Classes
Specialiazed programming for babies 0-12 months
About our programming
There are many things that make Sunshine Songs unique; high quality music programming for babies is one, but the focus on community is equally critical. The music portion of each session is approximately half an hour, and this is followed by an additional half an hour of time for caregivers and their babies to spend time with others in the class, play, enjoy some coffee or tea, and just connect. This is a space where not just your baby but YOU can make long-lasting friendships and connections within the community.
​
The music classes at Sunshine Songs are based on a song-circle model, incorporating songs (old and new), stories, and rhymes that you will become familiar with over the time. In addition to fostering positive experiences with music and music-making for you and your child, one of our goals is for the caregiver to gain confidence in singing with your baby, and to feel comfortable introducing music into your child’s daily routine. Everyone comes to us with innate musical knowledge, but absolutely no experience is necessary! There is more information about the individual classes, as well as terms and registration, below.
​
​
Participation options
​
Sunshine Songs currently offer two models of classes: full term (eg. Fall, Winter) or drop in classes. We offer these different models of participation because we know that life with a baby is complex and it can be a lot to balance everything that is going on. While you are encouraged to sign up for a full term if you can – for the sake of consistency and continuity – no matter how you choose to participate, your child will absolutely benefit from engaging in meaningful musical experiences. There is additional information about the terms, drop in classes, and scheduling if you continue to scroll down. You can also check out our FAQ or contact us at sunshinesongstoronto@gmail.com with any questions.
Please note that Sunshine Songs is currently on hiatus.
Terms
Classes are split into eight-week terms (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer - see the schedule to the right) and run on Tuesdays from October to June. There are two classes available: Sunbeams (0-6 months) at 11:30 am and Sunrays (6-12 months) at 12:30 pm. The classes have been specifically designed with these age ranges in mind, however, you know what is best for your child. For the Spring Term, we are offering a 20% seasonal discount off full term registration! The cost for each term is $200 and it must be paid upfront before the term begins. Unfortunately, due to the nature of our programming, we cannot offer refunds if you are unable to attend a class. Please register for a term (links below) and then, once you have done so, e-transfer the $200 fee to a_dalamba@hotmail.com. You will not be considered registered until both steps have been completed. Please contact us directly if you are having any difficulty registering; we are happy to help! If a class is full, please email sunshinesongstoronto@gmail.com to be put on the waiting list and you will be notified if a space becomes available.
Please note that Sunshine Songs is currently on hiatus.
Drop in classes
Drop in classes are a great option if you (or more likely your baby) is not able to commit to a regular schedule just yet. For the Fall term, drop in classes are on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm, and are open to babies 0-12 months. We have a 24 hour cancellation policy; if you do not cancel 24+ hours before class, we are unable to provide a refund.
To register for drop in classes for the Fall term, please go to https://calendly.com/sunshinesongs/sunshine-songs-drop-in-classes-fall and sign up for the date you would like. Feel free to register for more than one class at one time if that works for you. Once you have registered, e-transfer the $28/per class fee to a_dalamba@hotmail.com.
​
Please note that Sunshine Songs is currently on hiatus.
Sunbeams (0-6 months)
The Sunbeams class is specifically tailored to the youngest babies and is founded on age-based needs and awareness of musical development in these earliest months of life. Music can provide tremendous comfort to little ones, as well as be a source of lots of fun, and a way of learning more about themselves, their caregivers, and the world around them. Like all Sunshine Songs classes, Sunbeams incorporates songs, stories, and rhymes, but all content is specifically selected for this age group to allow you and your baby to be continually and meaningfully engaged. Because we place such a strong emphasis on community, the first half hour is a song-circle class, while the second half hour provides time for caregivers and their babies to chat, play, and connect with others. No equipment is necessary, except for a blanket or mat to sit on (if that is your preference).
* Please note: once your child is registered, they are welcome to remain with us for the remainder of the 2023-2024 program, regardless of age :)
Sunrays (6-12 months)
The Sunrays class is designed with older babies in mind. Their heightened awareness of both themselves and the world around them has been carefully considered to design programming that specifically caters to babies ages 6-12+ months. In addition to the songs, stories, and rhymes that are the bedrock of all Sunshine Songs classes, there is more movement involved in Sunrays classes to encourage both fine and gross motor skills. With that in mind, children at all stages of development are welcome and you are free to adapt any activity to better suit your child. Additionally, it is never too early to begin building emotional intelligence and that is something for which music education offers tremendous support. Because we place such a strong emphasis on community, the first half hour is a song-circle class, while the second half hour provides time for caregivers and their babies to chat, play, and connect with others. No equipment is necessary, except for a blanket or mat to sit on (if that is your preference).
* Please note: once your child is registered, they are welcome to remain with us for the remainder of the 2023-2024 program, regardless of age :)