Workshop leader and third-year music student Laura Carse spent two months in Brazil doing music workshops with children there and decided to set up similar sessions with the help of lecturer Adrian Patterson when she returned to Perth. 'I realised how little music children do here,' she said. 'I felt they were really missing out.'
The children have specially-designed junior drums that are easy to play and to carry. Laura starts by introducing each drum by name and asks the children to respect the instruments. Another important lesson is that of playing within a group. 'We demonstrate that by working as a team, many separate parts can be joined together to make up one large intricate rhythm,' said Laura.
Through the workshops each child, regardless of age or ability, can receive a basic grounding in music and rhythm. Parents were invited to join in a second workshop last week.
One of the games Laura has developed involves the children thinking of a rainforest animal and then, using their instruments, imitating the noise it makes. Children who feel comfortable about performing a solo are encouraged to do so. They can also invent their own individual rhythms.
Elizabeth Honeyman at Perth College nursery said that the nursery works in co-operation with different faculties within the college. This, however, is the first time they have taken part in workshops. 'The staff are very enthusiastic about participating and gaining new ideas,' she said.
Laura can be contacted via the music department at Perth College on 01738 877 000.
