Frequently Asked Questions
What are your COVID protocols?
We offer a variety of classes to meet families at their most comfortable level. Our Online ZOOM classes and Facebook OnDemand classes obviously offer the highest level of protection as you enjoy classes from the comfort of your own home with instruments from home.
Our outdoor classes at Founder's Park (Castle Rock) are limited to 8 families per class, socially distanced at 7-9 feet apart and families also bring their own instruments from home. Our indoor classes in Castle Rock max out at 7 families so we can still maintain social distancing. Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch and Aurora/Centennial max out at 12 children because our spaces are larger.
We will follow the CDC guidelines which at this time request masks for all adults indoors. There is not a mask mandate for children but feel free to bring them in masks as you feel most comfortable. Instruments for our indoor classes are provided and disinfected before being distributed for each class.
Can I switch to a different class?
Changes can be made depending on class availability. Please contact us with your request and we will get back to you.
What if I need to withdraw from class?
Families wishing to withdrawal from class must do so before the the first day of classes for each semester. No refunds will be given after the first day of classes.
What if I start classes after the semester begins?
Tuition will be prorated for families after the first day of classes.
What can I expect from the mixed-age class?
Music Together® is designed for children ages birth through age five. At Music Together we believe that music ability is as much a basic life skill as walking and talking, and that all children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with pleasure and confidence in the music of their culture. Music Together classes nurture the child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement as we sing, dance, chant, and play instruments in an informal setting that will enrich her musical environment and guide her towards a lifetime of music-making enjoyment.
Why aren’t there separate classes for different age groups from 0-5?
In the 1980s, Music Together pioneered the development of the mixed-age approach in early childhood music. In each class we strive to create a musically rich, developmentally appropriate environment where the whole family can enjoy music and nurture skills at the level right for each child.
Mixed-age classes also 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 our 20 years experience in the field.
What is the class size?
Each class has 6- 12 registered children plus their primary caregiver(s).
Can I bring my un-registered older sibling to a mixed-age class?
Throughout the semester, Music Together classes may be in session when older children have a school holiday. Older siblings of registered students may occasionally visit provided the older sibling is HEALTHY. There is no extra charge for this but if you would like to contribute to our Scholarship Fund during that time, it is greatly appreciated. A $10 donation is recommended for this. This helps us build our scholarship fund!
What if I miss a class during the semester?
Families are allowed two makeups per semester. Makeups are available only for classes offered through Music Together of Castle Rock and you can schedule a make-up online. (Please note: makeups do not carry over from previous semesters).
Is my child healthy enough for class?
If your child is exhibiting any sign or symptoms of illness, please be considerate to others by keeping your child at home. Please keep children home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms: Stomach ache or nausea, vomiting within the last 24 hours, inflamed eyes (possible pink eye), sore throat, diarrhea, chills, earache, severe coughing, fever within the last 24 hours, skin rash or sores, or heavy nasal discharge. Please consult a physician to determine if your child’s symptoms are contagious and when they should return to class.
Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?
YES! Both or either parent, grandparents, or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time – no need to ask. Whole family music making in your home is extremely valuable to your child's musical development, and attending class occasionally helps the other family members to join in at home. Music Together is much more than just a Mommy and Me class, and we welcome all "family" members to join us!
As an adult, what is my role in class?
Enhance your child's experience in class by remembering to sing, sing, sing. Your active participation is the key to your children learning and growing musically. Support the creation of a music only environment while in class by not talking to your children or other adults during the 45 minutes. Since it is difficult for a young child to mask out adult conversation please wait to socialize till after class, and instead contribute to the creation of a musical environment for the children to absorb.
Try not to give verbal directions. It can be tough to restrain the impulse to give your child directives such as "Do what she is doing, hold your instrument this way” but children respond best by just seeing and hearing you doing (and enjoying) it yourself! Wandering toddlers are fine, but if you want your child to come back to you, avoid calling to him from across the room. If necessary, redirect your child physically back to you or the circle. Of course watch out for your child’s safety, but mostly your job is to just relax, and have fun!
How should we use the Music Together Materials?
Play your CD or use the app at home and in the car as frequently as possible, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make it available to your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime.
Use the songbook to help you remember the songs or to play along if you play an instrument. Try using the songbook at story time instead of a regular book, and sing through the songs as you go along. Looking at the printed notes on the page will help children understand that music is something that can be read, like words. Familiarization with notation will help them when they are more ready for formal music instruction, typically when they are school aged.
New Music Together parents receive our introductory “Music Together at Home: Helping Your Child Grow Musically”. We are also happy to discuss your child's individual progress in obtaining musical competence at any time outside of class.
Where can I buy some of the instruments we have in class?
Instruments are available for purchase for use at home or as gifts directly from http://www.musictogether.com/Store.
May I bring a camera to class?
Occasionally bringing a camera to class is fine. As our classes are participatory and educational experiences between adults and children, we ask our families to please refrain from taking photos or video during the entire class time, however we welcome pictures before or after class with a few mixed in the middle (like during the play-a-long).
Can we eat in class?
Please feel comfortable to nurse your child in class, but since we have many children with food allergies, we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates for any amount towards Music Together of Castle Rock classes can be purchased at any time. It makes a nice baby shower or birthday gift. Grandparents love to buy these for holiday gifts. Let us know if you would like it sent directly to the recipient or to the purchaser.
