Music expresses the soul. Music is a way of knowing the world.

When we sing, our hearts remember each other. Music is indeed a universal language. We sometimes overlook the place of music in our lives and think of it as something outside of ourselves and extracurricular rather than one of the building blocks in the foundation of life skills.

 During the first six years of children's lives, they experience a rapid phase of development in their various intelligences. Howard Gardner, a Harvard psychologist, states that music intelligence is equal to the various intelligences such as logical-mathematical, linguistic, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal and intrapersonal. A young child’s brain is hard-wired for learning and acquisition of skills. They watch, they see, they listen, they do. Then they do it over and over again for the sheer delight of doing. This is how learning happens.

What a child learns is as much a product of environmental stimulation as it is innate ability. In fact, innate ability atrophies without nourishment.

Ken Guilmartin and co-author Dr. Lili Levinowitz have developed a music program which celebrates the joy, fun and inspiration of music-making while harmoniously incorporating the fundamentals of primary music development. This is Music Together.

The 45-minute classes take place once a week for ten-week periods in the fall, winter and spring and shorter sessions in the summer. Classes are designed to engage children ages birth to five and parents in a delicious smorgasbord of songs, movement and instrument play. Traditionally, communication during Music Together classes is non-verbal. Parents and caregivers encourage their child's initiative through singing, dancing, smiles, eye contact and imitation. Parental enjoyment and participation holds the key to the development of music-loving children.

There has been some confusion around "talent" as it applies to music. Often, people of western cultures tend to subscribe to the notion "you either have it, or you don't". More accurately, the have and have not component of this subject addresses "who heard it, sang to it, moved to it and who did not." Anyone exposed to quality musical stimulus from early on probably "has it" now.

Claudia Tulip, Director of Under One Common Sky has been teaching and directing Music Together since 1999. The essence of Music Together is so like her earliest memories of music that she is grateful to give that and more back to the community. Classes are offered in Cottonwood, Sedona and Prescott.

In addition to Mixed Age classes we invite you to explore the following Music Together specialty classes:

Class descriptions

Mixed Age (babies, toddlers and preschoolers to age 5) supports early childhood music development through singing, creative movement and instrumental play. Strong parent-child interaction enables each individual child's stage of development to flower within the larger community. During fall, winter and spring, the class materials for Mixed Ages Class are one of our nine song collections rotated over three years. During the summer session, our class materials are Summer Songs - best hits of all 9 song collections, perfect for the shorter summer semester. Class materials include a CD and illustrated songbook of the current semester's songs. In addition, New Families receive a Booklet which introduces them to the program. Classes are 45 minutes in length and run for 10 weeks in the fall, winter and spring / 8 weeks with a 6-week option in the summer.

Generations  In Music Together^® Generations classes, teachers and families foster meaningful musical relationships across the ages, as “Musical Grandfriends” join the music-making circle. Expanding the class community in this way enriches the experience for families and makes these classes some of the most satisfying to teach. Regardless of age, spirits are lifted, learning across multiple domains is stimulated, and meaningful connections are made. Children and families, especially those without extended family nearby, discover the value of intergenerational relationships.Elder participants enjoy witnessing and engaging in children’s joyful music-making finding a sense of purpose in being a part of young children’s learning. The partner facility is grateful to be able to offer a cutting-edge, high-quality intergenerational program to its residents. A win-win for all!

One teacher shares:

"There is so much joy, so much love, and so much laughter in a Generations Class from the residents, the children and the parents and caregivers. From a little girl who reaches out her arms to get a hug from a 'grandma,' to the beautiful combination of all voices—young, old, and in between—singing 'My Bonnie,' during the lullaby, the sense of joy and harmonious interaction is magnificent. There is nothing else like it."

FAQ 

How is this class different from your regular mixed-age classes? This class looks very much like our regular mixed-age classes. The activities and curriculum are identical to what you will find in mixed-ages. The difference is that we're bringing the classes to a new setting; one with elders and their caregivers. Classes are typically held in residential facilities, such as independent living, assisted living or day programs. Elders are invited, but never pressured, to participate in class, with the support of an on-site staff member, and are respected as important music models.

Rhythm Kids world music drumming, singing, dancing and music games. Level 1 (ages 4-5) Level 2 (ages 5 to 9). Classes are 45 minutes in length and run for 10 weeks.  Click here to learn more.

Babies (newborn to 8 months) is a fun, informative class for new parents. It is designed to nurture, treasure and develop your baby's musical world while supporting a parent's interactive discovery of it. Through music, movement and instrument play, the class explores developmentally appropriate musical stimulus and activities for babies. Rhythmic & melodic development and emotional bonding flourish in this relaxed, fun, creative and informative setting. Parents learn great ways to apply the experience at home and on the road. Class materials include 2 CDs, an illustrated songbook and Babies Music Guide. Classes are 45 minutes in length and run for 10 weeks.

TUITION

FALL, WINTER, SPRING 10 weeks 

New Family 1st child $185 

 Returning Family 1st child $175

 Sibling $120.00

Infant Sibling under 9 months - free

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Mixed Age class tuition includes a professionally recorded CD, digital download of the semester songs and a beautifully illustrated songbook with family activity suggestions. Classes include parent education to help parents understand and enhance their child's music development. Families will also receive a quarterly e-newsletter and access to the national informative website. New families receive a  booklet "Music Together at Home: Helping Your Child Grow Musically" an introductory guide for parents and caregivers.

"Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit."   ~ ee cummings