What makes Music Together^® different? Research. Music Together was first offered to the public in 1987 and pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum. Today classes are offered all over the world including a lab school in Princeton, New Jersey. Ongoing research at the lab school, as well as the research of others, continually informs Music Together’s work on program content and development, varied applications of the program, and teacher training. Everything we do in class has an educational purpose. 

In class, sing, dance, and have fun! You might be surprised to hear that you are your child's most important music teacher right now—and it doesn't matter whether you think of yourself a great singer or dancer. Young children develop dispositions for certain behaviors, including learning to love music, by observing and imitating their loved ones. Simply by participating enthusiastically during class and playing with the ideas at home, you'll give your children the modeling they need to learn to love to make music.

What's expected of my child in class? At Music Together, children are never required to sit in the circle or expected to conform to an adult's idea of participation. We know that children learn differently from adults. They learn instinctively and constantly, through observation, interactions with adults and older children, and through imitation, play, and, especially, movement. One hallmark of Music Together is the insight that children will naturally develop music ability simply when they are immersed in a community of families all making music.

Children's responses depend on their most dominant learning style and temperament as well as their age and developmental level. Some might follow the teacher right away. Many will simply want to watch and absorb, particularly in the first few weeks of class. Some might crawl or toddle around; others are stimulated by the music and respond more actively, running, jumping, or dancing. All are perfectly natural responses to the new, musically rich environment. 

What's expected of adults in class?  Your active participation and modeling, in class and at home, is the key to your children learning and growing musically.  At Music Together® we introduce caregivers and young children to the joys of actively making music rather than passively consuming it. Young children learn through play and experimentation, and by watching and listening to the grownups they love enjoying making music. Please try to avoid chatting with a friend in class and/or texting or phone calls during our time together, so that we can offer a community music making experience to everyone, including your child. 

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 adults doing (and enjoying) it themselves! Toddlers are allowed to wander throughout the room as long as they are not hurting themselves or others, but please watch out for your child’s safety and gently redirect as needed. Most importantly, we hope that adults will relax and have fun!

What is the class size? Each class has between 6 and 12 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).

How long are the classes? Classes are 45-minutes. All classes meet once a week for the length of the semester, unless a class falls on a holiday or a day when the location is not available. 

What is the refund policy? No tuition refunds are given after classes begin. $60 is non-refundable if you withdraw before the start of the semester or credit toward a future session can be issued. 

What is the make-up policy? Families are allowed unlimited makeup classes within the same semester depending on availability. Makeups can be scheduled using the Makeup Scheduler. 

Can I switch to a different class? Requests for class changes are dependent on class availability. 

What if I start classes after the semester begins? East Side Music Together is happy to welcome families at any point during the semester based on availability. Tuition would be pro-rated.

What if my child is sick? Please do not bring your child to class if they are sick. This includes if they have a fever, vomiting/diarrhea, visible yellowish or greenish-brown nasal or eye discharge, flu/Covid like-symptoms, or any kind of rash or mouth soures symptomatic of a contagious illness. 

Can we eat in class? Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms aside from sippy cups or water. 

Can I bring a guest or an unregistered older sibling to class?  Adult guests are allowed at any time and there is no need to let the teacher know in advance. If you are bringing a child guest, including unregistered siblings, please let the teacher know beforehand. Child guests or unregistered siblings may attend 1 class per session for free. A second visit is the drop-in fee of $20. 

What happens if the teacher cancels due to illness or inclement weather? You will be notified via email and text. A week will be added to the end of the semester. 

Can we take pictures or videos during class? While occasionally snapping a pic or video of your child in the class is fine, we want you to try to put the phones away so you can focus on modeling music-making for your child. The best time to take capture fun moments is during the play-along so that you can participate throughout the rest of the class. Please ask the other parents before you take or post anything on social media. 

What happens after we complete a semester? A different song collection is used each semester –there are 9 different song collections- so when you re-register, you can look forward to expanding your repertoire with a variety of new songs and chants. The curriculum is designed so that families can continue classes for 3 years before revisiting a song collection. In 3 years, you and your child will learn over 250 songs! 

Do you offer gift certificates? Yes! Gift certificates toward classes can be purchased at any time. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts.