Music Together, again!

Tom is taking Music Together classes again. That's right, every Saturday his Dad and I sit in a circle, dance, sing, and clap. This is a bit of a stretch for me, but I do it because I love him. 

You should see Tommy in class. He absolutely hums with excitement. He can't wait for class every week. He's always asking to go see Karen, his Music Together teacher. 

We never miss a class if we can help it. I just can't do it to him! He loves it too much. Check him out singing several Music Together songs in the video below.

Music Together is a little different from other music classes. There is no performance and the children are encouraged to enjoy the music and participate in whatever way they feel comfortable. There is no pressure. 

You sit in a circle with your child and a teacher leads the group in song. Sometimes small instruments are brought out to play with, sometimes we dance around, and sometimes we swirl scarves through the air. It is really a great way for young children to learn to enjoy music. 

As a blind child, I feel that Tommy has an advantage in this class. He pays attention to music so intently. He is never off key and never off rhythm. I sometimes daydream and have to look around to watch the group to get back in rhythm. Tommy never does. He is 100% focused on the music. Every class is like Superbowl Sunday for him! He is all business and he absolutely loves it. 

It can be hard when you child is young and has special needs. I wanted so badly to find ways to get out in the community and mix with other kids and parents, but I was scared. I hated the feeling of judgement and the questioning looks Tom always got. These classes are a great environment for kids with special needs. His teacher is accommodating, but the class in general has a no pressure, relaxed vibe that I love. No one is asking about milestones or showing off :) It is just about enjoying music.

From the Music Together site - 

Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program for children from birth through age 7—and the grownups who love them™. First offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement.

Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning.