MUSICare Project NEPA offers two forms of classes from the Music Together curriculum: Mixed Ages and Babies classes.
Mixed Ages classes include all children from birth through age five in the same classroom making music with their favorite grownups. Like a big extended family, the Mixed Age classroom experience allows children of all ages to grow musically at their own rate while seeing the example of their peers around them. Older children become role models, while younger children benefit from observing those just a little older than them. A Mixed Age classroom using the Music Together curriculum is an ideal place for children to develop social skills, bond with their favorite grownups, and learn musical skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. We often find that both the adults and children in our classrooms make friends that extend beyond the classroom as well!
Babies classes are a special time for parents of newborns and younger infants up to eight months of age at the time classes begin. These classes are designed to help parents use music to bond with their children while also supporting their early musical development. Did you know that babies can generally hear very well and are especially tuned in to the sound of voices of the people close to them, especially their mothers? In a Babies class, you’ll learn techniques for interacting with your child musically, tips for using music to help ease routines, and ways to help your child develop early musical skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. We’ll do this using music that is specially chosen to appeal to both children and parents and to expose children to robust variety of musical types, tones, and styles. You’ll spend irreplaceable time bonding with your little one while also spending time each week with others on the same early childhood adventure. Following your semester in Babies class, you and your little one will be ready to continue your Music Together journey by joining a Mixed Ages class.
Mixed Ages or Babies for my infant? Both the Babies and the Mixed Age classes use the same musical collections. Babies can and do benefit from being in a Mixed Ages class, and these classes are often especially convenient for families with older children and a new baby–the entire family makes music together! If there isn’t a Babies class at a time that works for your schedule or a Mixed Ages class is simply more convenient for you, there is no reason not to join that class. Our trained and licensed Music Together teachers will offer additional instruction and help so you and your baby get the full benefit of the class. On the other hand, Babies classes are a wonderful opportunity for one-on-one time with that new little addition to your family, a chance to focus on musical development at this unique time in your family while spending time with other new parents, and a wonderful first class-environment learning experience for your child with the person who will always be their first and best teacher–you!