Several years ago, a parent who was looking into Family Music Time asked me how our program differs from other early childhood
music programs. Here's what I said:
1. Quality of the music
The music is amazing! Music Together songs and cds have won multiple
awards and are universally recognized for their quality. The
songs are great fun to sing and play with, and they’re very carefully
selected to give children an experience of a variety of musical styles,
tonalities, and meters.
During class time, most of the music is
sung without benefit of CD, so children can experience real human
beings making music. Families also get professional quality recordings
to use at home, featuring professional musicians playing real acoustic
instruments. It’s adult-level music that children love, and it bears
repeated listening without going stale. (As an adult, you can listen
to our CDs over... and over... and over... without feeling that your
sanity is being compromised!) And with a new song collection featured
every ten-week session, you get new songs to enjoy with every new
semester.
2. Research based
The Music Together curriculum is based on decades of research into how
children learn music. So as a teacher I know that what I’m presenting
is not just “music fun”, but it’s a complete, developmentally
appropriate curriculum. Click here to read more about Music Together's ongoing research.
With mixed age classes, children are
encouraged to encounter the music in the way that most fits them
developmentally. Since all learning styles and development speeds are
respected, children feel safe and confident in gaining music skills.
There’s no “wrong” way to enjoy the music.
3. Parent involvement and parent education
As much as children enjoy the classes, a big part of our mission is to
give parents the tools and confidence to enjoy sharing music-making at
home with their children - because that's where most of the learning
really takes place. We think of the class as really just a jumping-off
point. We help you learn fun ways to interact musically with your
child, and learn how to recognize your child's musical development
milestones. Click here to watch some parent testimonials
4. Family Fun!
Music
Together classes teach children basic music skills, but they’re
designed to be fun for grownups too. You don’t have to be musically
skilled to enjoy the classes. Many parents say it‘s a high point of
their week! Tuition includes cds and a beautifully illustrated songbook
with activities to enjoy with your child at home - at bedtimes, bath
times, and just-having-fun times.
5. Why we do it
For me, Family Music Time is about more than music - it’s about
creating a better world with the tools of music education. This
philosophy runs through every aspect of Music Together, and makes it a
very inspiring organization to be a part of. I know that I’m making a
difference with the work that I do – as well as having a huge amount of
fun in the process!
I invite you to visit a class, and see for yourself how Family Music Time might become a part of your family's life!
LouAnne Dunfee, Director, 239-671-5693, director@familymusictime.com
