An important part of the programme is the “whole body activities”  - these develop the whole brain and body including strength and coordination of large and small muscles, the development of balance, space perception, concentration, language, listening, memory, self confidence and a positive self esteem.

The classes for 1 to 3 year olds, (Level 1-3), are 45 minutes, and 60 minutes for 4 year olds (Level 4). Each class is for one age group only. They all have a stimulating and varied programme, suited to each age group.

The following are just some of the activities included over all the groups:

 

Learning a beat using percussion

Learning a repertoire of music, from songs to dances

Creative movement

Learning to sing in tune, with hand signs

Pictorial representation of sounds

Tuned percussion  and accompanying beat

Creative improvisation in playing and movement

Playing full-sized xylophones etc

Developing in-tune singing

Creating own rhythmic patterns and movement sequences

 

We have used quality backings as accompaniments on our CDs, with “live musicians”, so children feel as though the whole thing is a “live experience” and they are producing “real music”. The classes are safe and non-threatening.

In the Creative Movement activities, there is soothing music, with slower tempos. The benefit of this is that children are focused on listening and movement, as there are no words. The soothing nature of the music actually slows the heart rate down, calming children, making the whole experience more pleasurable for everyone.