Gymboree Vs. Music Together

HI E.,

My almost 8 month old son loves Gymboree - the regular classes. The music classes at Gymboree are disappointing - perhaps it was just the teacher we had..... In the regular Gymboree classes, the children are encouraged to move/crawl/roll, but they are more confined in the music class at Gymboree which can be frustrating for the kids and parents. Maybe the music class at Gymboree is better with a different instructor? We love Miss Lucy!

we did both and both are great. music together does depend a great deal on who you get as a music teacher. some play instruments others will bring a cassette of the music. I think both classes offer a free trial class so you can get the feel of the other parents and the class itself. Both classes are so different, like trying to decide between gymnastic lessons or chorus. If I had to choose I would go with gymboree because it is some thing that you would not have access to otherwise (gym mats, balls, climbing structures, but at 6 mo I don't know how much of that will be lost on your daughter. every thing they do at music together you could do at home. bang on drums, ring bells, dance, etc.

I vote for Music Together, especially if you are looking to develop your daughter's musicality. Music is a language, and Music Together exposes kids to a diverse mix of tonalities and meters so little ones can sing in tune and keep a beat. I love how the program encourages caregiver participation. The materials are excellent - we love listening to the music, and the song books have great ideas for activities we can do at home with the songs. I started taking my daughter to Music Together when she was six months old, and now, at 3 years old, she has a vast repertoire of songs and chants she sings (in tune!). The program really works.

BUT, if you want to take your daughter to a program where you don't really have to participate, do Gymboree. It is a fun playgroup, just doesn't have the same enrichment component that Music Together has.

Gymboree with out a doubt!!! So much more to offer!!!