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FAQs about our classes - What makes Music Together® special? Music together is a research based program based out of the early childhood research center in Hopewell, New Jersey. Music Together classes are based on the concept that very young children learn music through adult role modeling. You get 2 professional CD's and a songbook to learn our music and do musical activities with your child outside of class. You are taught how to bring your music home.
- 45 min. classes include singing, dancing, movement & instrumental play with a wide variety of instruments from drums, bells, shakers and more. Enjoy informal musical activities, developmentally appropriate for children, easy for parents/caregivers- regardless of their own musical ability! Your child learns to develop basic pitch and rhythm in a fun community setting. This can ready your child for instrumental or voice lessons in the future- or simply help them to develop a life long love of music.
- Learning through play: We build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and play. We engage the imagination through song, dance, movement and go on musical magical journey with drums, shakers, bells, ukuleles and a wide variety of instruments.
- We believe: All children are musical. No matter what your musical back round is we teach you to nurture the musical growth of your child. Your role is both important and fun!
- What is basic pitch and rhythm? The ability to sing on pitch and hold a steady beat.
- How long does it take to develop basic pitch and rhythm? The
Music Together program is designed to take 3 years in a relaxed,
non-performance oriented setting. However each child develops at their
own pace and there is no prescribed formula.
- 2 CDs, a songbook and a parent education DVD included in the price! You get new award winning music/CD'S that change each semester for 3 years. The songs vary from class to class to keep variety and stimulation for your child's brain, along with a few songs that are done every class to keep a sense of safety and stability.
- Classes have a maximum of 12 children (ages 0-4.5) and always include their adult care-givers.
- All adult caregivers are welcome to come to class! You can bring grandparents, nannies et. Why? You- and the adult caregivers around your child- are your child's most important role models. Children learn from watching you and listening to you. Therefore your (or any adult caregivers) participation
as a music-maker is vital to your child's developing love of music.
- What if my child's nap schedule changes and we need to switch classes? We encourage children to stay with the same teacher and classmates to foster community and stability for your child. However if you need to change classes we will make an effort to switch you to a class that is not full.
- Can one adult bring 2 children? Yes. We have many nannies and parents come with one adult supervising 2 children
- Is my infant too young? We have had many, many infants that
start with us at 2 months or 2 weeks! It is amazing to watch infants develop
musically as they stay with us for semester after semester. Research shows that age 0-8 months is a wonderful time for your child to absorb basic pitch and rhythm.
Music Together® is based on developmental research to teach
infants to
naturally learn music.
We watch infants begin to gently move to
the rhythm of the music, make
sounds
that are on pitch and many other beautiful pre-verbal responses.
As they become toddlers they have the
advantage of starting so young with the classes and are that much more
comfortable in a musical environment. Both babies classes and mixed ages classes are appropriate for infants.
- Are the classes appropriate for 2.5 to 4.5 years old? Yes! Developmentally our classes are truly designed for ages 0-4. "Big Kids™" are in the perfect place to learn pitch and rhythm in a stimulating environment. If they so desire they get a special opportunity to be engaged in the class in a way which helps the imaginative process and leadership skills. Plus they can learn about community building and socialization.
- Why mixed ages classes? Research at the Music Together®
center in Hopewell, New Jersey has shown that mixed ages classes are
the best for a child. Music Together, after having experimented
with separating the ages,
has decided to keep the children in mixed ages classes.
The children learn from one another in this unique opportunity. The
infants look up to the bigger kids as role models and become entranced
with the older children. The older children can become helpers in
class, learn be nurturing and can become a "role model."
Parent's let go of comparing children of the same age and simply
relax into the family environment. - What if my child is shy or needs to move?
We are highly inclusive. We welcome shy and outgoing children, gentle
observers and bouncy movers. We believe that differences in response
makes for a more powerful, diverse community.
- What if my child needs to wander? Wandering
is very normal for toddlers as they are just learning how to walk. They
often need to explore the room. Once your child turns 2 we slowly guide
them in being a regular part of the circle. However the occasional
wandering for a 2 year old is perfectly natural as well.
- A maximum of 4 Make-up classes are allowed per
semester (with the exception of the 3 week session which allows no make-ups). Make-ups are very easy to schedule and cancel your self on our website. We suggest you schedule your make-ups at
the beginning of the semester if you know you will miss a class. Where do I schedule a make-up? You can easily schedule and cancel your make-ups on our link on the top right of the website.
- Do make-ups transfer to the next semester? Make-ups do not transfer to the
following semester. Make-ups are not guaranteed and it is your responsibility to schedule or cancel a make-up.
- Are you a drop in program? No. We are not a drop-in program. We intentionally create a consistent environment for your child to get to know the teachers & the other children in their class. For liability & safety purposes all children that are siblings relatives, friends et. will not be able to attend unless they are registered with our center.
Parking tips 1350 Waller: Weekday mornings are usually quite easy. On Masonic between Page and Oak
there is a Catholic church on 1025 Masonic. They have a big white zone
and it's legal to park there on weekdays except for Wed. from 8-10AM
(this if for weekdays only-not weekends).
On the Buena Vista West, the road
right up the hill next to the park, there are often spaces Just be prepared for the hills ! 2 hour
parking on
Haight street between Masonic and Central only 2 or 3 blocks from 1350
Waller.
Easy Muni access: 6,71, 43, 37 and N Judah are within blocks from our central locations.
- Please feel free to email us with questions!
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