Musical Express

All the activities in Musical Express are age-appropriate and alongside teaching your child musical skills, they will also be developing their fine and gross motor skills, their self-confidence and self-expression.

Under 2s

The classes are 40 minutes long and are structured so that the children begin to learn to anticipate the order. Each session includes the following:

Playing the instruments
Nursery rhymes
Action songs
Musical bumps
Circle songs
Puppets and props

Over 2s

The classes are an hour long and structured so that the children begin to learn some independence from their carer, using a wider variety of activities that will continue to develop their musical skills. Each session includes the following:

Instrumental playing
Action songs
A story with a musical element
Rhythm games
Development of musical skills such as dynamics, pitch and tempo
Music with movement

Over 3s - including Jolly Phonics

The classes are an hour long and are for children who are ready to be dropped off. The session includes some time spent using the Jolly Phonics system of learning letter sounds with an accompanying action song. Each session includes the following:

Jolly Phonics
Basic musical notation
Interpretation of music through movement
Stories using the instruments to interpret and provide backing and sound effects
Rhythm games
Vocal skills

Reception age

The classes are an hour long and are for children who are aged 4 – 5 years and in their first year of full-time school. Each session includes the following:

Musical notation
Vocal skills
Conducting
Further development of rhythm, dynamics, pitch and tempo
Listening skills – including identifying instruments within a piece of music
Learning the names of the instruments and how to make different sounds with them.
Solo singing and playing for those who feel able to.

I ask that the child’s carer stays with them throughout the sessions, unless it is a ‘drop-off’ class, as they play a vital and valuable role in sharing the activities with the child.