What is Music Together^® like?

We leave shoes and snacks at the door at sit on the floor together. If you prefer a chair, we have them available! We'll spend 45 minutes singing, dancing, playing with instruments, and laughing together. We always start with our Hello, Everybody song and end with a lullaby and Goodbye song. Want to know more about Rhythm Kids^® (ages 4-9)? Click here: What is Rhythm Kids^®? You can come to as many gatherings as you'd like each week! You will be enrolled in a home class, but can use our online scheduler to sign up for Bonus Classes.

As a parent, what is my role?

Sing, move, and enjoy making Music Together^®. You may be surprised to hear that you are your child’s most important teacher right now—and it doesn’t matter whether you think of yourself as a great singer or dancer. Young children grow in their love of music by watching, imitating, and sharing musical experiences with the people who love them most.

By participating wholeheartedly during our gatherings and bringing the music home into everyday life, you give your child the joyful modeling they need to grow in confidence and connection through music.

To help create a calm, music-filled space for everyone, we ask that socializing and cell phone use wait until before or after the gathering.

What's expected of my child?

In Music Together, children are never required to sit in the circle or participate in any one particular way. We understand that children learn differently from adults. They learn naturally and constantly through observation, relationships with adults and older children, imitation, play, and especially movement. One of the beautiful things about Music Together is that children grow musically simply by being immersed in a community of families making music together.

Each child responds in their own way, depending on temperament, age, developmental stage, and learning style. Some may join in right away. Many prefer to watch and absorb, especially during their first few weeks. Some may crawl or toddle around, while others respond to the music more actively by running, jumping, or dancing. All of these are natural responses in a rich musical environment.

Throughout the season, your teacher will help you notice how your child engages best so you can nurture their musical growth both in our gatherings and in everyday life at home. Please 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 the season. Make the music available for your child to listen to while they are 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. If you play an instrument and want to play along, the music notation is available in the Family Music Zone^®® . Try using the songbook at storytime!

What is the gathering size?

Each gathering includes between 6 and 12 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).

What if I miss a gathering?

For your convenience, we offer unlimited bonus classes. You can schedule as many as you'd like each week! They are available on a first come, first served basis. Bonus classes can be scheduled by clicking Member Portal.

Can I switch to a different time?

Yes. Depending on availability, you are welcome to change to a different gathering time or location.

What if I join after the session begins?

Family Rhythms welcomes families at any point during the session! Your membership fee will be automatically prorated.

Can we eat during the gathering?

Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in the circle, but we ask that you not bring food or drink (other than water) into classrooms. 

Will gatherings be cancelled in inclement weather?

We adhere with Vancouver Public School District in regard to weather cancellations. Should public schools close due to inclement weather, Family Rhythms will likely be closed as well (although we will open up if we can do so safely). Please make sure your account is set up to receive text alerts for announcements regarding weather cancellations.

Can I bring a guest or an unregistered older sibling with us?

We'd love to have your big kids or guests join us! If you are bringing guests with young children, please have them use our Visit Scheduler.

Is it okay for more than one adult to come?

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

Why are all ages together in Music Together^®?

Gatherings 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?

Gift certificates toward membership can be purchased at any time. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts. Purchase a Gift Certificate