What is my role in class?
Sing, dance, and have fun! You might be surprised to hear that you are your child’s most important music teacher right now—and it doesn’t matter whether you think of yourself as a great singer or dancer. Young children develop dispositions for certain behaviors, including learning to love music, by observing and imitating their loved ones. Simply by participating enthusiastically during class and playing with the ideas at home, you’ll give your children the modeling they need to learn to love to make music. Please wait to socialize or use your cell phone until after class and instead help us create a music-only environment.
What’s expected of my child in class?
Children are never required to sit in the circle or expected to conform to an adult’s idea of participation. We know that children learn differently from adults. They learn instinctively and constantly, through observation, interactions with adults and older children, and through imitation, play, and, especially, movement. One hallmark of Music Together® is the insight that children will naturally develop music ability simply when they are immersed in a community of families all making music.
Children’s responses depend on their most dominant learning style and temperament as well as their age and developmental level. Some might follow the teacher right away. Many will simply want to watch and absorb, particularly in the first few weeks of class. Some might crawl or wander around, others are stimulated by the music and respond more actively by running, jumping, or dancing. All are perfectly natural responses to the new, musically rich environment. Throughout the semester, we will help you tune in to how your child learns best so you can support their music development in class and at home.
How should we use the Music Together materials?
Play your songs frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make the music available for your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. Create your Music Together account and download the “Music Together” app for digital versions of the songs and more activity ideas to try!
Use the songbook to help you learn the songs and for new musical activities to use at home. If you play an instrument and want to play along, the music notation is available in the Family Music Zone® Try using the songbook at storytime!
What is the class size?
Classes are limited to 12 registered children.
Can I switch to a different class?
Requests for class changes must be initiated within the first two weeks of the semester. Depending on class availability, changes are made at the discretion of the center director. Changes are not made after the second week of the semester.
What if I start classes after the semester begins?
We welcome families at any point during the semester! Occasionally, we will prorate for some classes missed due to late registration.
Can we eat in class?
Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into the classroom.
Will classes be canceled in inclement weather?
We adhere to HSE Schools’ policies in regard to weather cancellations. Should public schools close due to inclement weather, classes at Music Together with Amanda will be canceled as well.
Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?
Yes! Parents, grandparents, or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time–no need to ask!
Why aren’t there classes for specific age groups?
Classes with children of different ages have intellectual and social benefits for both younger and older children. In fact, it’s the learning environment recommended by many early childhood researchers. Older children learn empathy and awareness of others while developing leadership qualities and gaining self-confidence. Younger children learn by imitating the older ones and often show more complex behaviors earlier than usual. Even babies benefit by being in an environment that gives them lots of opportunities to observe the behavior of children of varying ages. Plus, it allows everyone—siblings, parents, grandparents, caregivers—to share in the musical experience together!
