Our indoor classes are in session! We have reduced class sizes and enhanced ventilation and sanitation. The joy of making music together is the same, and maybe even more important in our lives. Expect singing, dancing, instrument jamming and a good time for all!
About our indoor classes
Classes are 45 minutes long and include up to 12 families. The classroom has open windows, a ceiling fan and an air purifier. Please wear warm layers and double socks in the winter, as the classroom is likely to be less temperature-controlled than usual.
Help us keep everyone healthy
Please do a quick self-assessment and stay home if you or anyone living in your home is showing any of these symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or loss of taste or smell. If your child is sick with a fever, rash, diarrhea, cough, or has a nose with green or yellow mucus, please stay home and schedule a make-up once all symptoms have cleared. If you are not sure whether your child is sick, please err on the side of caution for the benefit of other children in class. Furthermore, please stay home and notify Tam Tam’s director if you have been exposed to (or diagnosed with) COVID-19.
What to bring to indoor classes
- Socks. (We’ll be taking off our shoes.)
- Clothing comfortable to move in. Dress in layers. As a Covid-safety precaution we will be leaving windows and doors open as much as possible. Therefore the classroom may not be as temperature-controlled as usual.
- For infants, you may wish to bring a baby blanket.
How to get the most out of your Music Together class
Arrive on time.
We do our best to have our classes begin and end on time. Please make every effort to be prompt. It’s so much nicer for your child to be part of the Hello Song.
Your participation is key!
Young children learn by imitating their grown-ups. You are the role model for your child as he or she forms an attitude towards music making. So, in class it is important for you to participate – sing, dance, drum, wiggle — have FUN! If your child sees you having fun making music, they’ll want to try it! Do you sing off-key, or can’t remember the words, or have two left feet? No worries – sing anyway! We’ll never criticize you, and your child thinks you’re a superstar!
Your child’s job is done when they arrive at class.
We want the adults in class to participate actively — but all your child needs to do is show up. Each child has his or her own learning style, personality, and temperament. Your child does not need to sit still, pay attention, or do what the teacher is doing. Young children are “sponges” and absorb the rich musical experience of the class whether they are staring at the clouds, checking out their socks, practicing walking skills, looking at the bikes and dogs, or fiddling with your blanket. They are learning music skills even when they are “just” observing others, sitting still in your lap, or wanting to lead you to explore the park. So, as long as they are practicing social distancing and are not posing a safety issue, let them do their own thing, and know that they are learning in their own way. You’ll be amazed at what they show you in a few weeks’ time, at home.
Keep the musical immersion on for your child.
- Sing, instead of talking during class. You are your child’s primary role model: if you lose focus, your children will as well. When everyone is singing, the children get drawn into that musical energy. When adults talk during class, the children get confused where to put their attention, and the class feels disorganized. In addition, the silence between songs is a crucial time for the children to develop the important ability to audiate — to be “thinking musically” even when no music is present. During that silence, we might hear your child sing!
- Put away phones / photography / food / drinks: Your Music Together class is a unique opportunity to let your child see you making live music and engaging in the activities with them. Please turn off your phone and put it away before class. Photographs or videos are not allowed. Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding during the class is fine. Please save snacking until after class.
Music Together happens at home all week long.
Class is fun and a place for inspiration, observation and absorption – your child’s musical expression will happen later, at home. The kids “download” the experience in class. They “print it out” at home. Each session, you will receive the songs we will sing in class – on the “Hello Everybody” app with your unique download code, a CD, and a picture songbook.
- Listen to the songs at home and on the go as frequently as possible – this will make a HUGE difference in what your family gets out of our program. Play the music for your child while he or she is playing, or before taking a nap, or at bedtime. Play the songs in the car or while you are cooking dinner, and sing them when changing a diaper or pushing the stroller!.Repetition is key for young children!
- Read through the illustrated songbook with your child, as you would a picture-book and use it to help you remember the songs, and get activity ideas.
- Every session there are new fun videos, activities, coloring pages, sheet music, etc. on the online Family Music Zone – accessed with your download code. If you have any technical issues with accessing your songs or the Family Music Zone, or questions about the Music Together App, please email support@musictogether.com.
You are responsible for ensuring that any adult who brings your child has read and understood these policies prior to attending the class!