Frequently Asked Questions about Music Together®

Are the same songs used every semester?

Each 10-week semester has a different group of songs (rotated over more than three years) and a non-sequential songbook.

How does the mixed ages work in class?

Most of the children are 2 or 3, the next largest group is toddlers between 1 and 2 and many 4 year olds and infants also attend, often as an older or younger sibling.  We mix these ages since the activities are parent/child activities, not child/child, so the children don't need to be with the same age group.

Early childhood educators are recommending mixed-age groupings now as better for social development; older children get to be the "big guys," the leaders.  The atmosphere is like an informal, family-style gathering.

Won't my four year old be bored in the same class with babies?

In our experience, musical age is very different from the child's age in years.  Activities are structured so that children of all ages can participate at their own level with their mom, dad or caregiver.

Can a different adult attend class with the child?

Sure, any number of adults can attend.
                    

Do infants really benefit?

Just think of the way they learn language.  They "participate" very little during the first six months to one year, but without that exposure, they would not be able to develop speech as they grow older.  Although their participation will be passive, they are very actively absorbing what they are seeing, hearing, and feeling so they can act upon it as their body and nervous system matures.

Here is a link to an article about how children learn, and how they tune into music.

What is the class atmosphere like?

Our atmosphere is informal, and children are allowed to move freely around the room.  We like to let the children explore freely at their own level.  Children play with rhythm instruments like egg shakers, drums, triangles, etc.  Everyone has a really good time at the end-of-class "jam sessions."