Jingling bells, beating drums and clacking maracas are familiar sounds at Busy Nought to Fives Learning Centre in Brimstage, on the Wirral, on Saturday mornings. In October the nursery held its first music class for children aged six months to five years, and it was a huge success.
Nursery nurse and trained children's music workshop teacher Viv Maddox wanted to put her skills to good use and start her own music classes. So she sought the help of proprietors Emma and Kevin Collins, and nursery nurse Ruth Foran. Emma says, 'We were interested in branching out to include mums and dads in our activities and the workshops generated a lot of interest.'
Four 45-minute classes are held on Saturday mornings and their aim is to give a basic introduction to music through games and songs. They are open to babies, toddlers and children, whether cared for at the nursery or not. Viv says, 'Music is now part of the National Curriculum. It plays an important part in enhancing children's listening skills, vocal skills and bodyco-ordination and it offers opportunities for self-expression and creativity.'
The classes also help to build the relationship between parent and child, as parents are encouraged to stay for the lessons and get involved. With the emphasis on fun, lessons teach the youngsters notions of fast, slow, quiet and loud as well as rhythm and pitch.
Many instruments are used but the emphasis is on the tambourine, bells, wooden claves, maracas and triangles. Very young children are taught to play along to simple songs and nursery rhymes using one instrument at a time. Older children use the same instruments, but are able to use more than one at a time so the lessons are more challenging.
Many people are curious about how a two-year-old is taught to play an instrument but it is simply a matter of them observing and copying what you do. Viv feels, 'It's like the rhythm is with them, even at such a young age.' Even the babies try their hand at shaking and rattling to the beat, with a little help from their parents. 'Of course the bells go in their mouths for a good chew first, but after a while they become inquisitive about the instrument.'
After the group songs, the children are left to explore the instruments on offer, giving them freedom of choice. More unusual instruments such as Indian bells, wood blocks, castanets, whistles and hand cymbals are great for experimenting with sounds, while drums, bongos and large cymbals help self-expression - in a noisy sort of way.
The classes are a huge hit with the children. Although many might not be able to express themselves fully, their excitement as they near the nursery is clear. Others can't wait for the next lesson, getting upset if they know they will miss it.
The parents are equally enthusiastic. Emma, whose two children attend the classes, says, 'They're fabulous because they give the children confidence. They pick up and absorb so much, so quickly, acquiring many new skills.'
But the lessons are more than just fun. The basic notation helps the children to learn to count and helps with cognitive skills. Even the rhythms that the children pick up are reiterated at home as they tap along to their favourite videotapes.
Emma is very pleased with the success of the workshops, 'We have never had to advertise. People just came through word of mouth.' The classes may not be music to everyone's ears but the children love them andViv feels it gives them a head start inlife, too - so let the beat go on.
