Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I expect from class?
- Why aren’t there separate classes for different age groups?
- What is the class size?
- Can I bring my un-registered older sibling to class?
- When can I expect class confirmation?
- What if I miss a class during the semester?
- Can I switch to a different class?
- What if I need to withdraw from class?
- What if I start classes after the semester begins?
- Can we eat in class?
- Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?
- As a parent, what is my role in class?
- How should we use the Music Together Materials?
- Where can I buy some of the instruments we have in class?
- May I bring a camera to class?
- Do you offer gift certificates?
- How do I prepare for class?
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 for infants through 5 year olds 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.
Beginning in the fall of 2011 we are excited to introduce Music Together®Big Kids for 5-7 year olds!
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?
If there is a school holiday or extenuating circumstances, older sibilings are welcome to drop in to class on a space available basis. Please contact the director to coordinate this. The drop in fee is $10 per sibling per class.
When can I expect class confirmation?
Confirmation emails are sent out from the school office once the class has met minimum enrollment. If the class has not met minimum enrollment, you will be notified of placement in your second choice.
What if I miss a class during the semester?
Families are allowed two makeups per semester. Makeups are available at any location run by Mountain Song Music Studio, Inc. To schedule a makeup, use the online makeup book or call the school office. (Please note: makeups do not carry over from previous semesters unless there are extenuating circumstances and upon approval by the Director). If you know you’ll miss a class during the semester, please let us know and we will inform the teacher.
Can I switch to a different class?
Requests for class changes are made at the discretion of the director and based on availability.
What if I need to withdraw from class?
Families wishing to withdrawal from class must do so before the refund policy deadline for each semester. Click here to read about our refund policy deadline. Families are responsible for class attendance. Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal and all tuition fees are forfeited if the school office is not informed of your withdrawal before the refund policy deadline. If circumstances necessitate withdrawal from class, please call the school office.
What if I start classes after the semester begins?
Mountain Song Music Studio, Inc. does not prorate for classes missed due to late registration. However, families do receive two makeup classes per semester.
Can we eat in class?
Please feel comfortable to nurse your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms. This is of special importance in the Boulder Baker's Piano Center but true in all centers. In the Fort Collins Cool Beans Playhouse and Cafe - feel free to have a snack/meal in the cafe downstairs after class.
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.
As a parent, what is my role in class?
Enhance your child's experience in class by remembering to sing, sing, sing. Your active participation is the key to your children learning and growing musically. Support the creation of a music only environment while in class by being a musical role model. Since it is difficult for a young child to mask out adult conversation please wait to socialize till after class, and instead contribute to the creation of a musical environment for the children to absorb.
Some children like to sit and watch during class and others are more kinesthetic/active learners. We encourage you to give your child the space to experience class in their own own way. Wandering children are fine as long as they are safe. Please do your best to guide them back to our circle. If your child needs a break away from class - feel free and come back when you are ready!
We want the parents to relax and have as much fun as the children!
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 storytime 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.
May I bring a camera to class?
Picture taking/videotaping can be a distraction to the children and affect the music making/cohesion of the class. It is, therefore, ideal to wait until after class to take pictures. However, we know how precious these musical moments are. So if you do take pictures - please do so very intermittently in class and please turn your flash off. Occasionally pictures taken in class may be used for promotional/advertising purposes in which case we would have parents sign the appropriate release forms.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates for any amount towards classes can be purchased at any time. It makes a nice 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.
How do I prepare for class?
- Please try to come to class on time. The "Hello Song" is a beginning ritual and often a favorite for children. It helps everyone settle into class together and helps create class cohesion.
- Wear comfortable clothing for fun movement and floor activities.
- We ask that toys be left at home - we have plenty of instruments and muscial experiences to engage the children!
- Please come to class well fed as our locations do not permit food or drink except water in sealed containers. (please be particularly midful at The Baker's Piano Center.)
- Those fussy moments! If your child needs to take a break from class - feel free to take a few moments away from class and come back when your child is ready. This is to honor the needs of your child and as a courtesy to other families.
