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Mixed Ages Class (ages 0-5)
This winter we will be singing, dancing and playing our way through the Drum song collection! Parent/caregiver participation is crucial in these sweet and fun music classes. Tuition of $160 ($80 for siblings over 9 months*) includes:
Class locations: Chanhassen Rec Center & St. John's Lutheran Church Rhythm Kids Class (ages 5-8) Our Rhythm Kids is a fun way for your child to learn music! Parents and caregivers have the option to attend these high-energy classes or can drop-off their newly independent child. Tuition of $160 ($80 for siblings) includes:
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Half-price scholarships are available for families experiencing financial hardship. We want everyone to be able to benefit from the magic of music! Email heidi@musictogetherlakeside.com to request an application.
Click here to purchase a gift certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from class?
Music Together mixed-ages class is designed for children from birth through kindergarten, along with their parent(s)/caregiver. 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.
Rhythm Kids classes are for children ages 4.5-8, with parental accompaniment optional. Your child will get an introduction to music theory, learn about other places/cultures/animals from around the world, play musical games, and do a lot of moving and drumming during these high-energy classes. We have so much fun that the kids don't even realize they're learning!
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. 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 30 years experience in the field.
What is the class size?
Typically each class has 6-12 registered children plus their primary caregiver(s).
Can I bring my un-registered older child to class?
Throughout the semester, Music Together classes may be in session when older children have are not. Older siblings of registered students are welcome to visit provided the older sibling is healthy. Siblings are encouraged to participate whether in-person or online!
Can I switch to a different class?
Changes can be made depending on class availability.
What if I start classes after the semester begins?
Late registration is certainly possible. Please contact Heidi at (612)802-5331 for inquiries.
Can we eat in class?
Please feel comfortable to bottle or breastfeed your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink to class due to food allergies and distractions.
Is it okay for more than one adult to come to class?
Both parents, grandparents and/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.
As a parent/caregiver, 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 class. 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" or "play your instrument this way” but children respond best by just seeing and hearing you doing (and enjoying) it yourself! Wandering toddlers is fine, but if you want your child to come back to you, avoid calling to him/her 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?
Listen to the music 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 "Music and Your Child" guide booklet, which has helpful information in it. During class your teacher will refer to topics and point out a few things covered in this. We are also happy to discuss your child's individual progress in obtaining musical competence at any time outside of class. If you are a returning student and it has been months or years since you have read the parent guide booklet, re-read it or ask for another copy. You may be surprised how valuable it is, especially after having personal experience observing your child's music development.
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://musictogether.com/Store.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates for any amount towards Music Together Lakeside classes can be purchased at any time. It makes a great baby shower or birthday gift! Grandparents love to buy these for holiday gifts. To purchase a gift certificate, click here.
Make-up Classes
If you miss your regularly scheduled class for any reason, you may attend a different class time offered by Music Together Lakeside or Music Together MinnyMelody in Delano. Please email heidi@musictogetherlakeside.com to schedule a make-up class.
Health Policy
The health of all participants is extremely important to us, so we take measures to ensure the cleanliness of our learning space and limit exposure to germs. We take time to sanitize our classroom space, instruments, and materials after each class. Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer are available for use in class. Please consider using some before (and after) class. If you or your child are sick at all, please stay home from class. We will follow all health guidelines recommended by the CDC and MDH. In the event of another COVID-19 surge, classes will be moved outdoors to ensure the health and safety of our students, families, and teacher.
Class Cancellations
Holiday closures will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Should your class be canceled because of inclement weather, teacher illness or for some other extraordinary circumstance, you will be notified by email. We will do our best to make up the missed class - or you may attend the online class instead.
Music Together Refunds and Credits
Full tuition payment is due at the time of registration. You will receive a full tuition refund if you request to drop out before the first day of class.
Privacy Policy
We promise to respect your privacy. Any information you provide about yourself or your students is held with the utmost care and security and will not be used in ways to which you have not consented. We do not sell, rent, loan, transfer, or otherwise disclose any personal information, including your name, address, or email addresses with other organizations outside of Music Together Lakeside or Music Together LLC.