Our program is research-based, and the research supports a mixed-age approach. You don't have to be any particular age to learn music. Our focus is on adult/child interaction, rather than child/child interaction. We are about family music-making. In a family we are not all the same age or the same size. It is good for the little ones to see and appreciate what the older children can do. It is also good for the older children to feel a little bit like a "role model" themselves sometimes!

When all the children are the same age in a class, it is very easy for the grown-ups to worry and compare their child's "performance" to that of the other children in the room. Music Together is not about performance. The children in our classes are not expected to do anything but take in the whole experience, each in their own individual way. We are about participation and fun! A relaxed, playful, participatory, and exploratory musical experience nurtures growth and allows children to develop their music intelligence and a foundation for future music achievement.

Ken Guilmartin, founder of the Center for Music and Young Children in New Jersey says, "I've always thought of a MUSIC TOGETHER class as something like a song and dance time at a traditional multi-family picnic. The idea isn't to create perfect performances; it's for everybody to join in and have some fun. Infants blend with any age group, especially if attending with an older sibling."

"Many parents find this surprising, but our experience shows their musical development benefits tremendously from early exposure."

You may notice the following in a Typical Class

* A variety of tonalities and meters

* Parent education "moments"

* Multi-modal learning experiences

* Opportunity for creativity and improvisation

* Each child participating at her/his own level of development

* Each child learning in her/his own style

* Facilitation of each adult's music  and movement experience

Some children will simply stare and study the experience, as they absorb the musically rich environment. Others will sing, play and dance freely, because they are in a comfortable, encouraging environment. Families extend in-class fun with the professionally recorded CD and illustrated song book they take home, along with a parent guide to early childhood music education.

Music Together^® art & logo design copyright ©1992-2002 Music Together LLC.
Music Together was developed by the Center for Music & Young Children, Princeton, NJ.
Music Together, CMYC, and Center For Music & Young Children are registered trademarks.