FAQ

The Answers toAll Your Questions

Where can I find the most comprehensive information about my class?

Check out our class policy page by clicking here. This page contains important information about our classes, make-up policies, and more!

What can I expect from class?

Music Together is designed for children ages birth through kindergarten. With Mums n Munchkins 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. Mums n Munchkins classes nurture your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement as we sing, dance, chant, and play instruments in an informal setting. Our relaxed environment that will enrich her musical environment and guides your child her towards a lifetime of music-making enjoyment. Parents or caretakers also benefit from parent education interspersed throughout the class.

We open each class with our “Hello” song, and we welcome each child by name. Throughout the class, your instructor will use the rich Music Together curriculum to guide your child through a musical experience, which is different from week to week. Most classes make time for a “jam” and/or “free dance” song, allowing your child to explore music making and movement in his or her own way. Each class closes with a lullaby and our “Goodbye” song, which again calls each child by name.

Why are most classes taught in a Mixed Age setting?

Music Together is designed for children age birth through kindergarten. In the 1980s, Music Together pioneered the development of the mixed-age approach in early childhood music. In each class we strive to create a musically rich, developmentally appropriate environment where the whole family can enjoy music and nurture skills at the level right for each child. Mixed-age classes provide a rich learning environment because children of different ages thrive when they interact with each other: the babies are often fascinated by the older children, and the “big” children enjoy helping and sharing with the “little” ones. This approach is based on research from music education, early childhood development, and family relationships, as well as our 20 years of experience in the field.

What is the class size?

Each class has 6-12 registered children plus their primary caregiver(s).

What if I miss a class during the semester? How do I schedule a makeup?

Families are allowed unlimited makeups each semester, though they do not roll over to the next semester. All makeups can be scheduled online through our Family Portal. In the event that there is only one class during a given semester, the director may extend the semester by a week as scheduling permits. To schedule or cancel a makeup class, please send email to
shaista@mumsnmunchkins.com

Can I switch to a different class?

Requests for class changes must be initiated within the first two weeks of the semester, and are made at the discretion of the center director, depending on class availability. Changes are not made after the fourth week of the semester.

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

Both or either parent, grandparents, nannies or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time – no need to ask. Making music together as a whole family is extremely valuable to your child's musical development, and attending class occasionally helps the other family members to join in at home.

As a parent or caregiver, what is my role in class?

Enhance your child's experience in class by remembering to sing, sing, sing! Your active participation allows your child to learn and grow musically. So pick up an egg shakes during one of our “jam” sessions, dance your heart out to our “free dance” songs, and enjoy the “play” in making music throughout class! You are the perfect person to model for your child how much fun it can be to make music.

There are always opportunities to socialize before or after class, and we encourage you to resist the urge to talk to your child or other adults during class. This will support your child’s ability to benefit from our musical learning environment.

Rather than giving verbal directions or showing your child how to do things the “right” way, allow your child to experience the class in his or her own way. 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 seeing and hearing you enjoying it yourself!

Wandering toddlers are fine, and some children may choose to learn by watching from a distance. Of course watch out for your child’s safety, but as a parent or caregiver, your primary job is to relax and have fun!