Free Guide to Music Together for Families

What Music Together Is and How It Works

Music Together is a research-based music program designed for young children and their families. Founded in 1987 by Dr. Kenneth Guilmartin, the program serves children from birth through age five, along with their parents, caregivers, and siblings. The program operates in over 3,000 locations across the United States and internationally, making it one of the most widely available early childhood music programs.

The core idea behind Music Together is that all children are musical. Unlike many music programs that focus on finding "talented" children, Music Together assumes that every child has musical ability and can benefit from musical experiences. The program uses singing, instrument playing, movement, and listening activities to build musical skills and bonds between children and their families.

Each Music Together class typically lasts 45 minutes and includes about 15-20 families. A trained instructor leads the group through singing, playing percussion instruments, dancing, and listening to recorded music. Classes meet once a week for about 10-12 weeks, though schedules vary by location. The instructor uses a consistent collection of songs and activities throughout the session, which helps children recognize patterns and anticipate what comes next.

The program includes both in-person classes and home materials. Families receive a CD or digital access to recordings of all the songs taught in class, a songbook with lyrics and instructions, and sometimes activity guides. This allows children to continue their musical learning at home between classes. Research on the program shows that children who participate develop better language skills, improved coordination, and stronger bonds with their family members.

Practical takeaway: Look into whether Music Together operates in your area by checking their location finder on their website. Classes run throughout the year at various times, so you can explore options that fit your family's schedule.

Finding Music Together Classes in Your Community

Music Together classes are offered in many communities, but availability varies significantly by location. The program operates through independent licensed teaching centers, preschools, studios, community centers, and other venues. To find classes near you, the Music Together website maintains a searchable directory organized by state and city. You can enter your zip code or city name to see which locations offer classes in your area.

Class times and schedules differ by location. Some teaching centers offer multiple class times per week at various times of day—early morning, midday, evening, and weekend options. This variety means families with different schedules may find a time that works for them. Some locations offer classes specifically for babies and parents, while others run classes for toddlers and preschoolers. A few locations also offer special sessions like summer intensives or drop-in classes, though these are less common than the regular weekly sessions.

The cost of Music Together classes varies by location but typically ranges from $120 to $200 for a 10-12 week session, which breaks down to roughly $12 to $20 per class. Some locations may charge higher or lower fees depending on local market rates and whether they're nonprofit or private operations. Many teaching centers offer sibling discounts if multiple children from the same family attend. Some nonprofit organizations, preschools, and community centers that host Music Together classes may offer reduced rates for families with lower incomes, though this is not standardized across all locations.

When researching locations, contact the teaching centers directly with questions about their class structure, age groupings, teaching style, and whether they offer trial classes or make-up sessions for missed classes. Some instructors offer a single trial class at reduced cost so you can observe before committing to a full session. Many teaching centers also post class schedules and instructor information online, which can help you decide whether a particular location fits your needs.

Practical takeaway: Use the Music Together location finder to identify three to five teaching centers near you, then contact each one with questions about their class schedules, pricing, and whether they offer any introductory options so your family can see if the program is a good fit.

The Educational Research Behind Music Together

Music Together is built on decades of research about how young children develop musically and how music influences overall development. Dr. Kenneth Guilmartin's foundational research in the 1980s showed that young children develop musical skills in much the same way they develop language skills—through exposure, imitation, and repeated practice in a supportive environment. This research challenged the then-common belief that musical ability was innate and that only some children could become musical.

Multiple studies have documented the benefits of Music Together participation. Research published in early childhood development journals shows that children in Music Together classes develop stronger language and pre-literacy skills compared to peers who do not participate in structured music programs. One study found that children who attended Music Together for a full year performed better on language development assessments than children in control groups. Another study showed improvements in phonological awareness, which is a key skill for learning to read.

Beyond language, research indicates that music instruction in early childhood supports social-emotional development. Children in group music classes learn to listen to others, take turns, and participate in shared experiences. These social skills transfer to other settings like preschool and kindergarten. Music participation also correlates with improved fine and gross motor skills, as children learn to play instruments and move rhythmically to music. Additionally, the parent-child bonding that happens during Music Together classes may contribute to secure attachment relationships, which research shows support healthy child development across multiple areas.

The curriculum design reflects research on how young children learn. Music Together classes use the same songs and activities repeatedly, with gradual variations and progression over time. This repetition matches how young children's brains process and retain information. The multi-sensory approach—combining singing, listening, movement, and instrument play—engages different learning pathways and makes the experience more memorable. The program also integrates music across cultural traditions, introducing children and families to diverse musical styles from around the world, which research suggests supports openness and cultural awareness.

Practical takeaway: If you are considering Music Together, understanding that it is based on established child development research may help you feel confident that your child will benefit from participation. The program is designed to support multiple areas of development, not just musical skills.

What to Expect During Music Together Classes

A typical Music Together class follows a recognizable structure, though instructors may vary the exact order and emphasis. Classes usually begin with a welcome song that helps children and families transition into the music-making mindset. The instructor introduces themselves and may engage children in conversation or simple call-and-response singing. This opening typically lasts 5 to 10 minutes and sets a warm, welcoming tone for the session.

The main body of class includes several types of activities. Singing is central to every Music Together class. The instructor teaches songs using their voice and often accompanies themselves with guitar, piano, or ukulele. Songs may focus on themes like animals, weather, daily routines, or simply have playful or nonsense lyrics. Children are encouraged to sing along, but there is no pressure to perform correctly. Many young children simply listen or sing quietly during their first few sessions before gradually joining in more. Families often clap, snap, or sway along with the music.

Instrument exploration is another key component. Most Music Together classes include a collection of percussion instruments like drums, maracas, shakers, bells, and resonator bars. The instructor introduces these instruments and plays songs while children explore making sounds. Young children may simply bang or shake instruments without much rhythmic control at first, and this is considered normal and developmentally appropriate. Over several weeks, children begin to develop coordination and listening skills that allow them to play along with the music more intentionally.

Movement and dancing are included in every class. The instructor may lead simple movements like bouncing, swaying, or marching. Some songs include finger plays or hand motions that children can imitate. Parents and caregivers participate alongside their children, modeling movements and providing encouragement. This physical engagement helps children experience rhythm and music in their bodies, not just through listening. Many instructors include a parachute activity or scarves that children can wave and move with, which is often a favorite for very young children.

Listening activities round out most classes. The instructor plays recorded music from the curriculum while children listen. Sometimes children simply sit and listen; other times they move or draw while listening. The recorded music often features instruments from different cultures, variations on familiar songs, or purely instrumental versions of songs the class has sung together. This exposure to diverse musical sounds and styles expands children's musical awareness.

Practical takeaway: Come to your first Music Together class with the understanding that there is no "right way" to participate. Young children learn through observation and gradual engagement, so whether your child sings loudly, stays quiet, or moves freely