At Music Together®, children are never required to sit in the circle or expected to conform to an adult’s idea of participation. We know that children learn differently from adults. They learn instinctively and constantly, through observation, interactions with adults and older children, and through imitation, play, and, especially, movement. One hallmark of Music Together is the insight that children will naturally develop music ability simply when they are immersed in a community of families all making music.

Children’s responses depend on their most dominant learning style and temperament as well as their age and developmental level. Some might follow the teacher right away. Many will simply want to watch and absorb, particularly in the first few weeks of class. Some might crawl or toddle around; others are stimulated by the music and respond more actively, running, jumping, or dancing. All are perfectly natural responses to the new, musically rich environment. Throughout the semester, your teacher will help you tune in to how your child learns best so you can support their music development in class and at home. Feel free to ask if you have questions!

Play your songs at home and in the car frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make it available to the music available for your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. Create your Family Music Zone® account and download the Hello Everybody app for digital versions of the songs and more activity ideas to try! Activities experienced in class will give you great ideas for how to incorporate music into your home and we encourage you to make music together every day!

Each class has between 6 and 12 registered children, plus their caregiver(s).

Requests for class changes must be initiated within the first three weeks of the session. Depending on class availability, changes are made at the discretion of YNS and teacher involved. Changes are not made after the third week of the semester.

Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms.  If you want to nurse while you sing, you are welcome to do so.

YNS follows District 203, 204 and 308’s inclement weather cancellations.  Please visit our website or our Facebook page for cancellations. 

Music Together® classes may be in session when older children have a school holiday, and it is natural to want to bring them with you to class. The more, the merrier when it comes to making music together! Please try to let your teacher know ahead of time to ensure adequate space in the class.

Parents, grandparents, or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time—we welcome all who would like to sing with us!

Classes 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!

Gift certificates toward classes can be purchased at any time. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts. Please contact the YNS office if you’re interested in purchasing one (info@ynschoirs.org).