We have CDs at home to listen to. Why do I need a class?

Recorded music can be stimulating and enjoyable to listen to but, for a baby or young child, it cannot replace the experience of a parent or caregiver's voice singing a special song just for them. Just as we don't sit our baby next to a talk-radio station to learn speech, nor should we think of recorded music as a replacement for live musical experiences.

Is my baby too young for a Music Together^® class?

Did you know your child could hear your voice by the fourth month of gestation? At birth, many of the senses have yet to develop, but hearing is fully present. The human brain is developing at its fastest between 6 and 12 months of age, so let your child enjoy the beautiful and stimulating sounds of live voices and instruments in class. For first-time parents especially, Music Together gives you a repertoire of songs to sing with your child from their earliest days and beyond.

Is my 4 year-old too old for a mixed-age class?

Let your older child enjoy the opportunity to be a leader and show off his or her skills to the class! Kids at the older end of the age spectrum benefit from feeling like the 'big kid' in the group.

Will my child have to sit still for a 45 minute class?

Not at-all. Movement is a natural response to music. There are several opportunities to get up and dance during each class. During sit'n'sing moments, it's OK for your child to cruise around the room. Running is not allowed, however, and your trained Music Together teacher will have a number of strategies to address this, should it arise. Class time is punctuated by hands-on instrument time, and props such as scarves and balls are used to aid movement and dance, so there's plenty to hold your child's attention.

What if we miss class for any reason?

You can make up missed classes three times in any one semester. Just call your Music Together director, Julia McLeod at 925 360 3298 and let her know when you want to schedule a make-up.

Are the instruments safe for my child to handle?

We buy only the best quality instruments that stand up to tough treatment. The children are also free to mouth the instruments. Anything that gets chewed during class is put in the wet-box and cleaned thoroughly.

I can't carry a tune! Will I have to sing in class?

Yes. We encourage all the parents and caregivers to sing as much as possible in class regardless of their level of ability. What matters most to your child is that they hear your voice – the one that means the most to them – and get the message that it's fun to participate in group music-making. Don't be shy – what happens in class stays in class!

Can my mother/nanny/brother bring my child to class?

A Music Together class can be a wonderful activity to share with grandparents. More than one adult may attend with each registered child. We love it when friends and family from out of town join us too.

My child is asking to play an instrument - is she ready?

It's usually best to keep music education as general and broad as possible through early childhood, and to focus on having your child achieve what we call Basic Music Competence. Having Basic Music Competence means you are able to sing in tune and keep a steady beat. Of course, additional skills and maturity should be present before taking instrumental instruction to avoid frustration and disappointment. Read more: Ready for an Instrument?