FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is the tuition fee?
Tuition varies for different programs and session. See Tuition & Rates for current information.

Can I join after the session has already started?
Yes! Your tuition will be prorated based on when you join.

What is the refund policy?
We do not offer tuition refunds after classes begin, although credit toward future classes may be issued in exceptional circumstances. A fee of $30.00 will be deducted if cancellation occurs prior to first class.

What is the class size?
Class sizes can range between 4 - 12 children and their parents or caregivers. Sometimes we must cancel or combine a class due to low enrollment. If we cancel your class before it is slated to begin, we will make every effort to place you in another class. If we cannot place you in another class, then we will refund your tuition payment in full. If we cancel your class after the semester begins and are unable to place you in another class, we negotiate your refund on a case-by-case basis.

What is the make-up policy?
Make-ups may be scheduled in another class offered by Muse Arts. Make-up classes must be scheduled within the session, and cannot be carried forward to future sessions. Schedule a make-up under the Enrolled Families menu.

How long are the classes?
All classes are 45-minutes, and meet once a week each session.

How long are the sessions?
Sessions typically run for ten weeks.

Can I switch classes mid-session?
Consistency is important for your child's learning, but we do understand that schedules shift and nap times change, so we will do our best to accommodate your family's needs.

Can we eat in class?
We would like to do our best to avoid allergens, so we ask that you not bring food or beverage into the space, and be sure to wash hands before class. Having said that, water or milk is permitted in a spill-proof bottle, and please feel comfortable to nurse your child!

What if my child is sick?
Please keep you child home from class until they are well again, and take advantage of make-up classes. Do not bring a child with a fever, a rash, a hacking cough, a streaming nose, oozing eyes, or lice or nits to class. If you are in doubt about whether you should attend class, please consult your child's doctor.

Can I use my phone to take photos and videos?
Our classes are "Cell Phone Free Zones," and as such, we ask that you not take photos or videos during class. Using cell phones in any capacity easily distracts the children (and adults) from the class activities. However, you may take photos before or after class. Please inform all caregivers coming to class with your child of this policy.

What is your policy on inclement weather?
We do our best not to cancel class, but sometimes the weather is just not cooperating. A decision will be made on a case by case basis. Please keep an eye out for an email notification and check our social media for cancellations.

Music Together®

What can I expect from Music Together Class?
Music Together classes nurture a child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement. We sing, dance, chant, and play instruments together in an informal group setting. Young children get the opportunity to not only learn through play and experimentation, but also watch and listen to the grownups they love and look up to. In fact, this modeling is essential to their growth into confident music-makers. But don't worry, you already have the only skill you'll need: the desire to play and have fun with your child! Just being there as a role model and sharing the experience is enough to make a powerful difference. Music Together teachers are specially trained to create a safe atmosphere where you can happily join in, experiment, and even get silly - all while strengthening the bond between you and your child.

Why aren't there separate classes for different age groups?
In the 1980's, 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-aged classes also 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 child, and the "big" children enjoy helping and sharing with the "little" ones. This approach is based on research from the fields of music education and early childhood.

How should we use the Music Together materials?
Play your recording at home as frequently as possible, especially during those first few weeks of class when you're learning the songs. You can use the songbook to help you remember the songs. Also, try using the songbook at story time instead of a regular book, and sing through the songs as you go along.

New Music Together parents receive our guide, "Music and Your Child - A Guide for Parents and Caregivers." During class your teacher may refer to topics and point out examples of things covered in the booklet. We are also happy to discuss your child's individual progress in obtaining musical competence at any time outside of class. If you are a returning family and it has been months (or years) since you have read the guide, ask for a copy! You may be surprised how valuable it is, especially after having personal experience observing your child's music development.

What happens after we complete a session?
A different song collection is used each session (there are nine different song collections, and three summer 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 three years before revisiting a collection. In three years, you and your child will learn over 375 songs! If you do continue in the program beyond three years (and we hope you will!), your child will experience their first song collections in a brand new way. Read more about the curriculum on the About Music Together page.

I lost my CD or songbook. Can I order another one?
Currently enrolled families in a Music Together class may order replacement or extra copies of song collection CDs or songbooks by emailing support@musictogether.com.

Music Together® Mixed Ages

Why mixed ages?
Early childhood educators consistently recommend mixed-age groupings as an optimal learning environment for children under five years. In this setting, older children learn from being in a leadership role (a role they may not take when they're in a group of their peers), and younger children benefit from the example of an older child. Classes have a family feel, rather than a school orientation, an environment your child will have ample opportunity to experience when they enter the world of formal education in a few years. In addition, children of the same age are not necessarily in the same stage of music development and a mixed-age environment created a space for exploration and discovery, rather than peer pressure. The Music Together curriculum is designed to teach on many levels of complexity at once, and Music Together teachers are trained in the art of mixed-age learning.

Should my infant be in a class with older children?
Absolutely! Just as siblings in multi-child families learn from each other, so do the children in our mixed-age classes. Your baby will learn by watching and imitating you as well as the older children in the room.

Will my older child regress being in a class with babies?
No. You may notice your child revisiting some behaviors they have moved past, but do not confuse this with regression. Your child will not UN-learn skills they have already gained. This process of revisiting actually affirms the progress your child has made as they recognize they no longer exhibits these behaviors. It also signifies empathy as they adjust their behavior in order to relate to the younger children in the room.

May I bring both of my children to the same class?
Yes! Not only may you, we encourage you to! 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 Ages classes provide a rich learning environment because children of different ages thrive when they interact with each other.

Music Together® Babies

At what age should I start class with my baby?
Now! Babies learn music the same way they learn language; by being immersed in it. Just as it is never too early to start talking to your baby, it is never too early to start singing with your baby!

What age are the infants in Babies class?
Infants range from only a few weeks old to several months in this program! We recommend infants older than seven months register for Mixed Ages class. The babies are non-mobile for the majority of the session. If your baby is crawling before the start of the session, you may want to consider a Mixed Ages class. Feel free to contact us to discuss what's right for you.

My baby is under 7 months. Should I take a Babies class or a Mixed Ages class? What's the difference?
The Babies class is structured in much the same way as a Mixed Ages class. In both classes, your teacher will lead you through a variety of activities, facilitating fun and creative ways for you to interact musically with your baby. The main difference lies in parent education. Because the infants are non-mobile, there is a calmer energy in this class which allows the teacher more opportunities to explain the 'whys' behind the 'whats,' and to point out emerging musical behaviors.

My baby is over 7 months. Should I enroll in the Babies or Mixed Ages class?
While every child is on their own developmental journey, we find that babies over 7 months tend to be more engaged and interested in the activities of a Mixed Ages class. Contact us if you have questions about which class is right for your baby.

I have already taken a Babies class, but my child is still under 7 months. Can I register for a Babies class again?
Generally, no. The Babies program is meant to be a one session introduction to Music Together, with the primary goal being to give adults the tools they need to interact with their babies in a mixed-age environment. Once you have those tools, you will want to integrate your baby into a Mixed Ages class where they can learn both from you AND by watching and imitating the older children in the room! However, if you have any concerns or reservations about moving to the Mixed Ages class, let us know and we're happy to discuss options with you.

My baby is under 7 months. Do I need to take the Babies class before the Mixed Ages class?
There's no requirement to take the Babies class before joining the Mixed Ages class. The Babies class is a great introduction to Music Together at a gentler pace with plenty of time for parent education. However, the Mixed Ages class is also perfectly appropriate for our youngest music-makers! Contact us if you have questions about which class is right for your baby.

Outdoor Classes

What should I bring to an outdoor class?
First, you'll need a big blanket for your family to sit on. This will be your home base during class and will help create a visual boundary for social distancing. Next, you'll need to bring instruments and/or props for class. These can be homemade or found, but if you're interested, you can purchase a Family Instrument Set here. Last, you'll probably need outdoor supplies like sunscreen or bug spray, and water to keep hydrated.

How will I know which instruments/props to bring to class?
Plan to bring your homemade, found, or real version of egg shakers, rhythm sticks, and scarf to every class. If your teacher is planning to use any other instruments or props, they will notify you by the night before via email and/or text message letting you know what to bring. Remember that, as your child's beloved grownup, it is important that you are modeling musical behaviors for them, so it's a good idea to have enough instruments/props for you as well.

What happens if it's raining?
Our outdoor classes are held on a weather-permitting basis. In cases of inclement weather, the class will be held on Zoom. This can occur if there is precipitation in the forecast, if the ground is too wet, or if the temperature is below 50˚F. Muse Arts will make a determination at least 2 hours before the class start time, and notify enrolled families via text and email. Please know that while Muse Arts will do everything in their power to make a decision based on the most up-to-date weather forecast, the weather may change in unpredictable ways. If an unpredictable change in the weather does occur, we will proceed with the outdoor class as scheduled as long as conditions are safe.

What Covid-19 precautions are being taken?

Class sizes will be limited to 8 families.
Each class will practice social distancing. The teacher will measure enough space between family blankets to ensure the class is safely spread out.
Masks will be required for every participant 2 years old and older when within 6-feet of another person not in their family.
Participants must stay home if anyone in their household is exhibiting any of the following Covid-19 symptoms: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
Participants must stay home if they or anyone they've been in close contact with has been exposed to Covid-19.

Online Classes

How do Online classes differ from in-person classes?
Online classes allow us to share a musical experience remotely with other families, and within our own family unit. The teacher will lead a variety of activities to help facilitate your child's music development and offer educational information for the adults, with the added bonus of learning how to make music with everyday objects found at home.

What is the difference between Music Together® Online - Mixed Ages and Music Together® Online - Babies?
Just like an in-person class, Mixed Ages classes are for children 0-5 years, while Babies classes are for infants 0-7 months. In a Mixed Ages class, activities are geared towards all the children and grown-ups, with small modifications offered for the varying stages of development. This is because children will learn and absorb musical information at their own rate, and your enthusiastic participation as their parent or caregiver guides them along their musical journey. In a Babies class, your enthusiastic participation is still key for your child to learn music, but we get to embrace the earlier stages of overall development and gear activities accordingly for a gentler, slower-paced class that allows for more parent education.

See Mixed Ages or Babies for more detailed information.

What about screen time?
It may feel counterintuitive to add more screen time to your child's schedule, but we want to clarify the difference between passively sitting in front of a screen, and actively engaging with the content being presented. It's true that a child passively sitting in front of a screen doesn't absorb information deeply. But! When you and your child together interact and participate with an online class like ours, and continue to talk (and sing!) about the activities after the screen is off, online media can be a really beneficial tool for learning. This article discusses how to use screen time with children in a healthier way.

Having said all that, whether in-person or online, our classes are designed for children to have the freedom to absorb information in the way that's right for them. There's no need for your child to sit in front of the screen during the class, and in fact, we recommend our youngest learners don't see the screen at all, only you!

FAQ