What makes the Music Together program so special?
There is something very special about sharing the music class experience together as a family. Because Music Together is designed to be experienced just as much outside of class as in (you are given a CD and songbook for home and another CD for your car), you'll likely find yourself living and breathing the songs from the collection on a daily basis. While this idea may seem somewhat daunting at first, you may quickly come to learn how easily the music can be used as a parenting tool to help calm a tense situation, encourage cooperation/listening, and of course entertain. Personally, I've found that not only have the songs become part of our everyday routine (humming tunes as I change a diaper, strap the kids in their carseats, etc.), but often times have become a focal point for an activity. For example, we'll pull out our bin of instruments and jam, sometimes along with the CD, sometimes not.). The songs are simple, catchy and fun for the kids while being easy on the ear for adults (yes, you WILL find yourself humming the songs in the shower, while folding laundry and quite possibly in your sleep!).
What style of music is taught?
The music is pitched in just the right range for children’s voices and includes songs, rhythmic chants, tonal and rhythm patterns, and instrumental play-alongs, all in a rich variety of tonalities and meters. Original songs and arrangements by the program coauthors make the collections especially unique. Outstanding instrumentalists play a variety of instruments, such as guitar, bass, flutes, keyboards, and percussion. You can sample the songs here.
Do I need to be musically inclined to take a class?
What's great about Music Together is that you can nurture the musical growth of your child, regardless of your own musical ability. The program is designed to involve the parent/caregiver in the music learning process. Classes build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement and will help you to provide your child with the basic musical skills needed to enjoy school and social musical activities, and to study an instrument should he or she choose to do so. So you don't need a background in music to be able to enjoy and get the most out of the classes. Venture into the journey of making music...together!
What can we expect from a Music Together class?
There are 10 weekly 45-minute classes teaching a new song collection every fall, winter and spring, (there are 9 song collections plus 3 shorter, 6 week summer compilations). During each class, parents are encouraged to participate by singing and participating in dance/movements while allowing their child the freedom to participate at his/her own pace. You won't see a parent clapping their child's hands for them or telling their child that he/she isn't "doing it right". You will likely see children who may sit and just observe at first and you may see others who stray from the circle and sing/dance from several feet away. You may also see kids like mine, who after having learned the songs so well at home, utilize the time during class to "perform" them with confidence and grace.
Since a CD is provided, does that mean there is homework?
It is important to play the CD every day with your child so that they (and you) can really learn the songs. Being intimately familiar with the songs outside of class makes participating the songs inside of class all the more effective and fun for both you and your child. In our case, I don't have to force the CD on. My daughter will request the CD every single time we get in the car. We even play the CD on the way to class and on the way home from class! Interestingly, my daughter will rarely sing along to the CD. In fact, for a while she even discouraged me from singing along to it. She told me that she simply wanted to LISTEN. When we went to our second or third class I heard her belt out the songs with such confidence that I quickly realized that the reason she didn't want us to sing along at home was because she wanted to concentrate on memorizing the songs. And boy, did she learn them! She absolutely loves to sing or hum them - in class, at home, pretty much everywhere!
Can I find out information about the teachers?
You can read the bios of all the Music Together of Greater Danbury teachers here. We had Miss Ali Froman and she is fantastic! She has an impressive background in Dance, she plays the guitar and recorder and has a beautiful, very articulate, present voice. Her animated teaching style is extremely engaging for both adults and kids. It's hard to get distracted in Miss Ali's class as she keeps things moving, often singing instructions along the way as to ensure you really get the most out of your 45-minute class.
Can I take a demo class to see if we like it?
If you are interested in trying a class before registering, contact Don O'Keefe via email at Director@MTDanbury.com or via phone at 203-731-4053.
When and where do Fall classes start?
The Fall 2013 semester begins on September 9, is 10 weeks long and features the "Flutes", songs collection. As always, classes will include singing, dancing, rhythmic chants, small and large movement activities and instrument play. Classes are held at Gymnastics Spectrum in Danbury, Dance Dimensions in Brookfield and Connecticut Sports Arena in New Milford. See schedule of classes offered here.
How much does it cost? / How do I register?
Tuition for the 10 week Fall 2013 semester is $250 for new families which includes a one time $15 family registration fee. The rate for returning families is $235 and the sibling rate for all families is $150 unless they are under 9 months, then they are FREE! You can save $15 off of each tuition when you register AND pay by August 24. If registering after August 24, you can save $15 when you mention Macaroni Kid! Your tuition includes two professional recorded CDs and a beautifully illustrated songbook with family activity suggestions.
More Information
For further information about the internationally recognized Music Together program, visit www.musictogether.com. For class and schedule information for Music Together of Greater Danbury, visit www.mtdanbury.com or contact Director, Don O'Keefe via email at Director@MTDanbury.com or via phone at 203-731-4053. Be sure to let him know you heard about the program via Macaroni Kid! You can also "Like" Music Together of Greater Danbury on Facebook for the latest program news.
Editor's Note: Music Together of Greater Danbury provided complimentary class registration so that I could experience them and write this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
