Getting the most out of your Music Together® experience:

Do arrive on time, or even come early. Often children need time to become familiar with the room each day they come. If you are running late, sing the ‘Hello’ song to your child in the car on the way to class.

Do - participate! Your child isn’t judging what you sound like or how you move. Children develop their own musical intelligence and seeing you in action gives them permission to experiment.

Do turn your Music Brains ON; Talking Brains OFF. Children learn music best in a musical environment. Young brains have trouble rapidly switching from musical sounds to the spoken word.

Do let your child explore the music, the instruments, the room in any respectful way.

Do engage your child. If your child appears ‘off-task,’ wandering around, getting into the instrument table, etc, you can try to engage them by singing or chanting to them (i.e. "bum-bum" or "A-me-ee, let’s dance to-geth-er) rather than calling out, "Ameeeeee! Get ovvver heeeere!" or "No, Amy, no! This way!"

Do respect the need for your child to ‘check out’ at times. Often, when they "check out" during class, they are actually deeply processing and/or learning by observing. As long as your child is safe, it is fine and even encouraged to support their process. You can always model participation by actively participating yourself, or even engaging with another parent or child. And you can certainly model taking care of yourself, by taking a break when YOU need to!

Do let your child hold on to an instrument or prop after we’re done if that is important developmentally.

Do leave your child's toys at home.

Do the home play exercises. Listen to the music. Use the songbook. Sing and dance and play music at home. The more places and activities in your life that actively include Music Together, the more your child will learn that music and sound is everywhere, and is part of everyday life. You can make up verses to "Old Brass Wagon" while changing a diaper, or play around with "John the Rabbit" while taking a walk outside.

Do share with the class the ways your family is discovering music making at home.

Do come to a Parent Education Night, where you can learn more about your child’s musical development.

Do fill out the evaluations at the end of each session. Your opinion counts and your ideas enrich the program.

Keep the floor of the room as free from extra items as possible.

Wash your hands and your children’s hands upon entering class.

Wipe or spray Grapefruit Seed extract on instruments if they have gone in a mouth.

You may want to feed your child a meal or snack before class, and bring a drink for them to enjoy during the lullaby or anytime they need it. Use closing caps on beverages. (No food in room), Nursing is also a wonderful and nurturing thing to do anytime during class.

If you or your child is sick, wait until next time. There is a liberal make-up policy: another class, a make-up session at the end of term, or classes at senior centers.

Policies

Referrals: For each new family referred by you who enrolls in Music Together, you are entitled to a $10 credit toward your tuition the following semester.

Refunds: A full refund is available if canceling 5 days before first class session. Partial refund (tuition less service/materials/one class session fee) is available UP TO 24 hours after the first class. No refunds or credits will be issued after this time.

Make-ups: If you miss a class, you may make it up at any other class during the semester - up to two classes per semester. Go to http://makeups.musictogether.com.  The password is "play".  All available spots will be listed there.

Extra! In addition to the 10 weekly 45 minute sessions, you will receive a two professional quality CDs and beautifully illustrated songbook for the current semester. You will also receive instructive research articles, a newsletter and an educational parent guide. Additionally, we will have a parent education night (no kids) several times a year. Your tuition goes toward your entire family’s musical education, not just your child(rens)s!

Music Together art & logo design copyright 1992-2009 Music Together LLC.
Music Together was developed by the center for Music and Young Children, Princeton NJ.
Music Together, CMYC, and Center for Music and Young Children are registered trademarks.