FAQs

As you participate in class, listen to the music and try the activities at home, what kind of response should you expect? Some children are spontaneous singers and movers, others are careful and casual observers. In either case, after sufficient listening and observing time at class, you may begin to notice your child singing or chanting parts of songs, sometimes with words, sometimes without. However, even when your child gives no response or seems uninterested in listening or participating, important unconscious learning is taking place.

Keep in mind the following points:

• Most children choose to observe more often than to participate actively in class. They are taking in information, which they will act on later at home.
• Most children become accustomed to the class routine and their classmates around the fifth or sixth week. At this point, their participation is likely to increase.
• Remember that you are the most important model and teacher for your child. Your most effective role is to participate and enjoy the class yourself, even though your child might choose to sit back and observe. If you are enjoying yourself, your child will soon wish to share that enjoyment with you.

What can I expect from class?

Rhythm n Rhyme is designed for children ages birth through age 5. 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. Our 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.

What should I expect of myself as a parent?

Most parents forget that they child’s most important role model, especially when it comes to music! You may feel that you are not particularly musical – perhaps you even describe yourself as being challenged. You may not be able to “keep the beat”. Whatever the level of your technical skill, remember the most important things you can model for your child are simply pleasure, interest, and the desire to participate in music activities.

By participating with your child, you can begin to rediscover within yourself the natural human musicality that is everyone’s birthright.

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

In each class we 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 (3+ and 4+ year-olds) enjoy helping and sharing with the “little” ones.