Frequently Asked Questions
Before enrolling, please also read: Asheville Area Music Together Policies
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I expect from class?
- As a parent, what is my role in class?
- Why aren’t there separate classes for different age groups?
- What if my child can't sit still for 45 minutes?
- Do infants really benefit?
- What is the class size?
- Can I bring un-registered children to class?
- When can I expect class confirmation?
- What if I miss a class?
- How do I schedule a make-up?
- 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?
- How should we use the Music Together Materials?
- How do you prevent the spread of germs?
- Where can I buy some of the instruments we have in class?
- May I bring a camera to class?
- Do you offer gift certificates?
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.
Your teacher will guide you through a variety of activities, including finger plays, structured and free movements, exploration of age-appropriate percussion instruments and props, and more. Caregiver participation is central to the Music Together philosophy of early childhood learning. Wear comfy clothes that you can move in, and expect to have fun!
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 not talking to your children or other adults during the 45 minutes. 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.
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! Allowing your child to wander 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!
Why aren’t there separate classes for different age groups?
The most up-to-date early childhood research supports multi-age learning environments for learning!
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.
Music Together classes have a family feel rather than a school feel; siblings can participate together! There is far less performance pressure and group behavior challenges in a mixed-ages class.
What if my child can't sit still for 45 minutes?
Children are encouraged to move about freely during class, and to participate according to their individual development and temperament. Children are not required to sit still; rather, they are encouraged to respond spontaneously to the musical environment. Wandering and exploring away from our immediate circle are not only fine (provided that the attending adult is supervising the child's safety) but usually indicate a child's need to move--kinesthetic learning--or to create a larger zone of space around herself while receiving information from the class environment.
Do infants really benefit?
Yes! Infants’ participation will seem passive at first, as they absorb what they are seeing, hearing, and feeling. As their bodies and minds mature, this early exposure to a stimulating musical environment allows children to learn music easily and naturally, the same way they learn language. Music Together teaches caregivers to recognize their infants’ musical responses and encourage further development.
What is the class size?
Each class has 6- 12 registered children plus their primary caregiver(s).
Can I bring un-registered children to class?
All child guests must be approved by the teacher in advance of class. Because of our limited class size, a child guest may be turned away if her attendance was not approved ahead of time. We can usually accommodate older siblings on the occasional school holiday--please ask your teacher. Child guests should be encouraged to participate or to watch from a comfortable distance. We ask that guests not bring distracting activities (toys, hand-held video games, etc) into the classroom.
If a child guest will attend more than 2 classes during the Session, he will need to enroll in the class or pay a guest fee for each visit. Visitation spots are available on a first come, first serve basis.
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?
Notify your teacher in writing (a note or e-mail) if you know you will miss a class. Please do this as soon as you know of any classes you'll miss. We can then make your spot available to a family who needs a make up or to a visiting family. Of course, if you have an emergency, you won't be able to give advance notification, but your teacher will appreciate an e-mail or a phone call if you can manage it.
Families are allowed two makeups per semester. Makeups are available at any location classes are offered. Makeups do not carry over from previous semesters.
How do I schedule a make-up?
Log in to your account, go to the MY CLASSES tab, and click the SCHEDULE MAKE-UP to the left of your current class. If you have trouble, contact Kari.
Families are allowed two makeups per semester. Makeups are available at any location classes are offered as long as there is space. Makeups do not carry over from previous semesters.
Can I switch to a different class?
Requests for class changes must be approved by the teacher of the class AND the director, depending on class availability. Changes are typically not made after the third week of the semester.
What if I need to withdraw from class?
Please read our Policies for information about refunds.
Families wishing to withdraw from class with must do so 3 days before the first class. Families are responsible for class attendance. Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal and all tuition fees are forfeited if we are not informed of your withdrawal 3 days before the first class. If circumstances necessitate withdrawal from class, please call Kari.
What if I start classes after the semester begins?
Families receive two makeup classes per semester, as space is available. Discuss your individual situation with Kari.
Can we eat in class?
Please feel comfortable to nurse your child in class. Water in covered containers is fine.
Please do not bring food or other drinks 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 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.
How do you prevent the spread of germs?
As with any other gathering of two or more children, there is ample opportunity to share germs at Music Together class. Your teacher will clean instruments often. Please help us with this by depositing mouthed instruments in the "wet basket."
If you or your child has had a fever of 102 or more or vomited within 24 hours of the start of class, or if you suspect your child is coming down with something, please stay home. Wash your child's hands before and after class. Hand sanitizer is available in some locations.
Where can I buy some of the instruments we have in class?
High-quality instruments are available from http://musictogether.com/Store. Some local stores carry some of the instruments we use. Talk to your teacher about where she purchased hers.
May I bring a camera to class?
As our classes are participatory and educational experiences between adults and children, we ask our families to limit time spent taking photos or video during class.
Occasionally classes are professionally photographed and/or videotaped. These photographs/videos are sometimes used for publicity purposes. In instances where these images are intended for publicity purposes, parents may sign the provided release forms or opt out of being photographed.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates for any amount can be purchased at any time. Gift certificates make 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.
