As a parent, what is my role in Music Together^® class?

In our mixed age parent-child classes, we want our parents to sing, dance, and have fun! You might be surprised to hear that you are your child's most important music teacher right now—regardless of your own abilities! Young children develop dispositions for certain things—including the love of music and singing— by observing and imitating their loved ones. Simply by participating enthusiastically during class and playing with the ideas at home, you'll give your children the model they need to learn to love making music. Please help us create a music-only environment in our classes, by waiting until after class to use your cell phone or socialize with other grownups.

What's expected of my child in class?

At Music Together^®, children are never required to sit in the circle, nor are they expected to conform to an adult's idea of participation. We know that children learn differently from adults. They learn instinctively and constantly, through observation, interactions with adults and older children, and through imitation, play, and, especially, movement. One hallmark of Music Together is the insight that children will naturally develop music ability simply when they are immersed in a community of families all making music.

Children's responses depend on their most dominant learning style and temperament as well as their age and developmental level. Some might follow the teacher right away. Many will simply want to watch and absorb, particularly in the first few weeks of class. Some might crawl or toddle around; others may be stimulated by the music and respond more actively: by running, jumping, or dancing. All of these are perfectly natural responses to the new, musically rich environment they’re experiencing. Throughout the semester, your teacher will help you tune in to how your children learn best, so you can support their music development in class and at home. Feel free to ask if you have any questions!

How should we use the Music Together^® materials?

1. Create your Family Music Zone^®®  account and download the Hello Everybody app to stream the music digitally and enjoy more activity ideas!

2. Play your songs at home and in the car frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make the music available for your children to listen to while they’re playing or before nap or bedtime. Sing/hum along with the music while it plays!

3. Use the songbook to help you learn the songs and for some musical inspiration at home. Try using the songbook at story time or bed time, instead of a regular book, and sing through the songs with your child as you look at the beautiful illustrations.

4. In the navigation bar when in the 'Family Music Zone^®', be sure to click on the 'Music Library', tab to listen and download your music. Click the 'Let's Play' tab for a digital version of your songbook, music notation for all the songs in the collection and parent education materials. Click the 'Learn' tab to learn more about how best to support your child/ren's musical development. 

What is the class size? 

Each class has between 6 and 13 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).

What if I miss a class during the semester?

Makeup classes are available on a first come, first serve basis during the session for which you are enrolled. To schedule a make-up class, visit our Make Up Classes page to scheudule a make-up and learn more.  If you find that you have to make up more than a couple of classes and are unable to do it through the make-up scheduler platform, please email us and we can help you schedule a make-up. 

Can we eat in class?

Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms. 

Is it okay for me to bring toys or lovies to class?

Please leave toys or lovies in the car for before or after class. This will help keep distractions to a minimum so that 'music' is the focus of our time together. We have plenty of opportunities in class for children to explore musical props and instruments.

What is your inclement weather policy?

The safety of our families and staff is our top priority. In the event of weather conditions that make travel unsafe, we may cancel classes. We will notify families of cancellations or schedule changes for both morning and afternoon classes via text and email, and we will also update the 'News' section on the home page of our blueridgemusictogether.com website, so please check for updates before heading to class. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

Charlottesville Locations

• For weekday classes at McGuffey Art Center and the Unitarian Church, we will follow the schedule of Charlottesville City Schools for morning classes.
• For Saturday morning classes at the Charlottesville Waldorf School, we will independently assess road and weather condtions and notify families of our decision.

Crozet Locations

• For classes in Crozet, we will assess local conditions independently. Albemarle County Schools sometimes cancel due to rural road conditions that may not affect Crozet directly.

Afternoon Classes

• Decisions about afternoon classes will be made based on updated road and weather conditions, regardless of school closure or delay schedules.

Delays

• On mornings when schools are operating on a 1 or 2-hour delay, we will assess conditions and notify families of our decision for morning classes. If morning classes proceed, families with older children are welcome to bring them along to their usual class or join a different class that morning. 

Weather related makeup classes 

• If a class is canceled due to weather, we wil make every effort to schedule a makeup class. However, this may not always be possible due to scheduling constraints. 

Can I switch to a different class?

Requests for class changes must be initiated within the first three weeks of the semester. Depending on class availability, changes are made at the discretion of the center director and teachers involved. If you have challenges that are making it hard for you to get to class, please email us. We are happy to help problem solve.

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

Blue Ridge Music Together welcomes families at any point during the semester! We’d really prefer new families to get at least six classes in during their first session. Families may makeup classes at any point during the semester.

Can I bring a guest or an unregistered older sibling to class?

Music Together® classes may be in session when older children have a school holiday, and it is natural to want to bring them with you to class. All guests must be prearranged with the teacher to ensure adequate space in the class. Email us to let us know or send us a text at 434-242-8488.

Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?

Yes, parents, grandparents, or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time— If more than two adults, drop us an email or text 434-242-8488 so that we may check space availabilty. We ALWAYS welcome additional adults if space allows.

Why aren't there classes for specific age groups?

Classes with children of different ages have intellectual and social benefits for both younger and older children. In fact, it's the learning environment recommended by many early childhood researchers. Older children learn empathy and awareness of others, while developing leadership qualities and gaining self-confidence. Younger children learn by imitating the older ones and often show more complex behaviors earlier than usual. Even babies benefit by being in an environment that gives them lots of opportunities to observe the behavior of children of varying ages. Plus, it allows everyone—siblings, parents, grandparents, caregivers—to share in the musical experience together!

Do you offer gift certificates?

Families can purchase a Blue Ridge Music Together Tuition Gift Certificate online at any time during the semester or year. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts.