Soulshine Arts Newtown/Woodbury CT

What can I expect from class?

Music Together^®® is designed for children ages birth through kindergarten. We believe that music ability is as much a basic life skill as walking and talking, and that all children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with pleasure and confidence in the music of their culture. Music Together® classes nurture the child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement as we sing, dance, chant, and play instruments in an informal setting that will enrich her musical environment and guide her towards a lifetime of music-making enjoyment.

Why aren’t there separate classes for different age groups?

In the 1980s, Music Together pioneered the development of the mixed-age approach in early childhood music. In each class we strive to create a musically rich, developmentally appropriate environment where the whole family can enjoy music and nurture skills at the level right for each child. Mixed-age classes also provide a rich learning environment because children of different ages thrive when they interact with each other: the babies are often fascinated by the older child, and the “big” children enjoy helping and sharing with the “little” ones. This approach is based on research from music education, early childhood development, and family relationships, as well as our 30 years experience in the field.

What is the class size?

Each class has 5 - 12 registered children plus their primary caregiver(s).

What is your wait-list policy?

We accept up to 3 families on the waiting list for each full class. We are sometimes able to accept wait-listed families, if others drop out of the session or switch to other class times. Unfortunately, we are not able to predict whether spaces will become available, so there is no guarantee that you will be able to join a class for which you are wait-listed.

We strongly urge you to sign up for another class that works with your family's schedule, so that you don't miss out on the fun!

If you are wait-listed for a class, we ask that you not attend that group until you have heard from us that we have space for your child. We will contact you via phone and email if we are able to move you into the class.

Can I bring my un-registered older sibling or visiting family memeber to class?

Throughout the semester, classes may be in session when older children have a school holiday or you have family visting with a small child. Older siblings under the age of 8 and extended family members under the age of 5 may be added to class as a tag along for $15/class. You would need to email Michele or Leslie at [email protected] ahead of time. We need to check with the class teacher, then will contact you to arrange payment. Thank you!

What if I miss a class during the semester?

Please make sure to mark your absence as soon as possible. This helps to ensure that our unlimited make-ups run smoothly for all families. Once you have marked your absence, use the make-up scheduler tab to grab a make-up spot. Our system requires families to mark their absences ahead of time inorder to grab a make-up spot. Don't forget to post your absence in our private Facebook group for current families. Posting is a great way to help parents who are looking for a spot a to grab. Families with 2 kiddos can grab one make-up spot. Using the Enrolled Families Portal- You will be prompted to log in, after which you will see a calendar with your regular class time marked. Click the continue button by the absence. In the box that pops up, choose a date and time to come in for your make-up class.

Please note that there are a limited number of make-up spots available in each class date. Please schedule your make-ups earlier in the semester, if at all possible, in order to get your first choice of dates. If you are not finding a make-up that will work in your schedule please reach out to us, [email protected]. Reminder that you can rollover up to 3 make-up spots to the next semester* as long as you are registered for that semester. Make-ups are not allowed to be carried over to mini semesters, special events, etc. Make-ups are only carried over with your paid registration to the Music Together/Rhythm Kid for a full collection that is immediately following.

Can I switch to a different class?

We understand that with little ones schedules can change. Changes can be made depending on class availability.

What if I need to withdraw from class?

Families are responsible for class attendance. Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal and all tuition fees are forfeited. If circumstances necessitate withdrawal from class, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss possible options for weeks remianing in the collection. There are no refunds/credits for natural disasters, community crisis, or circumstances beyond our control.

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

Soulshine Arts welcomes families to join at any time during the semester. Based on the date you register, families will either be asked to grab a make-up spot for the missed classes or can register at a prorated cost.

Can we eat in class?

Please feel comfortable to nurse/bottle your infant in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms.

Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?

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.

As a parent, what is my role in class?

Enhance your child's experience in class by remembering to sing, sing, sing. Your active participation is the key to your children learning and growing musically. Support the creation of a music only environment while in class by not talking to your children or other adults during the 45 minutes. Since it is difficult for a young child to mask out adult conversation please wait to socialize till after class, and instead contribute to the creation of a musical environment for the children to absorb.

Try not to give verbal directions. It can be tough to restrain the impulse to give your child directives such as "Do what she is doing, hold your instrument this way” but children respond best by just seeing and hearing you doing (and enjoying) it yourself! Wandering toddlers is fine, but If you want your child to come back to you, avoid calling to him from across the room. If necessary, redirect your child physically back to you or the circle. Of course watch out for your child’s safety, but mostly your job is to just relax, and have fun!

How should we use the Music Together^® Materials?

Listen to the collection at home and in the car as frequently as possible, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make it available to your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. Use the songbook to help you remember the songs or to play along if you play an instrument. Try using the songbook at storytime instead of a regular book, and sing through the songs as you go along. Looking at the printed notes on the page will help children understand that music is something that can be read, like words. Familiarization with notation will help them when they are more ready for formal music instruction, typically when they are school aged.

Where can I buy some of the instruments we have in class?

Instruments are available for purchase for use at home or as gifts directly from http://musictogether.com/Store.

May I bring a camera to class?

Occasionally classes at Soulshine Arts are professionally photographed and/or videotaped. These photographs/videos are sometimes used for publicity purposes. As our classes are participatory and educational experiences between adults and children, we ask our families to please limit the amount of times you have your phone out for photos. We love seeing class pics on our Facebook/Instagram, so don't forget to tag us when you share those adorable pics from class.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Gift certificates for any amount towards Music Together classes at Soulshine Arts can be purchased at any time. It makes a nice baby shower or birthday gift. Grandparents love to buy these for holiday gifts. You can grab a gift certificate online today.