In between songs in our Music Together classes, you'll hear your teacher singing "thank you" or "clean up"....this is not because she thinks she's in an opera :). There are a few reasons the teacher (and parents) should sing even between songs.
First, the particular notes we sing are the first and the fifth scale degree of the song we just finished...those are the most important pitches to establish the key. By singing those pitches we're letting the children hear the "bare bones" of the melody. Each Music Together class (and each song collection) is designed to have songs in many different keys. Young children have the capacity to develop excellent if not perfect pitch if it is developed properly, and providing an easily repeatable tonal pattern is a great first step.
Second, part of the educational philosophy of Music Together, and a key to its success, is to foster a super-rich musical environment that kids can respond to spontaneously. Continuing musical sounds even between the songs in the lesson plan helps create the environment that will allow your children to get the most out of class.
