What a gem of a program this is! Little M and I have been attending San Francisco Music Together since he was 3 months old – and I knew back then that it was going to be a hit!
He’s now 2 and still loves it – the classes have worked wonders for his confidence and social skills, as well as his growing musicality.
Read on for my full review of San Francisco Music Together…
What is San Francisco Music Together?
San Francisco Music Together is a program of music classes for children aged 0-5 years old. The program is part of the wider organization Music Together® – an internationally recognised early childhood music program. Music Together® pioneered the concept of a research based early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes adult involvement. San Francisco Music Together coordinates and runs the San Francisco based classes.
Where are the classes held?
The classes are held in two locations in San Francisco – Haight Ashbury and Inner Sunset. There is more information about each location on the San Francisco Music Together website.
For locations outside of San Francisco visit the main Music Together website.
What does the class involve?
Each class includes singing, dancing, movement and instrumental play with a big selection of instruments from drums to bells and egg shakers – sometimes even mini ukuleles – so cool! There is a nice balance of quiet still moments and raucous moving moments. All the activities and songs are aimed at little ones, whilst introducing basic pitch and rhythm – they are also fun and easy for adults to learn.
Each semester you are given 2 copies of the CD for that session, as well as a song book. We love listening and singing along to the music at home – sometimes improvising and changing the words!
How long are the classes?
Each class is 45 minutes long. You sign up for a semester and each semester usually runs for 10 weeks.
Why do you and Little M love it?
So many reasons! I love the strong emphasis on adult participation (don’t be afraid to embrace your inner musician!) – this benefits Little M and all the other children in the class. It also makes the classes as fun for the adults as for the children!
All of the teachers are so energetic and enthusiastic. They are all fantastic musicians in their own right, yet also have such a great way with little ones. What I especially love is how all of them embrace a love and exploration of music. Each child can participate in the class in their own style – whether they want to sit still, move around the room (like Little M) or suck on an interesting instrument…
I have learnt that even when your child appears to not be listening or interacting, they are actually soaking it all in. Little M will often appear to be scampering about during parts of the class, whilst I continuing singing and joining in – then he’ll suddenly sing part of the song! I can also credit the class for teaching him to help tidy things, to begin to learn to share, to know when it’s time to say bye bye – and all in the context of music and fun.
I love that the classes are small and numbers are limited – this makes for a relaxed atmosphere and lots of attention for each child. Little M has interactions with the teacher and other adults in every class. Another great feature is you are given a number of ‘make ups’ each semester, so if you and your little one miss a class for any reason you can attend a ‘make up’ class – so you don’t miss out on the classes you have paid for.
Where can I find out more?
You can read more details about class schedules, pricing, free demo classes, scholarships… and answers to any other questions you may have at San Francisco Music Together.
It’s so much more than a class, San Francisco Music Together really is something that becomes a positive part of you and your little one’s daily lives. We love it – it truly is one of the highlights of our week together.
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