Music Together Classes
Did you know all children are musical?
Have you ever noticed how quickly a crying child stops crying when he or she hears music? Music is a powerful force in early childhood because young children’s attention is tuned into the sounds around them. Hearing begins in utero at the fourth month, and most children hear well by the time they are born. In a recent study, infants were able to pick out minute changes in melodies at the age of only one or two months. While six-month olds may not be ready for math, they are acutely attentive and responsive to musical sounds.
Music Together is a music and movement approach to early childhood music development for infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten children accompanied by their parents or caregivers. Originally offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate, early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes adult involvement. Music Together classes build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement to develop his or her musical skills. And research proves that the development of musical skills significantly benefits a child’s physical, emotional, and intellectual growth.
What are Music Together classes like?
During a semester, twelve preschool-aged children (ages birth to five) and their parents or caregivers meet for 45 minutes each week to experience new songs, chants, movement activities, and instrumental jam sessions. Both adults and children sit in a circle and participate, led by an early-childhood music specialist certified in music education.
In class, children have many opportunities to create and play – making up rhythm patterns, making up new words to songs, making up movements to express a sound.
Some children will simply stare and “study” the experiences as they absorb the musically rich atmosphere. Others will sing, play, and dance freely because they are in a comfortable, encouraging environment.
A dozen experiences are included in each class, ranging from playful free movement to songs in unusual tonalities and meters. Children may or may not participate as they choose – and do so according to their individual developmental levels.
The enjoyment doesn't stop when class is over.
Each semester, families participating in Music Together classes receive a new recording of original compositions and traditional songs performed by outstanding singers and instrumentalists, along with a songbook full of pictures and activities to help the whole family learn and enjoy the songs at home.
Years after your child takes a Music Together class, he or she will still remember the “Hello Song” and other favorites. Parents of former students tell us, “We still play those tapes!” With a childhood of Music Together experiences, your son or daughter will be among the young people who love music-making. Enjoy!
| Music Together art and logo design copyright ©1992-2008 Music Together LLC. Music Together was developed by the center for Music and Young Children, Princeton NJ. Music Together, CMYC, and Center for Music and Young Children are registered trademarks. |