Rhythm, song & musical discovery for 2-5yrs

We always get asked if we can run sessions for under 6’s, and we just can’t say no any longer! Taiko drumming can be physically overwhelming for this younger age group if it’s just constant drumming…but we know that small people just love to drum, and so we’ve created a special session that includes rhythm, song and musical discovery, and yes, drums too.

What to expect:

Following our last session, we have changed the format of the session. We are still focussed on providing a space for adult & small people to enjoy and engage with rhythm and music together, and now we have added options to enable adults with siblings to provide an experience appropriate to each child’s needs.

The first half of the session is an adult-led group time with songs, movement, games and tons of fun for your small people. There is then a choice:

• Child-led musical exploration and discovery with Jude – called ‘musical provocation’, come with an open and curious mind!
• Taiko drumming with HJ – transferring some of the rhythms onto the taiko drums, building foundational taiko skills.

If your child is younger, and/or prefers to be close to you, or is sound-sensitive to louder noises, then choose Jude’s session.

If your child is older, and/or is comfortable with being independent for 25 minutes and potentially in a different space to you, and is comfortable with louder noises, then choose HJ’s session.

This choice has been built-in so that parents of siblings who have different needs can stay with their small one(s) in the musical provocation, while their older one(s) go across the hall with the bigger drums.

Why?

It might appear that it’s all for fun, but beneath every activity is a core musical objective that enhances our children’s innate musicality. This might be keeping a steady pulse, learning to pitch-match, learning about basic notation, and musical qualities such as anticipation, turn-taking, finding our voice, feeling our contribution is valued, and self-expression.

We are passionate about sharing everything we know about the music-making abilities of young children, and this class will help you to notice, appreciate and encourage the music that is already happening in our children’s daily lives.

What is the expectation from the adults?

We know how important it is to socialise and not rush, which is why we have tea and cake after the session. During the sessions we kindly ask that all adults respect the process and fully participate by joining in with the activities. This doesn’t mean we’re going to make you do anything you’re uncomfortable with (we recognise that everyone’s contributions are different). Connection with your child is so important to their musical development, and you will learn so much about them!

How much does it cost?

We ask for £7.50 per child.

We understand that budgets are tightening for us all, and we don’t want finances to be the reason you don’t come. So if you want to come along and can make a smaller contribution or would like to offer another kind of payment – skill swap, produce you might grow or make – please email and let me know. We’re in this together, so let’s make it work! Email: [email protected].

What should we bring?

Please wear comfortable clothing and a smile!

Important for sessions in February & March:

These are our pilot sessions for Tiny Beats, and so we will perhaps take a couple of images (never of recognisable faces unless explicit permission is given) to promote these new classes. Please speak to one of us, or send an email if this is something that would cause discomfort and we will make necessary adjustments.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to email, text, call, send a pigeon…
[email protected], 07853 423415