Frequently Asked Questions

What is Music Together®? 

Music Together^® is a research-based early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them^®. Since 1987, families around the world have experienced Music Together^® through classes for families, schools, and clinical settings. Today, classes are found in nearly 2,000 communities in 35 countries. At Music Together YEG, families from Edmonton and its surrounding areas can experience the same internationally recognized program right here in our community.

What happens in a Music Together^® class? 

Each 50-minute Music Together class is an all-encompassing immersive musical experience filled with singing, dancing, creative movement, instrument play and other playful music activites. Children might be singing and shaking instruments one minute and dancing around the room the next. Some jump right in, while others watch or explore. Every response is welcome. Your teacher guides the activities while you participate alongside your child.

My child doesn't sit still... is that okay? 

ABSOLUTLEY! Children learn in different ways and Music Together respects, celebrates and integrates every child's style of learning! There is no expectation for them to sit; no expectation for them to participate; and most definitely no expecation for them to perform! All behaviour is accepted and included so long as it is safe and not disruptive. Some children sing and dance right away, while others prefer to watch, explore, or move around the room. All of these are natural ways of interacting and learning in a Music Together class.

Why is music important for babies and toddlers? 

Music gives babies and toddlers so many ways to learn, grow, and connect. Singing, moving, and playing with music supports parent-child bonding and your child’s natural music development along with their cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional development. And it’s never too early to start. Even the youngest babies are listening and responding to rhythm, melody, and the sounds around them. Music Together^® classes turn those natural responses into playful opportunities to explore music with the grownups they love—and begin building a relationship with music that can last a lifetime.

Why are Music Together^® classes mixed-age?

Music Together pioneered mixed-age early childhood music classes because children naturally learn from one another in mixed-age environments. Older children enjoy leading and modeling, while younger children learn through observation and imitation. The mixed-age format also allows siblings to attend together and encourages every family to participate at their own child's developmental level. Read more about the benefits of mixed-age learning.

Do parents participate in class?

Yes! Music Together is designed for children (and the grownups who love them^®) to participate together. All you need is a willingness to sing, move, and have fun alongside your child. Your participation helps create a rich music environment where children naturally learn through observation, imitation, and play.

Do you offer classes for older children (5-8yrs)?

Yes! Music Together®’s research has recognized that one of the key elements to ensuring your child remains a confident music-maker is to keep them in a safe group music-making setting. The Music Together "Rhythm Kids®" Class is designed with this in mind! We immerse your child in a creative, judgement and pressure-free classroom that coaxes their strong music-maker to come out and play! We explore basic hand-drumming techniques, rhythmic instruments, musical games and activities that encourage both individual expression and group interaction and introduce them to important musical concepts that will form a solid foundation to build on so they can be MUSICALLY CONFIDENT forever! 

What does "research-based" mean?

Music Together is built on more than 40 years of research in music-learning, child development, early childhood learning theory, neuroscience, and psychology. The end result of this research was four basic principles that are still the cornerstone of the Music Together philosophy today. Every song, activity, and teaching strategy is designed around how young children naturally learn: through play, movement, repetition, and meaningful interactions with the grownups they love.