First Steps in Music Parent Handbook provides teachers of parent-child classes a concise and detailed resource that establishes the goals and objective for the infant and toddler or preschool classes. The primary goal of the First Steps in Music classes is for each child to reach his or her musical potential. Parent participation is the key ingredient to the success of the program. By establishing a clearly defined set of expectations for teachers, parents, and children, the parents will be able to replicate their child's classroom musical experiences at home.

In Chapter 2 of the First Steps in Music Parent Handbook, the teacher and parents will find information about registration, class schedules, tuition, fees, cancellation policies, make up policies, and more. Chapter 3 gives detailed expectations for teachers, parents, and children. Chapter 4 outlines the class structure and curriculum components for each type of class. The classes are divided into four age-related sections: (1) Infants: birth to 12 months; (2) Toddler: 13 to 29 months; (3) Nursery: 30 to 42 months; (4) Preschool: 3.5 to 5 years. Chapter 5 discusses the Lending Library. Chapter 6 addresses the techniques used during class. Chapter 7 is a commitment form for the parents that says they agree to the guidelines suggested in the handbook.

This much-needed book is a must for any teacher wanting to set up parent-child infant and toddler or preschool classes where the ultimate goal is to help children become musically independent and develop a lifelong love and appreciation of music as they become tuneful, beatful, and artful!

Connie Greenwood is the lead teacher and director of the First Steps in Music program at the University of Hartford's Hartt Community Division in West Hartford, CT.