What Music Together Is

Music Together is a parent-child music class program for babies and young children from birth through age four. Classes meet weekly for about 45 minutes and combine singing, movement, instrument play, and listening activities. A trained instructor leads the group, but the focus is on the parent or caregiver participating alongside the child — not on the child performing or demonstrating skill.

The program was created in 1987 by a music educator and child development researcher. It operates through independently owned franchises in the United States and internationally, so the specific location, schedule, and cost depend on which local center runs classes in your area. Classes typically meet in studios, community centers, libraries, or schools.

Music Together is not a performance-based program and does not use traditional music instruction methods like reading notes or formal lessons. Instead, it rests on the idea that musical development happens naturally when children are immersed in music and see adults enjoying it alongside them.

Key Takeaways

  • Music Together classes are 45 minutes long, meet once a week, and include singing, movement, instruments, and listening activities led by a trained instructor.
  • The program is designed for parents and caregivers to participate actively with their child, not to watch from the sidelines.
  • Classes serve children from birth through age four and are organized by independent franchise locations, so cost and schedule vary by your area.
  • Music Together provides a home materials package (CDs or digital access) so families can continue singing and playing music between classes.
  • The program does not focus on performance, competition, or teaching children to read music or play instruments at an advanced level.

What Happens in a Typical Class

A Music Together class follows a consistent structure each week. The instructor begins with a greeting song, then moves through a sequence of activities: singing songs with hand motions, playing straightforward percussion instruments (drums, shakers, bells), moving to music, and listening to recorded instrumental pieces. The songs and activities change seasonally, so families who attend for multiple sessions encounter new material throughout the year.

Parents sit on the floor or in chairs with their child and are expected to sing, clap, and move along. The instructor demonstrates movements and sings clearly so caregivers can learn the songs and teach them at home. Children are not required to participate or perform — some sit quietly, some dance, some play instruments, and some do all three. The instructor does not correct children or ask them to "do it right."

At the end of class, families usually receive a printed sheet with the week's songs and lyrics, along with information about the home materials (typically a CD or digital read of the songs and instrumental pieces used in class). Families are encouraged to play these materials at home during everyday activities like meals, car rides, or bedtime routines.

Who Teaches Music Together Classes

Music Together instructors complete a training program run by the national organization. Training covers child development, music fundamentals, and the specific teaching philosophy and methods used in the program. Instructors are not required to have a music degree or formal music training before they begin, though many do.

Because Music Together operates through franchises, each location hires and trains its own instructors. The quality and experience of instructors can vary. If you are considering a class, it is reasonable to ask about an instructor's background and to observe a class before signing up.

Cost and How to Find Classes Near You

Music Together class fees vary significantly by location and franchise. A typical session (usually 8 to 10 weeks) might cost anywhere from $80 to $200 or more, depending on your region and whether you choose a group class or private instruction. Some locations offer drop-in rates or shorter trial sessions at a lower cost.

To find Music Together classes in your area, visit the official Music Together website and use their location finder tool. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool will show you nearby franchises, their class schedules, and contact information. You can then reach out directly to ask about current session dates, pricing, and whether they offer a trial class or observation period.

Some franchises offer classes through community centers, libraries, or schools, which may have different pricing or registration processes than the franchise studio itself. It is worth checking both the Music Together locator and your local community center or library schedule.

Home Materials and Practice Between Classes

Music Together provides families with home materials — typically a CD or digital read — that contains the songs and instrumental pieces used in that session's classes. These materials are meant to be played during everyday routines: in the car, during meals, at bedtime, or while playing. The idea is that repeated exposure to the same music helps children absorb melody, rhythm, and language patterns naturally.

Parents are not expected to teach or drill the songs with their child. Instead, playing the materials in the background during normal activities is the recommended approach. Some children will sing along, some will dance, and some will ignore it — all are normal responses.

Home materials are usually included in the class fee, though some locations may charge separately. Check with your local franchise about what is included and how you will receive the materials (physical CD, digital read link, or streaming access).

What Music Together Does Not Include

Music Together does not teach children to read music, play instruments at an advanced level, or prepare for formal music lessons. It does not include recitals, performances, or evaluations of your child's musical progress. There are no "levels" or advancement tracks — all classes for a given age range follow the same curriculum.

The program is not a substitute for speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other developmental interventions, though some families use it alongside those services. If you have concerns about your child's hearing, speech, or motor development, those should be discussed with your pediatrician or a specialist, not addressed through a music class.

Music Together also does not provide childcare — it is a parent-child activity, and your participation is essential to the class experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a musical background to participate in Music Together?

No. The program is designed for parents and caregivers of all musical backgrounds. The instructor teaches the songs and movements, and you learn them alongside your child. Many parents report that Music Together is the first time they have felt comfortable singing in front of others.

What if my child cries or refuses to participate during class?

This is common, especially in the first few classes. The instructor will not force participation. Some children warm up after a few sessions, and some prefer to observe quietly. Both are considered normal and acceptable in the Music Together philosophy. If your child is consistently very distressed, talk to the instructor about whether a different class time or smaller group might be a better fit.

Can I attend Music Together if my child has a hearing loss or developmental delay?

Many families with children who have hearing loss or developmental differences participate in Music Together. Talk with your child's audiologist, speech therapist, or pediatrician about whether the class environment is appropriate for your child, and let the instructor know about any accommodations your child may need.

How long should we stay in Music Together?

Families typically attend for one or more sessions (usually 8 to 10 weeks each). Some families continue for multiple years, while others do one session and move on. There is no required commitment beyond the session you register for. Many franchises offer classes for each age group (babies, toddlers, preschoolers), so families can continue if they wish as their child grows.

Is Music Together worth the cost?

That depends on your budget and what you are looking for. If you want a structured, weekly activity to do with your child and enjoy singing and music, it may be a good fit. If you are hoping for measurable musical skill development or a performance opportunity, Music Together is not designed for that. Some families find the same value in free library story times, community center programs, or singing at home with recordings.