Will my child feel pressured to perform in the activities? Never! At Musical Munchkins, we always offer opportunities for participation and the children are encouraged, never forced. Since our program is so well suited to each developmental stage, most children are ready for the activities we present to them, and they are quite proud of their accomplishments! 

Can I bring my infant baby to class while attending with my older child? Infants are welcome and attend for free until they are toddling and become an active member of the class. Babies are often quite mesmerized by the activities in class and are often happy to sit watching in the baby carrier. Our classes, however, are designed for the full attention and participation of the parent or caregiver during class. Bringing a babysitter, mother’s helper or grandparent to class, if needed, to hold and attend to your younger child, is a great help, and allows your full attention to be with your older child. We also offer Saturday classes at some locations, which can accommodate working parents, so that both Mom & Dad can attend.

What if I want to enroll my 2 children of different ages in the same class?  Because our program is designed to fit the needs of your children at their different stages of development,  we highly recommend that you make childcare arrangements so that your children can attend the most appropriate classes for them.  Since our 3 to 5 year-old classes are without caregiver, you may wait in our waiting area with your younger child.  During the summer semester and occasionally during the school year we offer mixed-age groups for those parents who need to have both children in the same class.  We do, however, make exceptions on an individual basis with approval by the teacher of the class. 

If the class is for my child, why do I need to participate? Can’t I just watch, since it’s his class?  Even though classes are lead by a professional musician and teacher, your child still models his or her behavior after yours. If you are enthusiastic and you participate, chances are your child will too! Also, many of our activities are designed specifically for an adult and child to do together, so your child needs your full participation!

What if my child doesn’t participate? Think about the first time you learned something new. You probably needed to watch a few times before actually trying it. If this is a new experience for your child, it may take 4 to 6 weeks before he/she adjusts to the parameters of the class. If your child is sitting attentively and watching the teacher, she is practicing the most important skill required in music--listening. Parents seem to be most concerned about the “observer” child, who likes to watch during class but is not “actively” participating. Don’t worry--each child has his own unique timetable and will eventually join in!  Your child will take everything in and will most likely sing, dance and do everything at home! 

Is Musical Munchkins a franchise? No. Our program began 20 years ago in Westchester County and was designed by 2 piano pedagogy, voice, and early childhood specialists. Andrea Soberman, a licensee of Musical Munchkins, Inc., brought the program to Orange, Ulster and Dutchess Counties. Currently there are other Musical Munchkins centers offered in Rockland and Westchester Counties, NY, New Jersey and Connecticut.  Because we are not a franchise our curriculum is dynamic and we are able to incorporate new material contributed from our talented and creative teachers who are professional musicians, composers, music therapists, performers and recording artists.