Frequently Asked Questions
As a parent, 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 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.
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!
What's expected of my child in class?
At Music Together®, 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 toddle around; others are stimulated by the music and respond more actively, running, jumping, or dancing. All are perfectly natural responses to the new, musically rich environment.
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.
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 20 years experience in the field.
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 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.
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!
What's expected of my child in class?
At Music Together®, 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 toddle around; others are stimulated by the music and respond more actively, running, jumping, or dancing. All are perfectly natural responses to the new, musically rich environment.
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.
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 20 years experience in the field.
What is the class size?
Each class has 6-12 registered children plus their primary 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. Have school-aged children home on summer vacation? Don't let that stop you from signing up your younger ones during our summer semester. Children age 6+ at semester start are free during the summer as long as we have enough room in the class!
Can I switch to a different class?
Changes can be made depending on class availability.
What if I start classes after the semester begins?
Late registration closes the third week of class.
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 classrooms.
Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?
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.
How should we use the Music Together Materials?
Play your CD 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 or to play along if you play an instrument. Try using the songbook at story time instead of a regular book, and sing through the songs as you go along. Looking at the printed notes on the page will help children understand that music is something that can be read, like words. Familiarization with notation will help them when they are more ready for formal music instruction, typically when they are school aged.
New Music Together parents receive our introductory DVD “Music Together at Home: Helping Your Child Grow Musically”. During class your teacher will refer to topics and point out examples of things covered in the video. We are also happy to discuss your child's individual progress in obtaining musical competence at any time outside of class. If you are a returning student and it has been months or years since you have read the Parent Guide or seen the new DVD, reread it or ask for a copy of the DVD today! You may be surprised how valuable it is, especially after having personal experience observing your child's music development.
Each class has 6-12 registered children plus their primary 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. Have school-aged children home on summer vacation? Don't let that stop you from signing up your younger ones during our summer semester. Children age 6+ at semester start are free during the summer as long as we have enough room in the class!
Can I switch to a different class?
Changes can be made depending on class availability.
What if I start classes after the semester begins?
Late registration closes the third week of class.
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 classrooms.
Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?
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.
How should we use the Music Together Materials?
Play your CD 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 or to play along if you play an instrument. Try using the songbook at story time instead of a regular book, and sing through the songs as you go along. Looking at the printed notes on the page will help children understand that music is something that can be read, like words. Familiarization with notation will help them when they are more ready for formal music instruction, typically when they are school aged.
New Music Together parents receive our introductory DVD “Music Together at Home: Helping Your Child Grow Musically”. During class your teacher will refer to topics and point out examples of things covered in the video. We are also happy to discuss your child's individual progress in obtaining musical competence at any time outside of class. If you are a returning student and it has been months or years since you have read the Parent Guide or seen the new DVD, reread it or ask for a copy of the DVD today! You may be surprised how valuable it is, especially after having personal experience observing your child's music development.
Where can I buy some of the instruments we have in class?
Instruments are available for purchase for use at home or as gifts directly from http://musictogether.com/Store.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates for any amount towards Music Together classes can be purchased at any time. It makes a great baby shower or birthday gift! Grandparents love to buy these for holiday gifts. Let us know if you would like it sent directly to the recipient or to the purchaser.
Can I take photos and videos in class?
Adults occasionally bring cameras or video cameras to film their children in class and we know there are many cute moments and wonderful memories to catch. But please try to keep your camera use to a minimum/or nonexistent. We do not have a performance-oriented classroom and we do hope that you will be singing and playing with your hands rather than using them on a camera.
Videoing or photography can make your child or others self conscious and distract from the experimenting and learning and singing that we are trying to encourage. The best time to take photos is during the playalong jam session so that you can model and sing throughout the rest of the class. Please also ask the other parents before you post a picture of them on social media.
Make-up Classes
If you miss your regularly scheduled class for any reason, you may attend a different class time offered by Music Together MinnyMelody if space is available. If MinnyMelody doesn’t have any other class offerings, Chelsie has a relationship with a nearby center where classes can be made up as well. Contact Chelsie Ofsthun to schedule a make-up class.
Every family is entitled to 3 make-ups per session, per registered child. Subject to availability. All makeups must be made in the session in which they were missed and may not be rolled over into other semesters. If there are extenuating circumstances, we take it into consideration.
Health Policy
The health of all classroom participants is important to us, so we take measures to ensure the cleanliness of our classroom and limit exposure to germs. We take time to sanitize our classroom space, instruments, and materials after each class with a child-safe cleaning solution. We have a designated bin for instruments that have been mouthed. If you or your child are sick, please stay home from class.
Class Cancellations
Holiday closures will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Should your class be canceled because of inclement weather, teacher illness, or for some other extraordinary circumstance, you will be notified by email. Cancelled classes will be made up at the end of the session.
Music Together Refunds and Credits
Full tuition payment, including a non-refundable registration fee (for new families only), is due at the time of registration. You will receive a full tuition refund if you request to drop out before the first day of class. No tuition refunds are given for class withdrawals after the first day of class.
Privacy Policy
We promise to respect your privacy. Any information you provide about yourself or your students is held with the utmost care and security and will not be used in ways to which you have not consented. We do not sell, rent, loan, transfer, or otherwise disclose any personal information, including your name, address, or email addresses with other organizations outside of Music Together MinnyMelody or Music Together LLC.
By enrolling in a Music Together class at Music Together MinnyMelody, a licensed Music Together center, you agree that any information you provide will be shared with Music Together Worldwide (MTW). For information about how MTW uses and stores your personal information, we encourage you to review the Music Together Worldwide Privacy Policy.
Music Together art & logo design copyright ©1992–2023 Music Together LLC.
Music Together is a registered trademark. Music Together MinnyMelody (by Chelsie Ofsthun) is licensed by Music Together LLC. For more Music Together locations: www.musictogether.com
Music Together is a registered trademark. Music Together MinnyMelody (by Chelsie Ofsthun) is licensed by Music Together LLC. For more Music Together locations: www.musictogether.com