Babies

About the program
FAQs
Music Development and Research
Enroll in a Class

About the Program

Every child’s music development benefits from early exposure to music and movement.  Because the early months are so important, Music Together offers two options for babies.  Infants may attend a mixed-age class, whether registered on their own or attending free with an older sibling.  They may also be registered for the special “Babies Class” offered as a one-semester introduction to Music Together.  The music activities and materials are specially designed for parents who want to learn as much as possible about music development in infants. Meet other parents of newborns and learn fascinating music activities you can recreate at home with your baby.  Babies must be under six months old on the first day of class.  Most babies in this program range from 3-5 months at the start of the semester.  We recommend infants older than six months register for mixed-age classes.  This class cannot be repeated.

FAQs

What age are the infants in a babies class?  Infants range from only a few weeks old to several months in this program!  Babies will range anywhere from 3-6 months at the start of the semester.  We recommend infants older than six months register for mixed-age classes.  The babies are non-mobile for the majority of the semester.  If your baby is crawling before the start of the semester you may want to consider a mixed-age class.  Feel free to contact the office to discuss.  (212) 496-1242

My baby is under 8 months. Should I take a babies class or a mixed age class.  What’s the difference?  The Babies class is structured in much the same way as a mixed-age class.  In both classes your teacher will lead you through a variety of activities, facilitating fun and creative ways for you to interact musically with your baby.  The main difference lies in parent education.  Because the infants are non-mobile, there is a calmer energy in this class which allows the teacher more opportunities to explain the ‘whys’ behind the ‘whats’ and to point out emerging musical behaviors. 

I have already taken a babies class but my child is still under 8 months.  Can I register for a Babies class again?  No.  The Babies program is a one semester introduction to Music Together, the primary goal being to give adults the tools they will need to interact with their babies in a mixed-age environment.  Once you have those tools, you will want to integrate your baby into a mixed-age class where she can learn both from you AND by watching and imitating the older children in the room!

At what age should I start class with my baby?  Now!  Babies learn music the same way they learn language; by being immersed in it.  Just as it is never too early to start talking to your baby, it is never too early to start singing with your baby.

Music Development and Research

More and more frequently, research is indicating that singing and dancing with your baby will have a positive effect not only on his music development specificially, but his brain development as a whole.  In addition, we also see the wonderful benefits that moms, dads, and other primary caregivers get from bonding through music.  Research suggests that stress hormones decrease in both the infant and the adult when that adult sings to her little one!  Imagine having a rough day, and now your baby just doesn't want to settle down for the night (or even an hour!)  Bouncing, strolling, rocking.... nothing seems to work, and you're just getting more anxious.  Raise your voice and sing -- even if it doesn't calm your baby right away, it will help you to breathe more calmly and settle your own mind.  Your baby feels you, and will respond to your changed mood.  Remember, YOUR VOICE is precious.  It doesn't have to be perfect.  Yet it will always be remembered.

Articles of Interest

Infant Learning and Music by Lyn Ransom, D.M.A from the Music Together Experts Blog

Is Music for Wooing, Mothering, Bonding - or Is It just "Auditory Cheesecake"? by Carl Zimmer from Discover Magazine, December 2010

Does Singing To Your Baby Really Work? by Kimberly Sena Moore from Psychology Today's Blog "Your Musical Self", July 29, 2011

Schedule of Classes

Below is a list of all of the Babies classes being offered. Please note class codes F11=Fall; W12=Winter; S12=Spring; U12=Summer

Semester info:  8 weeks, 45 minutes.  Winter 2012 classes run January 23rd - March 16th.