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 Music Together 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!

How long or large are the semesters and classes?

Semesters vary in number of weeks, depending on the season.

Every semester explores a full collection of songs, regardless of how many weeks.

Every class is 45 minutes in length. 

Each class has between 4 and 14 registered children, plus any and all caregiver(s).

Can we eat in class?

Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in class.

We ask that you do not bring other food or drink into the classroom.

Will classes be cancelled in inclement weather?

We adhere with Seneca Valley School District in regard to weather cancellations. Should public schools close due to inclement weather, classes at Music Together with Shannon will be cancelled as well. You will recieve a text alert.

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. We expect all attendees to participate however they are able.

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

Yes, any parents, grandparents, or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time—no need to ask! 

We expect all attendees to participate however they are able.

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!

What if I miss a class during the semester?

Music Together with Shannon offers 1-2 courtesy make-ups for any family absenses, depending on the semester. Make-ups do not carry over between semesters.

What is your refund policy?

We are unable to refund tuition fees after the start of classes. Families are responsible for class attendance. An administrative fee of $25 will be deducted upon cancellations occurring prior to the start of the semester.

Any cancelled Drop-Ins can be rescheduled or credited to your account. Any credits are non-refundable. 

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. Changes are not made after the third week of the semester.

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

Music Together with Shannon welcomes families to sign up through the 6th week of the semester, depending on the length of the semester! However, at Music Together, we always recommend a minimum of 8-10 week's participation (or 4 minimum during summer semesters) for the best impact of our curriculum.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! Gift Certificates are available for class tuition at Music Together with Shannon! Perfect for any celebration: baby showers, birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc. Please visit our Gift Certificates page to purchasing one.