Research & Resources

 
Research and Articles

Why music? Why start so young? Viewed by some as simply icing on the cake, music is so much more! Our propensity for making music is universal and it’s one of the uniquely human ways that we express ourselves, throughout every stage or our lives. From our cooing as infants, to the rhythm of our heartbeats, to the childhood chants and songs we create and sing, to the music we use to celebrate special events and recall memorable occasions, we are musical beings. Making music uses every part of who we are – our voice, feet, hands, memory, emotions, imagination, breath, voice, heart and soul. What other learned life skill can make such a claim? Active music-making nurtures cognitive, physical, language, social, and emotional learning. It comforts us when we’re sad, soothes us when we’re upset, energizes us when we’re tired, inspires us when we’re indifferent, and aids us in creating bonds with those we love and we have the playlists to prove it. Every human being has the right and the capacity to be a music maker. Without melody and rhythm, where would we be? The world would be an awfully quiet place. To learn more about why research is the touchstone of the Music Together® program, we invite you to read on:

As part of its ongoing research and development in early childhood music, the national Music Together® organization operates a "lab" school in Princeton, NJ. Both Music Together and the Music Together Princeton Lab School are committed to helping families, caregivers, and early childhood professionals rediscover the pleasure and educational value of informal musical experiences. Rather than emphasizing traditional music performances, Music Together encourages family participation in spontaneous musical activity occurring within the context of daily life. Music Together recognizes that all children are musical and that every child needs a stimulating, supportive music environment to achieve basic competence in the wonderful human capacity for music making.

What do we mean when we say that Music Together is a "research-based" program? Music Together does ongoing research through the "lab" school as well as programs implemented around the country. In addition, we look to areas outside the scope of early childhood music such as brain development, play research, and the areas of cognitive, language, physical, and emotional development among others. All of these sources continually inform Music Together's creative work on program content, varied applications of the program, and teacher training.

Articles of Interest 

Babies and Music 

Outreach Initiatives 

 

Resources for Charlotte Parents

There are a few people and organizations in Charlotte that we have a great relationship with and value the services they offer.  If you are new to parenting or new to Charlotte, we hope you'll seek them out and let them know we recommended them to you.

 

Charlotte Parent 

Charlotte Parent is an online and paper magizine with great resources for parents, including calendar of events, places to go, schools, and camps. www.charlotteparent.com

Macaroni Kid South Charlotte

Macaroni Kid has endless resources and recommendations for families. 

www.southcharlotte.macaronikid.com

Little Nest Portraits  

A photography studio for families. 

www.littlenestphoto.com/charlotte

The Mothership

The Mothership is a heart-based preschool with an organic learning environment that focuses on evoking the full essence of each child in order to nurture families and support our community. The curriculum focuses on embracing the whole child and includes the arts, nature and the outdoors, music, and mindfulness.

Tom Sykes Parks & Rec Center

The Park and Recreation Department offers 18 Recreation Centers conveniently located throughout the county. Recreation Centers offer a variety of programs and services for families and those of all ages. Join them for fitness, sports, cultural arts, youth development and most of all......FUN. 

www.charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Facilities/RecreationCenters/Pages/TomSykes.aspx

Carolina Dance Academy, Lake Wylie

Carolina Dance Academy has locations in both Charlotte and Clover and offers dance lessons in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and more. Children’s lessons begin at 3 years of age with Creative Movement and Preballet, working up through high school and competing levels. Click here to find out why you should choose Carolina Dance Academy as YOUR studio! 

www.carolinadanceacademy.com/

The JCC

The Levine Jewish Community Center is a family-oriented, vibrant facility where you can feel a sense of community and belonging.  The JCC can offer you a place to maintain a healthy lifestyle, build relationships and engage in activities for all ages.

http://www.charlottejcc.org

Dance Davidson

Dance Davidson was started by Terilynne Muehleisen Knox in January 1984 in order to provide dance instruction and create expression for children and adults. Small classes and discipline promote serious growth for students, which has led to a flourishing studio. 

www.davidsondance.com/default.html

Steps'n'Motion Dance Studio, Blakeney

Established in 1981 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Steps N Motion Dance Studio is Charlotte's most innovative and creative dance studio, celebrating over 30 years of dance excellence. 

www.stepsnmotion.com/