Meadowlark Music Together

I have trouble sitting on the floor, moving between sitting and standing, or performing other movements. Will I be able to participate? What should I do?

What do I need to bring to class?

You don't need to bring anything! The teacher will provide instruments and props for everyone to use each week, which will be washed between classes. If you'd like to get some to play with at home, some solid basics are movement scarves, egg shakers, and rhythm sticks, which can all be purchased from the Music Together^® store or a variety of other retailers. If you'd prefer to bring your own instruments to class, that's totally fine as well, just contact us for more info about what to bring when.

You're welcome to bring water for yourself and your child, though we ask to leave all snacks outside, since they can distract other children. We usually take our shoes off for class to keep the carpet clean and avoid stepping on little toes, so wear socks if you'd like. Any diaper bags, purses, etc, can be left with your shoes in the hall or foyer right outside the classroom, so they're accessible to you but not in reach of the children.

Do caregivers have to participate?

Grown-ups modeling participation is a key part of what makes these classes work. After all, a child's family and primary caregivers are the most important people in their life. Your child pays attention to your voice, copies your habits, and tries to hold your attention through any means they can. If you show your child that music class is a time to check your phone and chat, they will ignore the music as well in favor of other means of interacting with you. But if you show your child that it's fun to sing along and dance, they will want to be a part of this magical experience with you.

So, please do your best to participate! Keep talking to a minimum; catch up with your friends before or after class instead of during, and model for your child instead of instructing your child as much as possible. Limit phone use to the occasional photo. Let yourself be in the moment and have fun making music together!

I can't carry a tune or move in rhythm. Is that okay?

Yes! A Music Together class isn't a performance or a polished recording; it's a community experience and an opportunity to learn through doing. Your job is to show your child that it's fun to participate and try your best, even if you don't sound exactly like the teacher – your child sure won't, after all. The most important musical skill your child can learn at this age is an unselfconcious love for making music, since that's what will give them the chance to learn everything else.

My child is too young to sing and dance. Will they get anything out of class?

Your baby's musical experience won't look the same as a preschooler's, but that doesn't mean it's any less important. From birth, their brain is working very hard to learn how to process the world around them, and one of the things they need practice processing is music. When they grow up listening to tone and rhythm, both separately and in tandem, in-person from the people they love, it will be easier for them to understand and replicate these things when they're older.

You may also be surprised at how early babies can start exhibiting musical behavior! Even before they can speak or sit up, babies can start copying the sliding pitch of a coo or waving their arms and legs along to a beat. Start your child's musical journey early, and you'll find it's quite an amazing journey indeed.

My child is loud and energetic. Will they disrupt class?

Children are often loud and energetic, especially when they're in such a fun, happy place! We expect this, and encourage free expression through both sound and movement. When a child shouts and yells, the grown-up can keep singing, and keep in mind that experiencing the full range of vocal volume is one step to being able to understand and use your voice. When a child wanders the classroom and rolls across the floor, we can continue to model rhythmic movement, and keep in mind that music can be felt through many more actions than just clapping and tapping.

Of course, safety is the most important part of any learning environment, so we do have some rules: stay sitting down when playing with sticks, only throw props that are meant for throwing, and be gentle with other children and give them space when needed. However, children are children, and they may forget a rule, decide to test it, or simply be to young to understand it. In these cases, we redirect them. For example, if a child tries to throw an egg shaker, you can encourage them to roll it instead. If they get into someone else's space, you can move them away. If they're running too fast to watch where they're going, you can show them how to stomp or spin instead.

If your child's behavior does become a safety issue or prevent other children from learning, I will talk with you about it and we can come up with an action plan together. Or, if you have any concerns or want redirection ideas, you're always welcome to come to me first with questions, before or after class or through email any time. I'm here to help! Keeping your child home may be the easiest answer, but it's not always the best in the long run; Music Together can actually be a great place to learn social skills, since it has structure, but with low stakes and lots of fun. Give your child the chance to practice impulse regulation, explore actions and their consequences, and realize the benefits of listening and participating!

My child is calm, quiet, or shy. Will they enjoy class, or will it be too loud and chaotic for them?

Shy children tend to benefit from the casual, consistent, family-oriented structure of our mixed-age classes. Their caregiver is right there to hide behind and play with, and they can venture out to bolder moves and peer interaction when they feel ready. It may take them a good while, but don't give up or pressure them to move on too soon! Even when they aren't visually participating, their brain is hard at work listening, watching, feeling, imagining, and preparing to give it a try. The invisible parts of learning are just as important as the following-along and showing-off!

Many quiet children are happy to stay within the bubble of their family unit, and enjoy the more chaotic activities from afar. However, class can get a bit loud, especially during play-along. If your child is sensitive to high levels of stimulation, you're welcome to leave the classroom for a couple of minutes to regroup in the hall or foyer and follow along with louder activities at a distance, or bring earmuffs to wear as needed. Feel free to contact us before you register as well, and let us know about your child's needs. We may be able to direct you towards a timeslot that currently has fewer families enrolled, plan quieter activities, or discuss other accomodations.

My child is disabled or developmentally delayed. Will this class be a good fit?

Our mixed-age format means we're used to having classes full of various developmental levels and behaviors. We welcome your child to participate at their own pace and experience the music in their own way! If you have any concerns, please contact us; we want to make sure all children have somewhere fun and safe to play and learn, and would be happy to work with you to make sure your child is accomodated.

Who can I bring to class?

Our mixed-age family classes are tailored for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Additional siblings within this age range can register at a discounted rate, and infant siblings 7 months or younger can join for free.

Caregivers may include parents, babysitters, family members, or close family friends. You're welcome to send your child to class with a nanny if you're not able to make it, or invite grandma and grandpa to tag along! If you're planning to bring more than 3 caregivers in total, please just let us know beforehand so we can make sure class doesn't get too crowded.

For information on bringing siblings over the age of 5 or family friends with their own children, please check our guest policy on our policy page.

I have trouble sitting on the floor, moving between sitting and standing, or performing other movements. Will I be able to participate? What should I do?

Safety is the most important part of any learning environment, and that includes safety for the grown-ups, too!

We usually sit on the floor in class in order to stay at the children's level and facilitate a wide variety of movements. If you need a padded surface or back support, you're welcome to bring a yoga mat, cushion, or floor chair to sit on.

We stand up for large movement activities several times per class. If getting up off of the floor is difficult for you, you can bring a small stool to sit on or borrow a chair, so you don't have as far to go. You can also choose to remain seated and follow along from there.

You are always welcome to modify choreography and movements so that you can perform them easily and comfortably. While we expect you to put your full effort into participating, you can participate in the way that works best for you and your body!

Still have questions? Contact us!

FAQ