Welcome
to Music Together and congratulations on your wise choice for your child's and
your own music learning, together! Here are some guidelines that will help you
get the most out of the class. Feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions
or concerns.
Ann Quinn 410-747-4957
PARTICIPATION:
In our class it is very important for the adults to participate! The children
learn their attitudes and motivations from you, and you can help them become enthusiastic
music-makers just by enjoying the class and participating fully. You will be an
excellent model regardless of your musical ability --- a sense of fun is all that's
required. YOUR CHILD: Our most basic rule is to let the children be free
to explore, to play, to discover. Children have the amazing ability to teach themselves
through play, and even the most well-meaning adult can disrupt that process by
giving too much direction. Allow your child to experience the class in his or
her own way ---whether that's by moving constantly, sitting and staring, tasting
instruments rather than playing them, etc. We know from working with hundreds
of children over the years that each child is busy processing the musical information,
even if that's not apparent during class activities. Trust this process, relax
and let your child be, and you will begin to see new musical behaviors emerging
as the semester progresses. TIMELINESS: Our classes begin and end on time:
it is important for you to be prompt. It's often difficult for a child to enter
a class already in session. Please make a point to be here for the Hello Song,
so your child feels properly welcomed. Actually, I encourage you to come 5-10
minutes early, so as to catch up and admire one another's children before class
begins. Also, feel free to stay and chat after class, but during class.focus on
the music. SING, DON'T TALK: Although we use an informal teaching method,
this does not mean that we're casual. We especially ask adults to maintain focus
and avoid talking between class activities. This is a time to listen, for often
a child will spontaneously sing into the silence. Talking will only distract your
child from the musical experience we are so carefully creating. FOOD &
TOYS: We prefer to keep our 45 minutes together as musical as possible. Try to
leave toys in the hall. If your child needs juice or a snack, please take them
out of the room, to avoid inspiring other young snackers. GUEST POLICY:
Adult family members are always welcome! Please let me know ahead of time if
you will be bringing relatives. There is a charge of $10 per class to bring additional
children under the age of 12. ABSENCES and MAKE-UPS; I do appreciate your
letting me know when you are unable to attend a session. I would like to accomodate
make-up sessions as I want you to get the full benefit of the class. The classes
are rather full, so please call in advance to arrange to come for a make-up. There
will probably be make-up classes available at the end of the session, I will let
you know about this. |