As a parent, what is my role in class?

Sing, dance, and have fun! You might be surprised to hear that you are your child's most important music teacher right now—and it doesn't matter whether you think of yourself as a great singer or dancer. Young children develop dispositions for certain behaviors, including learning to love music, 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 modeling they need to learn to love to make music. Please wait to socialize or use your cell phone until after class and instead help us create a music-only environment.

What's expected of my child in class?

At Music Together^®, children are never required to sit in the circle or 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 are stimulated by the music and respond more actively, running, jumping, or dancing. All are perfectly natural responses to the new, musically rich environment. Throughout the semester, your teacher will help you tune in to how your child learns best so you can support their music development in class and at home. Feel free to ask if you have questions!

How should we use the Music Together^® materials?

Play your songs frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make the music available for your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. Create your Music Together account and download the "Hello Everybody" app for digital versions of the songs and more activity ideas to try! 

Use the songbook to help you learn the songs and get new musical activities to use at home. If you play an instrument and want to play along, the music notation is available in the Family Music Zone^®®  Try using the songbook at storytime!

What is the class size?

Each class has between 6 and 12 registered families.

What if I miss a class during the semester?

We offer 2 makeup classes during each semester (1 makeup for summer sessions). Please visit our Make Up Classes page to learn more.

Can I switch to a different class?

Requests for class changes must be initiated within the first two weeks of the semester (1st week for summer). Depending on class availability, changes are made at the discretion of the center director and teachers involved. Changes are not made after the second week of the semester.

Can I get a refund? 

Refunds (less a $25 non-refundable registration fee) are available only before the first day of class.

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

Music Together Newburyport welcomes families at any point during the semester! We encourage you to make up classes missed due to late registration, but if not possible we can prorate tuition.

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. 

Will classes be cancelled in inclement weather?

We adhere with Newburyport Schools in regard to weather cancellations. Should public schools close due to inclement weather, classes at Music Together Newburyport will be cancelled as well. Please check your email in the morning for announcements regarding weather cancellations.

For OUTDOOR classes we usually move our classes indoors or online if there is more of 50% chance of rain at the time of class. We send an email out 1 hour before class at the latest. (Please keep in mind that in New England the weather changes every 5 minutes so sometimes it is really hard to make the right call :-) ).

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 director to ensure adequate space in the class.

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—please check with us to ensure adequate space in the class (especially for INDOOR classes)

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?

Gift certificates toward classes can be purchased at any time. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts. Please contact us if you’re interested in purchasing one.

Do you offer Scholarships?

We are proud to offer full or partial scholarships to families who may not be able to afford full cost of our program. Scholarships must be applied for and are awarded at the director's discretion as fund are available. If interested in a scholarship please email us at [email protected]

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

LIABILITY RELEASE: By attending class, you agree to release Music Together Newburyport & its associates and facilities of liability relating to injuries or damages that may occur during in person, online, or outside class when using class activities.

As consideration for Music Together Newburyport permitting me to take classes, I agree to the following:

ASSUMPTION OF THE RISKS: I understand that naturally occurring disease processes (including, but not limited to, the novel coronavirus or COVID-19), may exist in the community, including at Music Together Newburyport, and present an inherent risk that cannot be eliminated. I acknowledge that it is ultimately my responsibility to ensure that I and my child take appropriate actions to safe-guard ourselves. I understand and agree that as a registered member of Music Together Newburyport, I am accepting and voluntarily assuming the risk that I or my child may be exposed and become ill as a result of COVID-19 and other diseases.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY: I, on behalf of myself and my children hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and covenant not to sue Music Together Newburyport and its owners, managers, contractors, members, employees, agents, and volunteers, and individuals for any claims that may arise out of or relate in any way to my or my child’s exposure to any communicable disease, including but not limited to the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. I assume the inherent risk of being outdoors with my children including but not limited to ticks, bees, poison ivy, etc. The claims hereby released include, but are not limited to, claims of negligence against any of the Released Parties.