Classroom FAQ

What's expected of my child in class?

Children are expected to simply keep being children when they come to Music Together®! Learning in early childhood only happens when children are relaxed and in charge of their experiences, not when they're being forced to pay attention or follow along. So although we invite you to sing, move, grove and get a little silly with us, your child is free to roam, watch, snuggle in your lap or jump into the middle of the action as they need to. Expecting them to pay attention and follow along is not developmentally appropriate and will actually interrupt the natural learning process. So Music Together children, as long as they're safe, are "free range" in our classes!

Some children show obvious delight in class right away. But many children often take many weeks to warm up to a new activity or new environment, and there's a LOT to take in during a Music Together class. So your child may truly need to be in "record" mode during class. All children do more outside of class, once they've absorbed the rich experiences in class and have opportunities to keep playing with those musical "toys" at home (or even as soon as you get in the car to go home!). So even if your little one is a quiet appreciator in class, you'll see the music flowing out of them the rest of the week, provided you keep giving them opportunities to experiment with music. Throughout the semester, 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. 

 

Why do I need to come to class with my child?

You might be surprised to hear that you are your child's most important music teacher right now. Here's what we mean: your child is learning what's important in their world from your model and that includes music. If you want your child to love gardening, let them watch you garden. They'll imitate your example! If you want your child to be a reader, let them watch you read in addition to reading to them. If you want your child to love singing & dancing, not professionally but as an integral part of their every day life, it's essential that they see you singing, dancing and being playful with music. No one else can foster a love of music-making for them but you. Nature made sure there was no substitute! The great news is that your child doesn't care about whether you sing well--they only care that you sing and dance with them, every day. When you do, your child builds a blueprint for a musical identity that will be with them their entire life! And we help you to feel inspired and excited about bringing more music-making into your family. So, even if you don't consider yourself to be "musical," you'll love the program as much as your child does!

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 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 Hello Everybody 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. (Always wanted to learn an instrument? Check out our Guitar Class for Grownups!) And 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 during the semester?

We offer unlimited makeups classes during each semester session. Although consistent attendance helps your child's learning and helps build community, we understand that life can be unpredictable. So flexibility is important in supporting your family's experience. Please visit our Make Up Classes page to learn more.

Can I switch to a different class?

Requests for class changes must be initiated within the first three weeks of the semester. Depending on class availability, changes are made at the discretion of the center director and teachers involved. Changes are not made after the third week of the semester. 

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

FAM JAM! 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. This may mean that you get to come 2 or even 3 times a week, which can be a wonderful first semester experience!

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. 

Will classes be cancelled in inclement weather?

We do not adhere to SFPS in regard to weather-related delays. Should public schools close due to inclement weather, classes at FAM JAM, may be cancelled as well. Please check our website homepage or our Facebook page for announcements regarding weather cancellations.

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 if you’re interested in purchasing one.