FAQs

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 East Side Music Together, families from the greater Providence area can experience the same internationally recognized program right here in our community.

What Happens in a Music Together® Class?

Each 45-minute Music Together class is a multisensory experience filled with singing, creative movement, visual props, instrument play, and other playful music activities. 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 trained teacher guides the activities while you participate alongside your child.

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.

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? 

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 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. $50 deposit to hold your space in class is non-refundable if you withdraw before the start of the semester. In either situation, credit toward a future session can be issued. 

If we need to miss a class, can we make it up?

Yes. Families are allowed unlimited makeup classes within the same semester depending on availability. Makeups can be scheduled using the Makeup Scheduler and are dependent on availability. 

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? 

To keep our community healthy, 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 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 $24. 

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?

Yes - classes offer wonderful photo and video opportunities. While occasionally snapping a pic or video of your child in the class is fine, we encourage adults to limit phones throughout class so they can focus on modeling music-making for their child. Please ask the other parents before you take or post anything on social media. And, if you capture some great moments, we always appreciate you sharing! 

 

What happens after we complete a semester?

Music Together has 12 song collections that rotate on a 3 year cycle. That means, families can continue classes for 3 years before revisiting a song collection! So, when you re-enroll you can look forward to expanding your repertoire with a variety of new songs and chants. In 3 years, you and your child will learn over 250 songs! Each time you complete a semester, we hope your family will continue to enjoy the music from that collection at home for years to come. 

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. 

Do you do birthday parties?

We will only consider birthday party requests from families currently or previously enrolled in our classes.