What's expected of my child in class?

 We let the children be children and allow them to choose their way to participate. We want them to feel safe and comfortable. therefore, children are never required to sit in the circle or expected to participate exactly how the grownups are. 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. 

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 move peripherally around the outside of the circle; 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, as long as they are moving safely. Running is discouraged to keep everyone is the space safe. Throughout the semester, you'll beging to tune in to how your child learns best so you can support their music development during class and at home. Feel free to ask if you have questions!

As a parent, 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 and mover. 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 should I do outside of class? 

Play your songs at home and in the car frequently, especially during the first few weeks of class. Allow them time to play and move freely while listening. You can even create your own "playalong" basket with homemade instruments- think spice shaker with dry beans or wooden spoons, etc. Show them how you might engage with any of our songs. Let them see you enjoying music and sing your favorites to and for them, whether that's jamming in the car or in the shower, throwing a full on dance party in the living room or slowing things down with a lullaby at bedtime.

What is the class size?

Classes have up to 12 families each.

What if I miss a class during the semester?

It is your resonsilbity to attend classes as scheduled, however, we understand that illnesses and appointments do occasional pop-up. For this reason, we offer unlimited makeup classes per family during each session. Please let us know you will be out using our Mark an Absence which informs the teacher and allows your sot to be used for a makeup for another family. Please note: Make-ups MUST be done in the same session as the classes missed. Please visit our Make Up Scheduler to learn more.

Can I switch to a different class?

We highly encourage you to find a classtime that will work consistently with your schedule. Once classes start, the classroom community also begin to develop. Changes are made at the discretion of the center director and teachers involved, if there is a spot in the class.

What if I start classes after the semester begins?

UpBeat Louisville can easily accommodate late registrations, if there are classes that have space for additional families. We will prorate the cost of tuition if you join after the session has begun.

Can we eat in class?

Nursing or bottle-feeding your child in class is always allowed, but please do not bring food into classrooms, nor beverages for the adults. You can leave coffees or water bottles on the shelves as you enter the space.

Will classes be cancelled in inclement weather?

We know that weather can be unpredictable and emergencies sometime arise. We will do our best to keep classes going, but if we have to cancel/postpone classes, we will send emails as soon as the decision to cancel is made. Please DO NOT UNSUBSCRIBE as email is our primary means of communication.

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

Yes, two caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time—no need to ask!

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

We are family friendly and extra grownups or visiting family are generally welcome, as long as there is adequate space. Please check in with your teacher to ensure there is room for visitors in your particular class. This also allows us to make sure there are enough instruments and props on hand for everyone! 

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.