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

Sing, dance, and have fun! You might be surprised to hear that you are your child's most important music teacher right now—and it doesn't matter whether you think of yourself as a great singer or dancer. Young children develop dispositions for certain behaviors, including learning to love music, by observing and imitating their loved ones. Simply by participating enthusiastically during class and playing with the ideas at home, you'll give your children the modeling they need to learn to love to make music. Please wait to socialize or use your cell phone until after class and instead help us create a music-only environment.

What's expected of my child in class?

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!

How should we use the Music Together^® materials?

Play your songs frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make the music available for your child to listen to while she is playing or before nap or bedtime. Create your Music Together account and download the "Hello Everybody" app for digital versions of the songs and more activity ideas to try! 

Use the songbook to help you learn the songs and get new musical activities to use at home. If you play an instrument and want to play along, the music notation is available in the Family Music Zone^®®   Try using the songbook at storytime!

What is the class size?

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

What if I miss a class during the semester?

First chirps is offering an 10 week semester. If you can't make it to a class, try scheduling a makeup in one of our other classes during the current semester. Makeups are given on a first come, first serve basis within the current semester.

Please visit our Make Up Classes page to learn more.

Can I switch to a different class?

We know that sometimes nap schedules change (just when you've developed some regularity, of course!) We will do our best to accommodate changes, but only if the other class has room. We do not want to overcrowd and overstimulate our budding musicians. 

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

First chirps welcomes families at any time in the semester. We are new kids here, too!

Can we eat in class?

Please feel comfortable to nurse or bottle-feed your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms. Many children have allergies and we want to be sensitive to that. 

Will classes be cancelled in inclement weather?

We adhere with the Rockwall ISD in regard to weather cancellations. Should public schools close due to inclement weather, classes at First chirps will be cancelled as well. Please check our website or our Facebook page for announcements regarding weather cancellations.

What If my child isn't feeling well?

If you or your child is ill on class day, or is quaranteened due to covid or another virus, our studio requires you to quaranteen at home as well. Your child must be fever-free for 24 hours before attending class. Our families' health and safety is our utmost concern. Any questions regarding this policy, please feel free to reach out. If your schedule allows, you are always welcome to attend a makeup class. 

Can I bring a guest or an unregistered older sibling to class?

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. All guests must be prearranged with the teacher to ensure adequate space in the class. There is a $15 drop-in fee for any siblings under 6.

We just ask that they sit with you as a family and not be reading or distracted by technology. Remember: our little ones learn by watching all of us, including bigger kids, to see how we all participate with the music! Let's show them how we all make music...together...at any age!

Is it OK for more than one adult to come to class?

Of course! We LOVE when parents, grandparents, caregivers, aunts, and uncles attend class. They are welcome at any time—no need to ask!

Why aren't there classes for specific age groups?

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!

Do you offer gift certificates?

Gift certificates toward classes can be purchased at any time. They make fabulous baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts. Please contact us if you’re interested in purchasing one.