This is the essential Music Together class, one that a child can attend from birth through kindergarten -- and through all nine song collections. This basic class follows the recommendations of child development researchers -- grouping children of a variety of ages because this fosters natural, family-style learning. Younger children enjoy watching and imitating older ones, older children learn by leading younger ones, and adults are happy because the children in the family can go to class together. Each child participates at his or her own level in singing, moving, chanting, listening, watching, or exploring musical instruments. Any caregiver -- parents, grandparents, nanny -- can bring the children. The whole family is welcome for this important family music experience.

Every child’s development benefits from early exposure to music and movement. Because the early months are so important, Music Together offers two options for babies. Babies eight months and younger at the time of registration may attend a Mixed Ages Class, whether registered on their own or attending free with an older brother or sister. Babies may also take the special “Babies Class” offered as a one-semester introduction to Music Together. (This class cannot be repeated.) The music activities and materials are specially designed for parents who want to learn as much as possible about music development in babies. Meet other parents of newborns and learn some fascinating music activities you can recreate at home with your baby.

In each weekly music class, we drum, sing, move, and play to rhythms inspired by musical traditions around the world, from West African Gahu, to Japanese Taiko, to Brazilian Samba, just to name a few.

Students learn to compose, choreograph, and conduct as they play—and play with!—a variety of musical instruments: West African djembe drums, percussion instruments, and, the most important instruments of all, their voices and their bodies. As your big kid learns to think and create like a musician, they’ll also build musical connections to the global community. Classes include:

• immersion in the musical language of many cultures
• playful music games with rules
• opportunities to lead, balanced with opportunities to collaborate
• deep exposure to complex, fun, and rockin' music
• many chances to solo, improvise, and work in ensembles
• rich, creative experimentation and expression, improvisation, and innovation

Two types of Rhythm Kids^® music classes are available: Level 1 for four- and five-year-olds in Pre-K, and Level 2 for kindergarteners, first-graders, and second-graders.  (*Class Levels may be combined based on enrollment)