As a parent, what is my role in class?

Sing, dance, and have fun! You might be surprised to hear that you are your child's most important music teacher right now—and it doesn't matter whether you think of yourself as a great singer or dancer. Young children develop dispositions for certain behaviors, including learning to love music, by observing and imitating their loved ones. Simply by participating enthusiastically during class and playing with the ideas at home, you'll give your children the modeling they need to learn to love to make music. Please wait to socialize or use your cell phone until after class and instead help us create a music-only environment.

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!

How should we use the Music Together^® materials?

Play your songs frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make the music available for your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. Create your Music Together account and download the Music Together App for digital versions of the songs and more activity ideas to try! 

Use the songbook to help you learn the songs and get new musical activities to use at home. Try using the songbook at storytime!

What is the class size?

Each class has between 6 and 12 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).

Can I switch to a different class?

Requests for class changes must be initiated within the first three weeks of the semester. Depending on class availability, changes are made at the discretion of the center director and teachers involved. If you need to miss a class you may schedule a make-up class up where there is availabilty within your registered semester. Make-Up Scheduler

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

Although it is best to join at the beginning of the session, Music Together Giggle and Groove welcomes families at any point during the semester based on availability. If a spot is not open in a class that works for you, please sign up and join the waitlist. If a spot opens during the semester, we will call the families on the waitlist to and invite them to join us.

What is the reduced sibling rate? 

Our policy is that the reduced rate is for siblings only. Meaning, grown-ups may register and bring more than one child to class--we're a family music making program! The reduced price is not meant for cousins of an enrolled child, nanny-share situations, friends of an enrolled child or others. Friends and additional family members (other than a parent with more than one child) are encouraged to enroll on their own account. 

What is your cancellation & refund policy? 

Should you need to cancel prior to the start of the session you will be refunded less an administrative fee of $35.00. There are no refunds after the start of classes.

Can we eat in class?

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

What happens if I miss a class? Can I make it up? 

We offer unlimited makeups with the currently registered session, based upon availability. Make-ups must be used within the same session (eg. Winter) and cannot be transferred to another semester. 

How do I schedule a make-up ? 

Current families can schedule make-ups online by logging in on our website. Choose the Parent Portal 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 make-up you will receive a confirmation email.

Will classes be cancelled in inclement weather?

We adhere with HWDSB in regard to weather cancellations. Should public schools close due to inclement weather, classes at Giggle and Groove will be cancelled as well. Classes cancelled for inclement weather will not be refunded but may be rescheduled for another day of the week or credited toward the next semester or a pre-recorded online option will be offered.

What happens if a teacher is sick and class is cancelled? 

If class is cancelled due to illness the class will be rescheduled to the end of the semester. If you cannot attend the make-up class you are welcome to attend another class as a makeup and in some cases where a make up cannot be added due to time constraints, a pre-recorded online class will be added.

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

Music Together® classes may be in session when older children have a school holiday, and it is natural to want to bring them with you to class. All guests must be prearranged with the teacher. Siblings  are welcome once per semester for free but each additional visit must be paid for using the Visiting Sibling Pass. If they are not family, please have them sign-up as a trial class participant using our Drop-Ins scheduler.

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

Yes, parents, grandparents, or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time—no need to ask!

Why aren't there classes for specific age groups?

Classes with children of different ages have intellectual and social benefits for both younger and older children. In fact, it's the learning environment recommended by many early childhood researchers. Older children learn empathy and awareness of others, while developing leadership qualities and gaining self-confidence. Younger children learn by imitating the older ones and often show more complex behaviors earlier than usual. Even babies benefit by being in an environment that gives them lots of opportunities to observe the behavior of children of varying ages. Plus, it allows everyone—siblings, parents, grandparents, caregivers—to share in the musical experience together!

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! Gift certificates toward classes can be purchased at any time. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts. Gift Certificates

Registration