As a musician, educator and parent I am passionate about what I do. I firmly believe that music education should be available to everyone of all ages and backgrounds. There are already a plethora of preschool music classes available but many lack a good quality music education for young children that can be easily reinforced at home with you, their parents and carers.
This inspired me to develop TuneTots, a new class that will bring the joy of music to you and your child. Through songs and games specifically chosen to help develop not only musical skills but also confidence, creativity, sharing, listening skills and being part of a group.
I studied for five years at Leeds College of Music and then became a private woodwind teacher in Leeds, Bradford & Kirklees. At LCM I also had the opportunity to study with Omar Puente, a fantastic Cuban violinist. Before I came to Leeds, I played with many groups and ensembles at both local and national level playing a wide range of music from classical to jazz to folk to pop. I am a member of Sound Sense the UK association for community musicians.
Despite being a musician and a parent I felt that it was important to devote a great deal of time to researching the content of these classes and to incorporate elements of the Kodály Method where children are taught simple and often repetitive songs that help develop their musicality and a life long love of music.
As well as Kodály songs, we sing well known children’s songs, finger rhymes and actions songs. We sing unaccompanied so that the children learn about music in the same way they learn to talk. The children also get to use a variety of props during the classes including scarves, the parachute and a large variety of percussion instruments including a special selection for those under 12 months.
Each class lasts 30 minutes followed by an additional 30 minutes social time with refreshments for all and toys for the children to play with. Towards the end of the session we have story time with a different book each week, bubbles and the children receive a sticker for all their hard work.
So why not join us, have some fun and enjoy the world of music with your little one.
Kat Brown