Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up? 

  • Choose a class type: MIXED-AGE is for birth to 5 years old, BABIES for 0-9 months, and Rhythm Kids® for 4-8 years old. Babies under 8 months can join MIXED-AGE or BABIES.
  • Choose a class time for your class type. We offer several options for MIXED-AGE, BABIES, and Rhythm Kids® classes, with offerings varying each session. We hope one fits your schedule, and if not, let us know! We schedule our classes based on your feedback.
  • Complete the online registration form. You can register multiple children on the online form. Be sure to click "Complete Registration" on the last page. You'll receive an automatic email confirming your registration. We'll contact you if the class is full or doesn't have enough participants.
  • Pay for class. Go to the "Pay for Class" tab for more info.
  • Come to class at your designated time and have FUN! You and your child (or their caregiver) will participate together in every class. Unlike other programs, everyone here sings, dances, and plays instruments, reinforcing that music-making is for everyone—not just performers. Research shows that making music with your child impacts their IQ, verbal, social, emotional, and musical development. It's much more effective than just playing music for them, and it's a lot more fun too!

The class I want is full.  Do you have a waiting list?

Yes, just email [email protected] with the class you'd like to join the waiting list for. People often shift around in the first couple of weeks, so spots may open up in full classes.

Where does class meet?

All classes meet at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Homewood (110 West Hawthorne St, 35209). You can park out front or in the lot next to the church. Enter through the front glass doors, head straight down the hallway, and take the elevator or stairs to the 3rd floor. The multi-purpose room where we meet is to the right as you exit the elevator. (There are signs!)

I saw that you offer a free trial class.  How does that work? 

If you haven't tried Music Together®, you're in for a treat! Come enjoy a free trial class before committing to a full session. Visit the "classes" tab, pick one or two that fit your schedule, and email [email protected] with your choices and preferred date. We'll confirm if there's room for you to join.

My child is ill, can we make up our missed class? 

Thank you for keeping your ill child home! Illness is defined as a fever over 99.3°F in the past 24 hours, vomiting, an unexplained rash, or non-clear nasal discharge. You can make up missed classes within the same session. Choose another class time that works for you, email [email protected], and we'll confirm if there's space. Babies' classes can be made up in mixed-age classes.

Why do you not have classes divided by age group?  What is the benefit of a mixed-age class?

Research shows mixed-age classes offer extra benefits. Infants and toddlers learn from watching older children, often achieving milestones like first steps or keeping a beat by observing their peers. Older preschoolers benefit by leading and modeling for younger ones, often advancing their skills faster.

A mixed-age environment reflects real family and community settings, unlike traditional age-segregated schooling. Children reach musical milestones at different ages based on aptitude and exposure, so age segregation isn’t necessary. Our curriculum suits a wide range of ages, and even adults see skill improvements!

How is Fiddlesticks Music different from other preschool music programs?

Fiddlesticks Music uses the Music Together curriculum, a leading children's music program since 1987. Music Together is renowned for its innovative, high-quality early childhood music education and is offered in over 40 countries. Our teachers, many with music degrees, are experts in child and music development. Music Together is research-based, ensuring we’re both skilled and effective, while remaining approachable and focused on having fun.

Do you do birthday parties and other events?

Yes, we love parties! Please click on "Parties" from the "Classes" tab for more information.

Do you offer scholarships? 

We want everyone to have access to the gift of music. Each session, we offer a limited number of scholarships based on need. If paying for tuition is a hardship, please email [email protected], and we’ll work with you.

Interested in helping a family in need? Contact us at the same email to donate to our scholarship fund. You can remain anonymous or choose to have us inform the family of your generous contribution.

My relative (sister, cousin, etc.) or my nanny will be bringing their child along with mine to class.  Can the children count as siblings? 

Because each family needs to receive a set of materials for class, each child from a separate family will need to pay full tuition. 

My mom and dad are visiting and I want to bring them to class.  Can they come?

Of course, they can! You are welcome to bring other adults to class with your child. Aunts, uncles, grandparents...they are all encouraged to visit! 

I have a close-knit playgroup, and we all want to sign up for a private class together.  Can you help us?

It's great to have playgroups in their own class! We’ll do our best to ensure your group enjoys bonding and learning together. We need a minimum of 8 participants to open a new section, and the schedule depends on teacher availability. If we can make it work, we will!

We homeschool and I have a 9-year-old. Can she come to class?

Yes, and for free! We love having older siblings attend class! Any sibling older than 5 or younger than 9 months is welcome to come to the mixed-age class with a paid sibling at no charge.  

I have three children under 5. Do you offer a discount for the third?

Certainly. Your third child is FREE with two paid siblings, which is one at full tuition and one at the sibling rate.