Music Together Vivo - Frequently Asked Questions

Here 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 & movement as we

Sing - we value participation over perfection!
Move creatively together
Enjoy spoken word songs
Build a fundamental movement vocabulary
Play instruments
Read and boost imagination

Together, we create a developmentally appropriate, informal setting that will enrich children's musical environment and guide them towards a lifetime of music-making enjoyment. If all that sounds complicated, the good news is that the teacher carefully plans the class and leads so that you can show up, follow along, and reap the benefits all week long. For more insight into the different classes we offer, please click on the respective logos on our Classes page. See what families have to say in the short video below!

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Why aren't there separate classes for different age groups?

Music Together pioneered the development of the mixed-age approach in early childhood music in the 1980s, and has stayed at the leading edge of research based methodology for 40 years. In each class we strive to create a musical learning environment where the whole family can enjoy music and nurture skills at the level right for each child. Mixed-age classes also provide an excellent space for growth because children of different ages thrive when they interact with each other. Learning is not linear! We all grow in our own way, in our own time. Mixed age family classes support this learning. Often, babies are 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, family relationships, and our 40+ years of experience in the field. Read more about the Music Together approach to early childhood music education here.

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As a parent, what is my role in class?

Your active participation is the key to your children learning and growing musically. That's a big job, and we are serious about it - so I'll say it again. You are your child's most important teacher. The great news is that you don't have to be a great singer or play an instrument to make a life-long postive impact.

In class, follow your teacher's lead. Sing along, tap and focus on doing what your teacher does. You'll be amazed at the difference the focus of the adults makes to the class dynamic.

From an auditory perspecitve, it is difficult for a young child to block out conversation, so please do not talk during class. Come early or stay late to socialize! During class, contribute to the creation of a musical environment for all.

Resist the urge 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 sing! Exploration of the instruments is developmentally appropriate - there is no one "right" way to play an instrument in Music Together classes. Wandering 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!

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What is the class size?

Typically, each class has 6- 12 registered children plus their primary caregiver(s).

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Can we eat in class?

Please feel comfortable to hydrate, nurse or feed infants in class, but we ask that you not bring other food or drink to class. After class, feel free to enjoy BYO snacks or lunch with friends outdoors - many of our locations have space for social time.

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May I use a camera or my cell phone during class?

Yes! But not the whole class, please. Music Together classes are primarily educational experiences in a community of grown-ups and children, and require active participation by all the grown-ups. I have seen children who are happily dancing and making music suddenly shut down when the cameras come out. Be cognisant of the fact that a video turns an experience from participatory in-the-moment-flow to a performace, and even very young chidlren feel this shift. So, to preserve the experience as a safe learning space, try to limit photos and videos to instrument play-along time and the time before or after class. Snap a photo and check in as you are setting up for class! We love to interact with your family on social media. Please post only photos and videos of your teachers and your family, not other families in class. When in doubt, ask your teacher or director.

Limit cell phone usage to only of photo-video of your family and the teacher please.

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Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?

Yes please! 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 helps other family members to join in at home.

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What if I miss a class?

If you need to schedule a make-up class, please use our Make-Up Scheduler.

Enrolled families may also use the content-rich Family Portal to enjoy printable activities, pre-recorded class videos, and other music-making ideas for anytime at home.

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Enrollment and Tuition Answers

What is the tuition?

Tuition varies based on the number of classes per session. Please view our Classes page for the current semester's information.

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Can I bring my infant or un-registered older sibling to class?

Yes! Music Together Vivo is designed for the whole family to make music with all ages. We want your whole family to attend classes.

Our registration system will calculate tuition per family, so please register all the children in your family who attend class regularly, including infants. Siblings are welcome on school holidays. Please make sure to introduce them to your teacher before class so they can be included in the Hello Song.

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When do classes begin?

New semesters begin in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. If you would like to join mid-semester, we will be happy to prorate the tuition accordingly.

New to Music Together? Schedule a Drop-in class

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Can I switch to a different class?

Changes can be made at the discretion of the director, depending on class availability.

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What if I need to withdraw from class?

Please notify Music Together Vivo as soon as possible. As a small business dedicted to serving our community, we appreciate your feedback about why you are withdrawing, so that we can continue to improve. Thank you for nurturing your musical family and supporting our local business.

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Do you offer sibling discounts?

We charge a "per family" fee, so all siblings are welcome to attend at the semester rate.

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Do you offer military discounts?

We are happy to waive the Registration/Membership fee for military families.

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Do you offer gift certificates?

Gift certificates for any amount towards Music Together 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.

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Music Together^® Materials Answers

How should we use the Music Together materials?

Use your download code from the front cover of your songbook - receive it fom your teacher - to access the sessions songs through the App.

Play your music at home and in the car as frequently as possible, especially during the first few weeks of class
Play your current music while your child is playing, before nap, or at bedtime. Sing along, echo back rhythm and tonal patterns!
Use the songbook to help you remember the songs or to inspire new verses from Jamie Kim's illustrations! 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.
Log into the Family Music Zone® on MusicTogether.com to access your class music plus lots of child development information.

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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 the Music Together Store.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Class Experience Questions

Enrollment & Discount Questions

Music Together® Materials Questions

Class Experience Answers

Enrollment and Tuition Answers

Music Together® Materials Answers

Music Together^® Materials Questions

Music Together^® Materials Answers