Frequently Asked Questions about Tam Tam’s Music Classes

When should my baby start music class?

Babies are born musical! From birth, their brains are forming more than one million new neural connections every second. Early exposure to singing, rhythm, and movement helps wire the brain for communication, language, and social skills. Even very young infants benefit from listening to and moving with music. At Tam Tam, our Babies classes (birth-8 months( are designed for this sensitive window of development.

What makes Tam Tam’s music classes different from other programs?

Unlike singalongs, Tam Tam’s classes are hands-on, research-based, and family focused. We use the internationally acclaimed Music Together® curriculum, which combines developmental science, diverse folk music from around the world, and joyful community singing.

• Classes are mixed-age, so siblings can learn together.
• Grownups are active participants, not just spectators.
• Children learn music through play, voice, and movement — their primary instruments.

This approach builds real musical skills while supporting social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

Why are mixed-age classes important?

Mixed-age classes reflect the way children naturally learn: by watching, imitating, and joining in with others at different stages. Babies watch older kids, toddlers practice being leaders, and preschoolers develop confidence while helping younger ones. This peer learning supports social and emotional growth and mirrors natural family and community life.

How does music support my child’s brain development?

Music engages the whole brain: motor, language, emotional, and memory systems all at once. Keeping a steady beat, for example, helps children coordinate sensory input, laying a foundation for reading, math, and self-regulation skills. Neuroscientists like Dr. Patricia Kuhl (University of Washington) and Dr. John Iversen (UC San Diego) show that music in early childhood boosts language learning, attention, and social connection.

Do I need to be “musical” to join?

Not at all! In fact, your child’s favorite music teaacher is you. Children learn best when their caregivers model musical joy–by singing, moving, and participating with enthusiasm. At Tam Tam, we’ll give you the tolls, confidence, and songs you need. No prior experience required: just bring your voice, your body, and your love for your child.

What’s expected of my child in class?

At Music Together, children are never required to sit in the circle or expected to conform to an adult’s idea of participation. We know that children learn differently from adults. They learn instinctively and constantly, through observation, interactions with adults and older children, and through imitation, play, and, especially, movement. One hallmark of Music Together is the insight that children will naturally develop music ability simply when they are immersed in a community of families all making music.

Children’s responses depend on their most dominant learning style and temperament as well as their age and developmental level. Some might follow the teacher right away. Many will simply want to watch and absorb, particularly in the first few weeks of class. Some might crawl or toddle around; others are stimulated by the music and respond more actively, running, jumping, or dancing. All are perfectly natural responses to the new, musically rich environment. Throughout the semester, your teacher will help you tune in to how your child learns best so you can support their music development in class and at home. Feel free to ask if you have questions!

What’s included with Tam Tam classes?

Each semester includes:

• Weekly 45-minute classes led by trained teachers.
• A beautifully illustrated songbook and access to recordings via the Music Together® app, so families can sing at home, in the car, or anywhere.
• Unlimited makeups (space permitting), to fit busy family scheduled.
• A welcoming community of Brooklyn families who value live, joyful music-making.

What is the class size?

Each class has between 4 and 12 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).

Where are Tam Tam classes held?

Tam Tam offers classes in Fort Greene, Bed-Stuy, Clinton Hill, Cobble Hill, and Caroll Gardens. We teach in beautiful indoor and outdoor community spaces, including South Oxford Space, Private Picassos, and Cobble Hill Park. We also partner with local preschools and daycares to bring music in-school.

How can I enroll in a class?

Enrollment is easy! Families can register directly at tamtam.nyc

New families can also try a single class before committing by booking a trial at try.tamtam.nyc

How long are the semesters?

Spring, Fall and Winter semesters are 11 weeks long. Summer session is between 4-8 weeks. We also offer a December mini-session (3 weeks).

What is the tuition?

Tuition varies for different semesters (due to length). Our registration page has up-to-date tuition info and payment options.

What is the refund policy?

No refunds are given after classes begin. If you cancel before the session start date, there is a $25 withdrawal fee. Under special circumstances, credit can be applied to the following semester. Credit is subject to deductions for materials given (songbooks and music recordings) and/or classes that have already taken place as well as any processing fees. Families are responsible for class attendance. Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

What is the makeup policy?

We offer unlimited makeup classes per family during each semester, as space permits. All makeups must be scheduled via Tam Tam’s makeup scheduler. Makeups must be used within the same session and cannot be transferred to another semester. There are no refunds nor credits for missed classes or makeups.

How do I schedule a makeup?

Current families can schedule make-ups online by logging in on our website. Choose ‘Schedule a Makeup Class’ from the Enrolled Families menu and you’ll see a variety of options. You can schedule makeups by day, location, teacher, etc. Once you’ve scheduled your makeup you will receive a confirmation email.

What if my child gets sick?

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 makeup 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.

Can I switch to a different class?

Consistency is important for your child’s learning, so we ask that you try to settle into your class in the first few weeks of the semester as the integral musical community is beginning to form between families and your teacher. However, we understand that especially with young children, schedules change and nap times shift, etc. Therefore, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule and find a class that works for you and your child, subject to availability. Contact us via phone at (718) 809-4542 or send us an email to discuss your situation.

What if I start classes after semester begins?

Just found us? No worries! Although it is best to join at the beginning of the session, Tam Tam welcomes late enrollments when there is space in the class. Your tuition will be automatically prorated at checkout, depending on how many weeks of class are left. The one-time $20 New Family Fee is not prorated.

Do you offer drop-ins?

Music Together is a program that works over time through repetition and family bonding. To that end, we do not promote drop-in enrollments during the 11-week sessions, except under the following circumstances:
1. You would like to try a class. Use our trial class scheduler to reserve your spot. You can book up to three trial classes each semester.
2. You have an older sibling to your enrolled child who is home from school (on holiday, not home sick) who wants to attend your regular class with you. Call, email or text to let Tam Tam’s director know;
3. You have an out-of-town guest (friend or family) who wants to attend with their appropriately aged child(ren). Use our trial class scheduler to secure space.

Can we take pictures in class?

Picture-taking is reserved for the final class of the session and then only during the play-along; however, you may take pictures of your child before class any week. If you’re taking pictures, you are no longer modeling participation for your child, and your hands aren’t available for quick problem-solving, either. This policy includes grandparents and nannies! Save it for after class, please. Everyone is essential in the music-making process.

In addition, many parents are sensitive about posting their children’s faces online, so if you happen to get an opportunity to snap a shot of your child, please cut out or blur any other children unless you have permission from their parents to post it — or just don’t post it online.

What about cell phones?

No cell phones in class. Just let it go for 45 minutes and allow yourself to focus on your child and yourself in music! If you would like to discuss an exception to this rule (you are a doctor on call or your partner is about to go into labor, etc.), please talk to me. If there is an emergency and you need to take a call during class, please step outside to take care of it. Children and babies cannot focus on music if they hear you speaking at the same time. Let’s keep the musical immersion on! Thank you.

Can we eat snacks in class?

Tam Tam fully supports breastfeeding mothers, so feel free to nurse (or bottle-feed) your child in class, but please do not bring any other food or drink into classrooms. Most classroom spaces have strict no-food/drink rules, and some children have severe food allergies that can be triggered simply by the presence of certain foods in the room; plus, beverage containers (parents’ coffee cup, bottled water, sippy cup, etc.) are simply not safe from being either knocked over or experimented with by curious hands and mouths! Better to save them for after class or step outside the classroom for a quick drink or snack if your child needs it during class. We also encourage you to remove your child’s pacifier so they are free to experiment with sounds during class.

Can I bring a guest or an unregistered older sibling to class?

Day off school/preschool for your older child? We can happily accommodate a visiting sibling on occasion! Older siblings of registered students may visit free of charge up to two times per term. Please notify us that you will be bringing your older child. If you are bringing a guest (friend or family) who wants to attend with their appropriately aged child(ren), use our trial class scheduler to secure space.

What happens after we complete a semester?

A different song collection is used each semester –there are twelve different song collections- so when you re-enroll, you can look forward to expanding your repertoire with a variety of new songs and chants. The curriculum is designed so that families can continue classes for three years before revisiting a song collection. In three years, you and your child will learn over 375 songs! If you do continue in the program beyond three years (and we hope you will), your child will experience his or her first song collections in a new, deeper way. It’s a beautiful experience to share with your child! Read more about the Music Together Curriculum.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! Gift certificates toward Tam Tam’s classes can be purchased at any time. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts. Purchase one here.

How many adults may attend?

Both or either parent, grandparents 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.