Anyone interested in an after school muisc club?

[sparkle]

I am looking to start an after school muisc club for reception/ year one aged children (4-6 year olds). It will probably run on Tuesdays (during term time), for around 30-40 minutes, and I'm just looking into suitable venues at the moment. It will be in SE22.

I wanted to put up this post first, to get an idea of what interest there would be.

The detail behind the group:

I am a local mum, and primary school teacher, with a specialism in music.

The group would be for no more than 12 children, and they would learn musical skills through singing and movement. The class would see the chlidren learning such skills as pulse, rhythm, pitch and musical literacy mostly through singing games and moving to music (piano and recordings). Through the fun of the games and imaginative movement the children would be subconciously learning the basic skills of music.

My curriculum will move the children on in clear, progressive steps, and is based upon the tried and tested ideas of Kodaly, a Hungarian composer and educator, and Dalcroze. The children will learn to sing songs which are within their singing range, learning to sing beuatifully, and gradually building their range as they are able.

[lorraineliyanage]

Hi Anna, I've been hunting high and low for Dalcroze and Kodaly classes for babies but there's nothing nearby. If you start up anything for toddlers, I'd be really interested in this. I studied this method briefly when doing my music teacher training but am not the best singer, so haven't really put it into practice with my pupils, but really keen for my daughter to start this soon!

[sparkle]

hello Lorraine,

Thanks for asking.... All the classes I run are based on Kodaly principles- with the babies we do a lot of songs with movements to the pulse so they can feel it even before they can understand, and most of the songs are traditional British songs, songs that have been passed down through the generations, therefore quality material. Of course they are playful too!

Next September I hope to open a class for 2-3 year olds, and it is at this age the Kodaly principles become more explicit. I'll keep you posted!

Anna

[lorraineliyanage]

That sounds good, Iris will be 2 next September so we'll check her in then. Have managed to get her name down for Guildhall music school when she turns 4 where they teach entirely on the Kodaly and Dalcroze method, but keen to start her earlier. I have aspirations for her to be a mini-Mozart, being a music teacher myself!

[agathoise]

Hi Lorraine

There's a lovely ColourStrings class (Kodaly based method from Finland) in Charlton -- there's a toddler's class as well as two for older children. PM me if you'd like me to pass on the teacher's details.

All the best

Agathoise

[catgirl]

I have a reception age daughter and this sounds great. She loves singing and music and I've not been able to find anything for her, there seems to be a real gap between toddler music groups and then choirs etc which usually have a minimun age of 7.

[lorraineliyanage]

Hi Agathoise

Charlton's a bit further than I can cycle to or bus it (I can't drive), so won't be able to get there, otherwise I'd be keen to try that out, although I don't think I can listen to the pain of a young one learning the violin!! (I say this as a cellist, it's much gentler on the ears!)

[mumra]

Definitely interested and Tuesdays would suit us. I know how fab your sessions for babies are and am sure this would be great. Will pm you!

[sparkle]

Catgirl,

Thanks for your interest. Now there are a few people who have shown interest I'm going to draw up a provisional list. If you could pm me your daughter's name and age, and maybe a phone number I can let you know more details when I have them.

Mumra,

Thanks for your interest too! I can put you on the list if you like.

Lorraine,

Guildhall saturday music club looks good- looks like quite a commitment and a bit of a drive- think it's at teh Barbican still? But Cyrilla Rowsell who does the Kodaly strand is excellent- I've learnt a lot from her!

The charge for the class will be ?5 per session

[lorraineliyanage]

Hi Anna

I did my Kodaly classes with Cyrilla, she is fantastic, isn't she? I don't drive, but it's not too bad on the train to get to Barbican from East Dulwich. Anyway, Iris isn't starting till 2012 so plenty of time still!