FAQ

TipToe Music FAQs

Yes! Infant participation often seems passive at first, as a baby actively absorbs what he/she is seeing, hearing, and feeling. As their bodies and nervous systems mature, infants begin to show more and more complex musical responses, as well as evidence of song recognition. (Bouncing to the music, kicking their feet, cooing, musical babble)

To be honest the best time to start class is when YOU are ready! There is no reason to delay starting music class. There isn't anything that your baby needs to be able to do before you join our classes. What is more important is that YOU are ready to interact and bond with your baby in a fun, relaxed, non-performance oriented environment. If you are curious about your child's interests, personality, and development, and you enjoy getting to know him/her and you want to learn how to best support his/her growing confidence and desire to participate and interact in an activity with you--his/her most significant caregiver--then you are ready for class! One of the comments we hear most often from parents is..."I wish I would have started with music class sooner". Our classes are also a great way to meet other children and families and grow your mom-community!.

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 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 many years of experience in the field.

Rhythm Kids® works well as stand-alone music class or as a companion to private lessons, helping children ages 4-8 years old develop the ability, repertoire and creativity to be confident music-makers throughout their lives. This non-performance oriented programme allows your big kid to continue playing with music in a group environment, growing in confidence weekly whilst learning early drumming skills and early music literacy.

Each class has 5 -12 registered families. We encourage and appreciate you selecting a 2nd class option. If classes are too small they may be cancelled or combined with another class. If your first class choice is already full please join the waitlist so you can be moved should a spot open up for you

Throughout the semester, classes may be in session when older children have a school holiday. Older siblings of registered students may occasionally visit provided the older sibling is HEALTHY and that the visit is prearranged with TipToe Music in advance. Visitation spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. We appreciate a donation of $15 to cover un-registered sibling attendance which we put towards our Scholarship Fund

Families are allowed to makeup any classes they miss. Makeups are available at any location run by TipToe Music. You can schedule a make-up online by clicking on the "Register/LOG IN" tab and logging into the Enrolled Family Portal - in our portal you can mark your absence and book a make up. We ask that you book you make up in the same class type that you are registered for, however Babies and Rhythm Kids®® families may also attend a Mixed Ages class.

Changes can be made depending on class space availability - please reach out to your teacher and/or email the office with your request.

Late registration is handled on a case by case basis. Unfortunately we can't guarantee you a spot as the classes may be full. Please reach out to us directly to make arrangements - we're delighted you want to join us!

Please feel comfortable to nurse your child in class, but we ask that you not bring food or drink into classrooms. Snacking can be contagious and distracting. We also need to be sensitive to any possible food allergies within our classroom.

Both or either parent, grandparents or caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time; no need to ask. Whole family music making in your home is extremely valuable to your child's musical development, and attending class helps the other family members to join in at home.

Enhance your child's experience in class by remembering to sing, sing, sing! Your active participation is the key to your children learning and growing musically. Support the creation of a music-only environment while in class by not talking to your children or other adults during the 45 minutes. Since it is difficult for a young child to mask out adult conversation please wait to socialize till after class, and instead contribute to the creation of a musical environment for the children to absorb.
Try not to give verbal directions. It can be tough to restrain the impulse to give your child directives such as "Do what she is doing, hold your instrument this way; but children respond best by just seeing and hearing you doing (and enjoying) it yourself! Wandering toddlers is fine, (walking feet only please!) if you want your child to come back to you, avoid calling to him from across the room. Please shadow your child if they need to move around the room to learn, and if necessary, redirect your child physically back to you or the circle. Of course watch out for your child's safety, but mostly your job is to just relax, and have fun!

Gift certificates for any amount towards TipToe Music classes can be purchased at any time. Click on the "Store" tab online to place an order. It makes a nice baby shower, birthday, Christmas or Valentines gift! Grandparents love to buy these for holiday gifts. Let us know if you would like it sent directly to the recipient or to the purchaser.

Yes we offer discounts for siblings, including free tuition for infant siblings up to 6 months and in the same class as their big brother or sister! Please click HERE to find our current tuition fees and discounts

Our classes are located across Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Mississauga - we have classes running 7 days a week. You can find our exact locations and address HERE

Yes we do! You can try us out in a free demo class at key times in the semester - please click HERE to see availability. Demos are available for new families only. Current and returning families are invited to try a demo in a Rhythm Kids®® class to see if their child is ready to join a more complex class.

Drop in classes are offered on a semester by semester basis - we do not offer them regularly. Please keep an eye on our social media for announcements or sign up for our newsletter where we will announce any new drop in opportunities. Sign up for our newsletter HERE

We have four semesters a year - Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Each semester is 10 weeks in length, however summer runs for 6 weeks. We also host summer camps for Rhythm Kids®®. You can see our calendar HERE

Music Together is an award-winning, research based, music and movement programme for children and the grown ups who love them. At TipToe Music we teach the Music Together curriculum for our Mixed Ages and Babies classes. Rhythm Kids® by Music Together® is a programme extension within this curriculum. You can find out more about Music Together HERE