Why aren’t there separate classes for different age groups?

In the 1980s Music Together pioneered the development of the mixed-age approach in early childhood music. In each class we strive to create a musically rich, developmentally appropriate environment where the whole family can enjoy music and nurture skills at the level right for each child. Mixed-age classes also provide a rich learning environment because children of different ages thrive when they interact with each other: the babies are often fascinated by the older child, and the "big" children (3- and 4-year-olds) enjoy helping and sharing with the "little" ones. This approach is based on research from music education, early childhood development, and family relationships, as well as our 20 years experience in the field.

Because children aged 5, 6, and 7 are developmentally so different from the children birth through 4, Music Together does offer a class beyond the mixed-age class created specifically for this older age group. Children 5 through 7 are ready for more independence and new challenges and are both more social and more comfortable with a structured classroom setting. Music Together Big Kids™ classes are designed to meet the needs of 5- through 7-year-olds, whether or not they have participated in Music Together mixed-age classes before.