Research Behind Music Together
What does it mean when we say that Music Together is a "research-based" program? In addition to employing the research of others, Music Together LLC and the Center for Music and Young Children do three types of research on an ongoing basis: basic research, action research, and applied research.
Basic research is the stereotypical "hardcore" scientific-method approach that attempts to collect and interpret data with more or less rigorous objectivity. Action research translates inquiries into actions in the real world which then generate more qualitative information, such as observing the rhythmic and tonal behaviors of children of various ages during a play-along experience. Applied research takes knowledge, often gained from basic and action research, and applies it in the field to see what really happens (e.g.: children learn through active music making, so what happens when these particular children experience those particular songs with this teacher in that environment, etc.). All of these sources continually inform Music Together's creative work on program content, varied applications of the program, and teacher training.
As part of its ongoing research and development in early childhood music and movement, the Music Together program operates a "lab" school serving the Princeton, NJ, area. 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.