Frequently Asked Questions

As a parent or caregiver, what is my role in class?

A parent's or caregiver's most important job is to join in and make music with their child! Young children learn by watching, listening to, and imitating the people they love. Parents and caregivers don't need to be great singers or dancers to make a difference. When grown-ups sing, dance, play instruments, explore sounds, and participate enthusiastically, they show children that music is something to enjoy and share.

Families are encouraged to take the music home and make it part of everyday life. Singing in the car, dancing in the kitchen, or listening to the class songs together are all wonderful ways to support a child's musical development. During class, families are asked to keep phones and adult conversations to a minimum so that everyone can stay engaged and help create a focused, welcoming music-making environment. Please refrain from taking photos during class.

What's expected of a child during class?

There is no “right” way for a child to participate in a Music Together® class. Some children jump right into singing, dancing, and playing. Others prefer to watch and listen before joining in. Some may crawl, toddle, wander, dance, or simply observe. All of these are natural ways for young children to experience music. Children learn through observation, movement, play, imitation, and interaction with the adults and children around them. A child's participation may also look different from week to week—and that's okay!

Rather than expecting children to sit still or perform on command, Music Together in the North Lakes provides a rich musical environment where children can explore, build confidence, and develop their own musicality at their own pace.

How should families use the Music Together® materials at home?

The best way to use the Music Together^® materials is simply to listen to the music often! Families can play the songs during playtime, in the car, while getting ready for the day, or as part of a bedtime routine. The more familiar the music becomes, the more opportunities children have to sing, move, and play with it in their own way. The songbook can also be used to follow along with the songs and discover new ways to bring music into everyday routines. There is no need to formally “practice”—the goal is simply to make music a regular part of family life.

How many children are in each class?

Classes have 6–12 registered children, along with their parents, grandparents, caregivers, and siblings as appropriate. Keeping classes within this range allows Music Together in the North Lakes to create a welcoming community while still giving each family plenty of opportunities to participate.

What if a family misses a class?

Life with young children can be unpredictable! Families who need to miss a class are encouraged to contact Music Together in the North Lakes. Makeup opportunities, when available, are based on space and class availability.

Can a family switch to a different class?

If another class time works better for a family, they are encouraged to reach out as soon as possible. Class changes are based on availability and are easiest to accommodate early in the session. Music Together in the North Lakes will do its best to find an option that works for the family.

What if a family starts classes after the session begins?

Music Together in the North Lakes welcomes families throughout the session as long as space is available. Tuition is not prorated based on classes missed before registration. Families who join after the session has started will still receive the Music Together materials for that session and can jump right into making music together.

What is the registration fee?

A $15 registration fee is charged for families enrolling in Music Together in the North Lakes for the first time. This one-time fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with setting up a new family enrollment.The registration fee is waived for subsequent semesters, so returning families will not be charged the fee when they re-enroll.

Can families eat or drink during class?

Families are welcome to nurse or bottle-feed children as needed. To help keep the classroom clean and comfortable for everyone, food and drinks should remain outside of the classroom, with the exception of water. Families are always welcome to step out with a child if they need a quick break during class.                                                                                                                                        

Will classes be cancelled because of inclement weather?

The safety of families always comes first.

For classes held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd, Music Together in the North Lakes will follow the building's guidelines as well as Brainerd Public Schools' weather-related closures and recommendations when determining whether classes need to be cancelled because of inclement weather.

For classes held at Little Falls Middle School in Little Fallls, Music Together in the North Lakes will follow the building's guidelines as well as Little Falls Public Schools' weather-related closures and recommendations when determining whether classes need to be cancelled because of inclement weather.

If classes are cancelled, families will be notified as soon as possible through email and/or the center's website. Information about any rescheduled classes or other arrangements will be shared at that time.

Can families bring a guest or an unregistered sibling to class?

Music Together in the North Lakes understands that family schedules and childcare arrangements can change. Families who would like to bring an additional child or guest who is not registered for the class should check with the center ahead of time. This helps ensure there is enough space for everyone to participate comfortably.

Is it okay for more than one adult to attend class?

Absolutely!

Parents, grandparents, babysitters, and other caregivers are welcome to attend class. Families do not need to choose just one grown-up to experience the music with their child. Having multiple generations participate can be one of the most special parts of making music together.

Why aren't Music Together^® classes separated by age?

Music Together classes intentionally bring children of different ages together. Babies and younger children learn by watching and imitating older children, while older children have opportunities to develop confidence, awareness, and leadership. Children also benefit from experiencing music alongside others at different stages of development. Mixed-age classes also allow siblings and caregivers to share the musical experience together rather than attending separate classes. Most importantly, children get to experience a community where everyone is learning and making music together.

Does Music Together in the North Lakes offer gift certificates?

Yes!

Gift certificates toward Music Together in the North Lakes classes are available for purchase at any time. They make a wonderful gift for a new baby, birthday, holiday, or any family who loves making music together. Gift certificates can be purchased through the website. Families with questions about purchasing or using a gift certificate can contact Music Together in the North Lakes. Gift certificates are delivered as a printable PDF with a unique redemption code that can be given directly to the recipient.

Perfect for: birthdays, baby showers, holidays, new babies, or simply giving a family the gift of music and connection.

Still have a question?

Families are encouraged to reach out with any questions about Music Together in the North Lakes, registration, classes, or what to expect.