We are making… Music Together

We’ve started going to Music Together classes on Saturdays with our son… I’ve been looking forward to this for awhile because I really want my children to grow up loving music, and also not being nervous to sing out and have fun with music! (I was always petrified of any public musical performance… and goodness knows I had plenty with 10 years of piano lessons and tons of musical programs at school!).

Here’s some key features I love about the Music Together program (if you aren’t familiar Music Together, they have classes all over the country!):

• Mixed ages classes – allows children to see older kids as models (I’m a huge fan of this, as I think constant same-age peer groups are limiting for children).
• Family sings together – parents are encouraged to participate in the entire class (and indeed, if you have a baby or toddler, you need to because they will need your guidance through all the hand motions and such!). This encourages adults who might be a little music-shy to break out of their shell… very important that kids see their parents singing along!
• Smaller group setting – only a dozen kids or so are in each class, so you really feel like every child gets attention and you can get to know the parents too!
• Everyone can be musical – nobody is judging or assessing if you can carry a tune or keep rhythm! I love that you don’t feel like you have to be an accomplished singer to join in… I felt totally fine with singing, clapping, and marching along, and usually I felt really out of place doing things like this!

As part of the class, we got 2 CDs of the music we’ll be using in class so we can play the same songs at home or in the car. And, a music book with the lyrics and notes, along with plenty of alternative activities for each song… I am really expanding our music time at home with their suggestions!

And how does our son like it? Well… I was worried our first class was a “failure” because all he did was stare at the other kids, walk around, and shout “KITTY CAT!” out the window! But the teacher was very reassuring, telling us that observing is a great way to learn and he’ll join in eventually.

Sure enough, after playing the CD about 2-3 times at home the next week, our son is asking for certain songs and even finishing the lines when I start singing. He’ll hum “Trot, Old Joe” until I sing it for him… I love how he mispronounces the word “country,” so the lines come out: “Trot, Old Joe, you’re the best horse in the CRUNCHY-OH!” Cracks me up every time.

I can’t wait for our next Saturday class (today’s got snowed out!).

And… stay tuned, we have a ten-week session, so I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going… then at the end of the ten weeks, I’ll have a giveaway for you!!

DISCLOSURE: I received a free semester of Music Together classes as compensation for these posts. All opinions are my own and 100% honest.