CLASSES

"Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and melody find their way into the inward places of the soul." Plato

FALL 2010 CLASS LOCATIONS & SCHEDULES

Music Together of Fairfield County, Inc. offers classes in the following 9 locations. Select the location you are interested in for a weekly schedule and directions to the class locations. Classes meet for 45 minutes each week.

 GEORGETOWN/WEST REDDING

FAIRFIELD  WESTPORT

WILTON  RIDGEFIELD

NEW CANAAN  ROWAYTON

STAMFORD  GREENWICH

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Mixed Ages: Infants — 5 years with adults: Child development researchers recommend mixed-age groupings because they foster natural family-style learning. Younger children enjoy watching and imitating older ones; older children learn by leading younger ones; and adults are happy because the children in the family can go to class together. Each child participates at his or her own level in singing, moving, chanting, listening, watching, or exploring musical instruments. The class provides a variety of adult-child activities that are fun and offer new ways to play musically at home. Any caregivers, singly or together, can bring the children—parents, grandparents, nanny. The whole family is welcome for this essential family music experience.

Babies Class: Infants under 8 months: Every child’s music development benefits from early exposure to music and movement. Because the early months are so important, Music Together offers two options for babies. Babies eight months and younger at the time of registration may attend a Mixed Age Class, whether registered on their own or attending free with an older sibling. Babies may also be registered for the special “Babies Class” offered as a one-semester introduction to Music Together. The music activities and materials are specially designed for parents who want to learn as much as possible about music development in infants. Meet other parents of newborns and learn some fascinating music activities you can recreate at home with your baby. We have also added a new 15 minute mini-moms group directly after your 45 minute class. This is a great opportunity for you to discuss topics and get questions answered.

Big Kids Class: 5-7 Years "Music Together Big Kids" is a new 60 minute class geared to the interest and social nature of children ages 5, 6, and 7. (To attend the Music Together Big Kids class, your child must be 5 years of age by the start of the semester you wish to attend.) Families still play an important role in this class, although the adults and children may have different musical roles. Game songs, folk dances, jam sessions, dramatic play, and more structured work in rhythm and tonality will be included. This class will use the current song collection and additional materials. Learn how to support your child musically as he or she develops interests and skill in singing, playing instruments, taking dramatic roles, creating, and dancing. Please note: Younger siblings are not developmentally ready for the structure of these classes; therefore, except for babies eight months and younger, only children in the specified age range and their adults may attend these classes.

Special Needs: We welcome children with special needs to Music Together. Our informal setting, which allows children to develop at their own pace can be appropriate for children with special needs. Let us know when you register what your needs are, so that we can best serve you as well as the class your child is in.

What is a Music Together class like ?…..

Music Together classes are fun for adults and children! Twelve children ages birth through five and their parents or caregivers sit in the circle and participate in music making activities, led by a teacher. These include singing, rhythmic chants, small and large movement activities, and instrumental jam sessions. The teacher helps adults understand how to interact and play musically with their child in class and at home.

In a Music Together class, we trust and respect each child’s unique learning style. Some will simply stare and “study” the experience; others wander around the room exploring the space and checking in visually with the adult who brought them. Then there are those who sing, play and dance freely. Whether they participate or not, all children absorb and experience a community of families making music. They display what they have learned when and where they feel comfortable, at home, in the car, etc. As they become more familiar with the songs and chants from the song books, tape and CD they take home, parents observe many more musical behaviors from their children.

Each class has ritual features which the children need and enjoy - the Hello song, an instrumental play-along, a lullaby and goodbye song. Eight to ten other experiences are included in each class, ranging from free movement to rhythmic chants in unusual meters.