Heldeberg Music Together classes are…

• Families sharing songs, instrument play, rhythm chants, and movement activities in a relaxed, playful, non-performance-oriented setting.

• Music learned through developmentally appropriate activities that support and respect the unique learning styles of very young children.

• Children participating at their own levels in mixed-age, family-style classes.

• Parents and caregivers modeling and encouraging a nurturing music environment, regardless of their own musical abilities.

• A new song collection every semester for three years, with three summer collections of music drawn from the regular collections, and featuring great arrangements of original and traditional songs in a wide variety of tonalities, meters, and cultural styles.

"For the past year and a half our Music Together^® class with Deb has been the highlight of my daughter, Katie's, week. It has been astounding for me to see how much a child can learn before her second birthday and just how she blossoms musically.

Katie can now repeat rhythms, sing mostly on pitch, and play instruments. At home she often hands out different instruments to the rest of the family so that we can all jam together. When we're driving in the car, the only music she ever wants to hear is the CD from the current music class..."
—Michele Arthur

Mixed-age Classes
This is the main Music Together^® class and the only one that Heldeberg Music Together offers at this time. It is one that a child can attend from birth through age four through all nine song collections.

This basic class follows the recommendations of child development researchers - grouping children of a variety of ages because this fosters natural, family-style learning. Younger children enjoy watching and imitating older ones; older children learn by leading younger ones; and adults are happy because the children in the family can go to class together. Each child participates at his or her own level. Any caregivers - parents, grandparents, nanny, aunts or uncles - can bring the children. It is fun for the whole family.

FAQ
What should I expect of my child?
The more you participate in class and enjoy the music and activities at home, the more your child will jump in and participate freely. Some children are spontaneous singers and movers; others are a little more reserved and are careful observers. Regardless of these differences, after coming to classes and listening and observing at home and in class, your child may begin singing or chanting parts of songs, sometimes with words, sometimes without. However, even when your child seems unresponsive and uninterested in listening or participating, important unconscious learning is taking place. Often children take a while to observe before responding either at home or during class. Listen carefully; you may hear singing when you least expect it.

The following points are important to keep in mind:

• Most children wisely choose to observe more often than to participate actively in class. They are taking in information, and will probably act on it later at home.

• Most children become accustomed to the class routine and their classmates around the fifth or sixth week. At this point, as their sense of safety increases, their participation is also likely to increase.

• Children are assimilating important music information whether or not they are outwardly participating. At home, this means it may be important to play the CD or sing the songs yourself even if your child seems to be unaware or uninterested, especially during the first few weeks of class. Children may even ask you to turn the music off or cry at first. They quickly begin to enjoy it the more your enjoyment in shown.

Always remember that you are the most important model and teacher for your child. Your most effective role is to participate and enjoy the class yourself, even though your child might choose to sit back and observe.

It can be difficult to watch other children eagerly participating in the group while your child is not. This is especially true if your child performs all of his class favorites as soon as you arrive home or enter your car. Try to understand that s/he is very wisely "practicing" in private and will make his public "debut" when he feels more confident. Meanwhile, if you feel frustrated by the lack of your child's participation in class, just try to relax, and participate yourself! You will be glad you did.

What should I expect of myself?
Some parents struggle with the idea of being their child's most important role model, especially when it comes to music! You may feel that you are not particularly musical - perhaps you even describe yourself or have been told that you are "tone deaf". You may be great at singing but feel unsure of yourself or uncomfortable when dancing or trying to "keep the beat". Whatever your musicianship, remember the most important things you can model for your child are love of music, interest, and the desire to participate in music activities.

Many adults have felt deprived, confused, or inadequate about their ability in music, and have often been given bad messages about their musical abilities. As you begin to have a better understanding of your child's music development, you may understand the experiences that may have led to some of these feelings. By participating with your child, you can begin to rediscover your own musicality.

The reality is, everyone is born with the ability to participate fully in music.

What should we be doing at home?
Play your Music Together CD at home or in your car. Don’t limit its use to the car, though - children are less able to move to the music while strapped into a car seat!

Many children will want certain songs repeated again and again. Try to accommodate them by replaying their favorite track. They crave the repetition because it is necessary for their development. Repetition is one way they "practice".

Another way they "practice" is through spontaneous, playful imitation of the songs and activities they experience in class. These imitations may not be "correct" but they will certainly be fun! Often children will want to “teach” a class to their families. I hear stories of children pretending to be the teacher, even blowing on an imaginary pitch pipe.

Some children may not seem interested in the recording. They may just have different developmental needs and interests right now or simply have other favorites. Perhaps they haven't adjusted to the class experience yet. Just play the CD in the background, perhaps as they play or take a bath. Their interest in both the class and the CD will grow with familiarity.

The CD provides a way of reinforcing and following up on the class experience. The more you continue this kind of participation at home by singing the songs or doing the chants and fingerplays yourself, the better it is, as long as you do it in the spirit of fun and enjoyment. Remember you are modeling the love and importance of music.

Remember to use the songbook, even if you don't read music! Use it like a story book and "read" the songs to your child, especially the ones with pictures. In time, you might suggest that your child draw his or her own pictures for the songs, especially for those that don't have one! Your child will begin to associate written music with what they hear. They will quickly begin to recognize the songs in the book.

Notice what happens musically with your child in class and at home during the week. Write down or remember any questions you might have about your child's responses and then ask your teacher and discuss with other parents in class.

What can I expect from class?
Music Together is designed for children ages birth through kindergarten. Remember that each of us is born musical. Music Together classes nurture the child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement through singing, dancing, chants, and playing instruments in an informal and fun setting. These classes can guide a child toward a more fulfilling musical experience. It is “music readiness” in the same sense as “reading readiness.”

Why aren’t there separate classes for different age groups?
In the 1980s Music Together pioneered the development of the mixed-age approach in early childhood music. Mixed-age classes provide a rich learning environment because children of different ages thrive when they interact with each other: the babies are often fascinated by the older child, and the "big" children enjoy helping and sharing with the "little" ones. This approach is based on research from music education, early childhood development, and family relationships, as well as 20 years experience in the field.

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