Register For Classes
Make Up Class Scheduler
Locations Map
Music Together National Site

Curriculum

The Center for Music and Young Children (CMYC) has developed nine non-sequential song collections, each characterized by its own graphic, color, and instrument. These collections each include a recording and songbook and are designed to be used one collection per semester. The collections are not sequential. A family can begin Music Together® classes at any time with any collection.

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 these collections especially unique. Outstanding instrumentalists play a variety of instruments, such as guitar, bass, flutes, keyboards, and percussion. And all of the songs are suitable for mixed-age groups, perfect for childcare centers or families with children of different ages.

Music Together's song collections are research-based and artistically conceived and produced. They are also classroom and family tested. Since 1987, the feedback of hundreds of teachers and thousands of families has been incorporated into these constantly evolving materials.

Research and Articles

"A child loves his play, not because it's easy, but because it's hard." - Benjamin Spock, American pediatrician, 1903-1998

FAQ

Where do classes meet?
Classes meet in local community centers, churches, schools, dance studios, and even one coffeeshop! We hold classes in Old Town Alexandria, South Alexandria/Mt Vernon, Burke, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Stafford and North Stafford. Go to locations to to find out more.
What does 'Vivo' mean?
Vivo is a musical term meaning 'lively and energetic.' Our classes are full of lively, energetic music and fun... join us for Music Together Vivo!
Do you offer make-up classes?
Yes, we encourage families who miss one of their regular classes to schedule a make-up class using our convenient online make-up scheduler. Make-up classes are offered on a space-available basis, two per family, during the current session.
What if school is cancelled for a snow day?
Music Together Vivo! follows the public school closing schedule. If public schools are closed in the county where your Music Together® class meets, music will be cancelled as well. If schools are on a late start schedule, we will still have class! If you are at all unsure, please check our homepage or call 703-619-6441. If healthy older children are out of school and we are still meeting, please feel free to bring them along for up to 2 classes per session with their younger siblings.
May I try a class before I sign up?
Yes! We offer several free demonstration classes throughout the year. If no demonstration classes are available, you may also arrange to visit a class through our office. Spaces are limited, so reservations are required. Call 703-619-6441 for more information.
How do I register?
Register online using your VISA or MASTERCARD. If you'd like to pay by check, please print the registration form and send it along with your check to 2003 Jamestown Rd, Alexandria, 22308. You may also register by phone - 703-619-6441.
Will you prorate my tuition if we join late? Can we do part of a session?
We have found that children have a better experience when they attend the full session because they have a chance to become comfortable with the music, teachers, families and class routine in this space of time. Therefore, we do not allow families to join for only part of a session, and we do not prorate. Instead, we encourage families to attend extra make-up classes during the session so that they can reap the full benefit of the Music Together experience.
Which class is right for my ____ year old?
Classic Music Together® classes are mixed age, newborn through 5 years old. We offer special introductory classes for infants newborn through 8 months old. Big Kids Family Music™ classes are for children ages 5-8 years. For more information on our different class offerings, see programs.
Why mixed ages?
Sometimes, parents wonder why newborn to 5 year olds are all in the same class. In a classic Music Together® class, children learn 'family style,' in multiage - sometimes called mixed age - groups. We create a safe, joyful music-making environment where children can reap the benefits of a multiage class. Research shows that multiage classes work because they welcome and celebrate many levels of strengths, abilities and styles. Multiage classes promote pro-social behavior, and provide opportunities for older children to develop leadership skills.
Is my newborn baby too young for music class?
Perhaps the best way to answer this question is with another question: "Is your baby too young to hear you speak your native language?" We know that babies have already been listening and responding to music, language and other sounds for as much as half of their lives before birth. A child is never too young to hear and respond to music and language! In fact, research by Dr. Lorna Zemke at Silver Lake College in Wisconsin has shown that newborns recognize songs sung while in utero. Pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton has reported that 97% of newborns recognize their mother's voice at birth.
Watch for your baby's responses to music, especially as you begin to sing. During the music, your baby may stop her usual movements or activity and seem to stare intently or freeze. Or, she may kick or stretch her feet, change focus with her eyes, or move her tongue in repetitive motions. She may move toward the sound source, bounce her torso rhythmically, coo or smile. She may clench her hands or wave her whole arms wildly in the air!
In a Music Together® babies class, we provide an optimum music learning environment full of interesting, musical sounds created by the voices of real people. It is essential – and fun – for parents to be part of the developmental process. We'll help you know how to play musically with your infant, both in class and at home. Activities in the babies class are geared towards the more gentle, quiet pace appropriate for infants.
The babies class is different from classic mixed age classes in that most of the babies are pre-mobile, and parents are able to focus on music-making and early bonding with their infants. There are two special Music Together® Babies music collections, which include over 20 songs each in a wide variety of different styles. Babies class is for infants from birth through 8 months (at start of session) and their parents or caregivers. Infants are also welcomed into any classic multiage Music Together® class with a parent or with a sibling and parent.
What's my child's 'next step' in music?
Often after being involved with Music Together® for several years, parents begin to wonder what their child's 'next step' in music should be. They are not sure their child is ready for formal instrument study, and sometimes children feel more attracted to singing or to dance and movement. Whether or not it's time for lessons, many families want to continue the fun and learning they've been enjoying in their mixed-age Music Together® classes. And more and more research shows that music and movement enhance children's neurological and cognitive development in many other areas, such as verbal memory and spatial-temporal intelligence. Music Together®'s Big Kids Family Music¨ class is designed to continue the natural development of your child as a music-maker. It helps develop skills children need for singing at day camp or enjoying general music in elementary school. And for those who so choose, it provides excellent preparation for—or accompaniment to—beginning instrument, vocal, or dance study. Your adult participation and modeling remain crucial to your child's development—and, we hope, a delight for you!
Big Kids Family Music® continues the experiential Music Together approach of developmental music and movement activities in a rich variety of tonalities, meters, and musical styles. However, it also includes many opportunities for more structured learning, such as:
  • Personal expressive skills —developing each child's singing and movement for tonal
  • and rhythmic expression
  • Game songs —independent singing, leadership, playing by the "rules"
  • Dance/free movement —learning specific steps and sequences, ensemble movement
  • Improvisation and composition —vocal and instrumental "conversations," song-making
  • Solfege tonal and rhythm patterns —preparation for music literacy through solfege play
  • Song stories and dramatic play —acting out songs, creating musical accompaniments
  • Instrument ensemble play —solos, duets, trios . . . and conducting!
  • Activities during the Music Together® play-alongs are more structured, and keyboards and other instruments are explored as opportunity allows.

Parents say...

"She sings songs all the time. We went to the store after our first Sticks class & she started singing the "Zooming in the car" song all on her own. I couldn't believe she learned the tune so quickly & could recall it without my help. She's audiating!

What gets me most excited is seeing Teresa come out of her shell or absorb some musical tidbit. In our class, we got to see one little boy stand up for the first time & learn to walk. That was pretty awesome. I also like when we all get to ad lib our own words to the songs." – Carol, Music Together Vivo parent

"I liked the variety of music presented, learning new ways to bring music into our daily lives, and having fun and being silly with my daughter during class. Music Together is truly a musical experience with very talented teachers." – Laurie, Music Together Vivo parent

"It's a fun activity to connect with my children. It a great part of our weekly routine." – Donna, Music Together Vivo parent

"The CD's allowed me to feel less self conscious about my voice and to realize that the sing– song rhyming I'd been doing throughout the day to get her to do things was not silly, but actually really good for my daughter." – Jessica, Music Together Vivo parent

"We love getting to share music with our daughter. She has a great time at class... and naps great afterward!" – Cheryl, Music Together Vivo parent

"Class has been great. Ben loves music. When we got the CD this fall he sat still and listened to the whole thing from beginning to end while looking at the accompanying book with me. No small feat for a 2—year—old boy! He will repeatedly identify instruments in songs. He sings all the time. Even when he says "no, no, no!" he'll do it to a tune he knows. He goes to bed singing and wakes up singing. This morning it was Trot Old Joe. We look forward to class every week." – Jennifer, Music Together Vivo parent