Getting the Most Out of Music Together®

Here are some easy ways to maximize your family’s experience in class:

• Arrive on time. If you are running late, sing the ‘Hello’ song to your child in the car on the way to class.

• You may want to feed your child a meal or snack before class, and bring a drink for them to enjoy during the lullaby or anytime they need it. Nursing is also a wonderful and nurturing thing to do anytime during class.

• We sanitize instruments and props regularly, but if you are concerned about germs, wash your child’s hands before and after class.

• We recommend that you don’t bring personal toys into class. It sometimes sets up a dynamic (jealous kids) that is distracting.

• If your child shows a need to hold on to an instrument or prop after we’re done, let them keep it.

• Have fun! Children develop their own musical intelligence and seeing you in action gives them permission to experiment. The more you truly enjoy yourself as you sing and play, and the sillier you can be (both in and out of class), the more your child will learn that making music and sound and moving their body is a fun part of life. You are your child’s best teacher (not the professionals!), so try to let go of your self-judgements and pat yourself on the back for the wonderful things you do as a parent, including bringing them to Music Together! It’s important that you feel at ease, however, so go at your own pace. Sometimes it takes several weeks (or even several semesters) before a parent feel able to “jump-in” and sing or move, or contribute ideas in class. We want you to enjoy coming to class just as much as your child(ren).

• If your child appears ‘off-task,’ wandering around, getting into the instrument table, etc, you can try to engage them by singing or chanting to them (i.e. “bum-bum” or “Su-zie su-zie, let’s dance to-geth-er) rather than calling out, “Suuuuzzieeeee! Get ovvver heeeere!” or “No, Suzie, no! This way!” But it’s not necessary or realistic to expect that your child is constantly engaged in the activity we’re doing. Kids know when to “plug-in” and when to “check out.” Often, when they “check out” during class, they are actually deeply processing and/or learning by observing. As long as your child is safe, it’s fine and even encouraged to support their process. You can always model participation by actively participating yourself, or even engaging with another parent or child. And you can certainly model taking care of yourself, by taking a break when YOU need to!

• Play the CD, play the tape, and look, feel, read and scribble in that songbook! The more places and activities in your life that actively include Music Together, the more your child will learn that music and sound is everywhere (even in silence), and is part of everyday life. You can make up verses to “Old Brass Wagon” while changing a diaper, play around with “One Little Owl” while taking a walk outside, and help prepare your child for a car ride by singing “Ride-O.” Doing this models improvisation, making a song your own. If you discover a way to include a Music Together (or any) song in an every-day activity, share it with the class!

• Music-making is a conversation. We often get caught up in presenting music and movement to our children, being responsible for their experience. But don’t forget to enjoy the music they make for you! In class and at home, actively observe and listen to your child. You will enjoy what you see and hear! Mirror it back to him/her. Your child will love seeing your rapt attention, and will feel validated and inspired to continue exploring and discovering their natural musicality.

• At least once during each class, try to see the experience through your child’s eyes and ears. You will learn alot just by bringing this intention and awareness into class with you.

• Remember, although there is a TON of research, facts, and scientific blah-de-blah out there about why and how music is essential in our lives, the most important thing we can do is trust our children to know what they need. All children are musical. They are all hard-wired to get this stuff. Provide the appropriate musical environment for them, have lots of fun, faith and patience, and watch them bloom!

BACK