Velocity Music Academy is now offering Music Together® classes. Interested in learning more about Music Together®? We’d love to have you attend one of our free demo classes!
What is Music Together?
Music Together is a program that was developed by Kenneth K. Guilmartin and coauthor Lili M. Levinowitz, Ph.D. It is a program for early childhood music that is known and respected by educators (and loved by parents!) around the world. While researching early childhood music programs, Ken Guilmartin found out that an important step in learning, especially musical learning, involves modeling by the primary caregiver. What does this mean? If children are brought up to listen passively to music (common in today’s culture), children grow up without opportunities for music-making, resulting in a delay in the development of music skills by the elementary age. However, if a child learns music actively from a caregiver, in a playful way, their musical aptitude can blossom and grow at a natural and joyful pace.
The research shows that:
- All children can sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate in musical activities with confidence
- Young children learn from their caregivers. This includes music. The Music Together® program gives caregivers the skills and confidence to nurture a child’s musicality, regardless of their own musical ability.
- Children learn through creative play in a relaxed setting.
What should I expect from a Music Together® class?
First of all, do not be intimated by music participation! Regardless of your skills or abilities, in the classes, you will be shown how to model musical behavior for your child.
When you first walk into a Music Together class, you will see an instructor, several rhythm instruments, and other caregivers (moms, dads, grandparents, nannies, etc.) and their children. The classes are of a mixed age so that all children can learn from each other. Mixed age classes also allow for siblings to participate in classes. After all, Music Together® is all about family music!
During class, you may see some children (including your own), sit quietly on an adult’s lap. You may see others dancing around the room, jumping, laughing, or playing. No matter what the situation, each child is learning independently and you will be able to chart their musical growth over the 10 week session and over the years.
In a 45 minute class, the instructor will lead you through several songs and activities. This may include dancing with your child, bouncing your baby on your lap, letting the children free play on rhythm instruments, or singing soft lullabies in a quiet room to your child. Wear comfortable clothes, and be prepared to dance, hop, skip, and have fun! You will be provided with 2 CDs of the session music (one for home, one for your car). As you listen to the CDs throughout the 10 week session, you and your child will become more and more familiar with the songs and chants.
Where can I find out more information about Music Together?
- Attend a free demo class! As a music educator with a doctorate in music, I knew the validity in the research that supported the Music Together program. However, it took me as a mommy to see the joy and musical growth first hand when I enrolled my own son when he was 2 years old.
- Listen to a sample of the wonderful music.
- Watch a video of a class.
- Put on your research hat and learn more about children and music.
We’d love to see you in one of our 10 week Sessions! If you’d like to enroll, please go to the registration page.
Music Together art & logo design copyright ©1992–2010 Music Together LLC. Music Together is a registered trademark. Velocity Music Academy, LLC is licensed by Music Together LLC.
• For more Music Together locations: www.musictogether.com • (800) 728-2692
