the pots and pans and big spoons and whisks etc. Put on the Music Together CD and jam along or choose one of your favourite bands and introduce some new music to your child.
• Pick a time of day and create a ritual moment where you make music with your child. Perhaps it’s a lullaby before bed, a song during bath time, a dance jam when mom and dad get home from work, a brushing teeth song, or a wake-up and get ready song.
• Sing in the car! This is a great place to play with part singing and rounds or singing along with your favourite music.
• Use props like bouncing balls, scarves or sheets to play with the rhythm and form of the music.
• Invite your child up on your lap and sing your way through a horsey ride, a crazy car ride or and airplane ride.
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 30 years experience in the field.
What is the class size?
Each class has between 6 and 12 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).
Can I bring my un-registered older sibling to class?
Throughout the semester, Music Together classes may be in session when older children have a school holiday. Older siblings of registered students may occasionally visit provided the older sibling is HEALTHY and that the visit is prearranged. Visitation spots are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. These spots must be booked through your teacher.
Tips for bringing older siblings:
• Please make your best effort to arrive on time with older sibs so they have a chance to say hello to the teacher and adjust to the class instead of arriving to a large group of already singing adults they haven't met yet.
• Let older sibs know they are welcome in the class and we are looking forward to making music with them in the circle. It doesn't work very well when older children read, colour or play with toys on the side while we are all making music in the circle. Little kids LOVE to know what big kids are doing!
• Help older children to feel welcome by letting them know this is a family music making experience and everyone is welcome and participates to their own ability. The less they feel like they are being dragged to their little brother/sister’s class, the better. ;)
Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?
Yes!! 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.
Can we eat in class?
Please feel comfortable to nurse your child in class, but we ask that you refrain from eating at Music Together. If your child must have a snack, please enjoy it off to the side. Absolutely no food in the music making circle.
What if I miss a class during the semester?
Make-up classes can be booked due to illness, holidays or medical appointments. Make-up classes are a bonus but are not guaranteed. They are offered on a space-available basis and must be scheduled within the current term. Please note that there are a limited number of make-up spots available in each class date.
Can I switch to a different class?
In the first three weeks, changes can be requested and depend on class availability.
What is your refund policy?
When registering to classes in Darmstadt:
• More than three weeks prior to classes start – full refund.
• Less than two weeks prior to classes starting – refund minus 50 euro admin fee.
• No refunds after the first class.
• Music Together licensing fee (40 euros per family) is non-refundable after the first class.
• Registration, transfers, and refunds close after the 2nd class.
Refund policy of Familientraum in Griesheim can be found here: https://familientraumgriesheim.de/agb
Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal and all tuition fees are forfeited if we're not informed of your withdrawal before classes start.
If circumstances necessitate withdrawal from class, please contact us.
What if my class is cancelled?
Music Together in LaDaDi reserves the right to cancel classes if they are under-enrolled. We will do our best to move families to other classes with availability. If this is not possible, families will be given a full refund.