Frequently Asked Questions.....

How many classes are there in a semester?

There are ten classes per semester, for forty-five minutes each week.

Do you do the same songs every week?

Each semester we have a different Song Collection (families receive 2 CD's and a songbook), so there is lots of material to choose from.   During the ten week session, songs will be covered several times over the semester in order to develop concepts presented in previous weeks and so families can experience the songs in different ways (with instruments, as large movement activities, as part-songs or rounds, etc.) but no two classes will be the same.   There is a ritual order of activities - children in this age-group need the routine of knowing what to expect (children love to anticipate the snuggle of the lullabye right before the "goodbye" song each week). 

 

What kinds of instruments do you use?

 We use a variety of non-pitched instruments (drums, shakers, bells, sticks etc.)  and pitched (resonator bells) that are age appropriate for adults and children alike. 

My child won't sit still for 45 minutes!

We don't expect children to sit still!  Children are welcome to learn in whatever style suits them best.  For some, that means sitting and observing; for others, that means walking around; for others, that means doing what the grown-ups are doing.   All of these styles are accepted and welcomed and we often find that even if a child appears to be doing something completely different in class (such as stacking instruments!), they will often go home and re-enact activities that were experienced in class.   Children at this critical stage of development are learning ALL THE TIME, whether they appear to us to be doing so or not! 

The most important thing is that parents and caregivers come prepared to have a wonderful time themselves and be ready to fully participate and model their own enjoyment of playing with music.  Prompt arrival will also ensure your child enjoys the entire class, from "Hello Everybody" to "Goodbye, So Long, Farewell!"

 

What do we do in the classes?

Forty-five minutes will zoom by before you know it.  Each class consists of a carefully planned sequence of songs and chants - we dance, play with instruments, sing, explore tonal and rhythmic patterns, and ALWAYS include the highly anticipated instrument jam ("Play Along").  The lullaby brings things to a lovely closure each week, with the lights down low and parents nursing and/or snuggling their children as we all sing quietly together.

 

How can I preview a class with my child?

We periodically offer free demo classes (see the "classes page" for details).  If there is no demo class available, please contact us in order to arrange a time to join one of our regularly scheduled classes.  This visit must be scheduled - spontaneous drop-ins are not permitted.

 

Can I bring adult visitors? 

Grandparents and other special grown-ups in your child's life are always welcome.   Siblings may attend on school holidays, but please let your teacher know in advance.

 

I really want to bring my friend and her child to try out a class - I know she'll love it - is that OK?

As mentioned above, we have free demo classes most semesters prior to the start of the regular schedule, but if you have a friend who would like to try a class during the semester, please have him/her contact musictogethervictoria@shaw.ca directly and we will try and accommodate him or her.   Again, drop-ins are not permitted.

What is the age range of the classes?

Music Together^® is designed for children from birth through five (and their adults!!!).

Why mixed-age classes?

There are several reasons to have a mixed-age class:  researchers have found that a mixed-age group tends to foster a more natural, family style learning environment.  Older children learn from being in a leadership role, younger children benefit from the example of an older child. Siblings can attend class together, making it easier for parents to enjoy a true family experience.  

Of great importance to note is that children of the same age are not necessarily at the same point in their musical development, so separating them by age does not necessarily create a better learning environment during these early years as we now know - hence Music Together's more natural mixed-age model.

Our musical play activities are parent-child oriented rather than child-child oriented - emphasis is on the powerful connection between parent or caregiver and child rather than social interactions between the children.

How many children are enrolled in each class?

There are typically 6 to 12 children per class.

I'm not musical. How can I positively influence my child's music development?

You are your child's most important role model no matter what kind of singing voice or dancing feet you have (or think you have!!).   It is less important how well you sing than it is to model making the choice to sing. By your example, children will learn that music is a natural, enjoyable and important part of their lives.  You, the primary caregiver, are the only one who can give your child the gift of a positive disposition for making music.  No CD can impart that!   What your child loves and needs most is to hear your voice.  Reading the Parent Guide (you will receive this the first time you register for a class) will also give you more information about how to provide developmental support as you musically interact with your child.

How can I find out more about Music Together?

Please explore this site thoroughly, and you can also go to the main  website (www.musictogether.com) for a comprehensive look at the program, or call 250-217-2477

 

**Illness**

If you or your child are ill or  have any communicable condition, please do NOT come to class - while we'll miss you, we think it better if you stay home and recuperate fully. 

Please do NOT bring unregistered siblings who are missing school due to illness  to Music Together class with a younger sibling.