Classroom FAQ
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
Our classes are held in Portuguese and English. You are not required to speak Portuguese, and the songs are selected from a variety of cultures. There will be different languages, and some songs won’t even have words. So, no worries if you don’t speak Portuguese – we will be using a Universal language: music!
As a parent, what is my role 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. Please wait to socialize or use your cell phone until after class and instead help us create a music only environment.
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.
Throughout the classes, your teacher will help you tune in to how your child learns best so you can support their music development in class and at home. Feel free to ask if you have questions!
How should we use the Music Together materials?
Play your songs at home and in the car frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make it available to the music available for your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. Create your Family Music Zone account and download the Music Together app for digital versions of the songs and more activity ideas to try!
Use the songbook to help you learn the songs and get new ideas for musical ideas to use at home. The music notation is in the book if you play an instrument and want to play along. Try using the songbook at storytime instead of a regular book and sing through the songs as you go along.
What is the class size?
Each class has between 6 and 12 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).
What if I miss a class?
We regularly have extra classes, so that families can make up for lost sessions.
Can I switch to a different class?
At the moment, we only have one class for each program (Mixed Ages for children aged 0 to 4 years, and Rhythm Kids for children aged 5 to 8 years). Once we add more classes, you will be able to attend others as well.
What if I start classes after the semester begins?
Music Together Silver Coast welcomes families at any point during the semester! However, we do not prorate for classes missed due
to late registration. Instead, families may makeup class(es) during the semester.
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.
Can I bring a guest or an unregistered older sibling to class?
Music Together classes may be in session when older children have a school holiday, and it is natural to want to bring them with you to class. All guests must be prearranged with the teacher to ensure adequate space in the class.
Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?
Yes, parents, grandparents, or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time—no need to ask!
Why aren't there classes for specific age groups?
Classes with children of different ages have intellectual and social benefits for both younger and older children. In fact, it’s the learning environment recommended by many early childhood researchers. Older children learn empathy and awareness of others, while developing leadership qualities and gaining self-confidence. Younger children learn by imitating the older ones and often show more complex behaviors earlier than usual. Even babies benefit by being in an environment that gives them lots of opportunities to observe the behavior of children of varying ages. Plus, it allows everyone — siblings, parents, grandparents, caregivers — to share in the musical experience together!
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates toward classes can be purchased at any time. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts.
Please contact us [link: Contact Us] if you’re interested in purchasing one.
What do you do about germs?
We make sure instruments and props are clean before class. We primarily use alcohol, and we also keep alchohol wipes out and available to our families just in case they want to give an extra wipe. We also have plenty of hand sanitizer! Our teachers are constantly washing their hands, and we hope our families are too!
We ask that families use our makeup scheduler and stay home if there is any question that they or their child are ill. We feel confident that our classrooms are cleaner than most homes or businesses -but we all have to work together!