Philosophy and curriculum
Music Together® is an innovative, research based program for children ages newborn to four years old and their parents or caregivers. It was started in Princeton, New Jersey in 1987 by Kenneth Guilmartin and Lili Levinowitz, and has gone on to become an early childhood education success story nationwide and around the world. Co-author Guilmartin states, “We believe that every child is musical, and that each child needs a stimulating, supportive music environment to enjoy the wonderful human capacity for music-making.”
- Weekly 45-minute classes
- Three Ten-Week Sessions per year plus a Six-Week Summer Session
- CD and Songbook for each session
- Parent(s) or caregiver participation
- One make-up class per session
- Siblings come to class at reduced tuition
- Newborn-3 months are free when attending with an older sibling
- Music Together teachers take teacher training and are registered
Music Together classes are based on the idea that making music with children, in the family, and in a
community of families enriches the lives of both children and parents and promotes musical growth in
children, nurturing their musical aptitude.
The Music Together teacher leads the class in songs and rhythm chants featured in the song collection for
the current semester. The songs are presented through a variety of musical activities which incorporate:
- Fun, playful, interactive ways to focus on tonal and rhythmic elements of music
- Small and large movements
- Free, expressive dance
- Instrumental accompaniment
- Use of props (scarves, balls, etc.)
- Opportunities for improvisation by children as well as parents
How does the mixed age format work in class?
The curriculum is designed to teach on many levels of complexity at once, which allows children to develop at their own rate. The activities are parent-child oriented, not child-child, so children don’t need to be with children of the same age.Mixed age groupings encourage a better learning environment.
Older children learn from being in a leadership role, and younger children benefit from the example of an older child. Mixed-age classrooms also promote social skills and self esteem.
Do infants really benefit?
Yes, we believe they do. Infants’ participation will seem passive at first, as they actively absorb what they are seeing, hearing and feeling. Parents will learn in class to recognize their infant’s musical responses and observe them reaching musical milestones as they develop. As a result, a special musical bond will develop between parent and child.
The Music Together approach develops every child’s birthright of basic music competence by encouraging the actual music experience through song, rhythm, movement and instrument play. For more information please visit www.musictogether.com.
