Music Train classes have structure

Young children learn best when they feel safe and know what is happening. For this reason key parts of each class are the same every time. These repeated actions allow the children to prepare themselves for the next part of the class. However within our structure are a great variety of activities and new experiences.

A typical class

Hello:

Each session starts and ends with our special hello and goodbye songs which not only ensure each child is part of the song but also teach tuneful singing and a regular pulse.

The Train:

Now that all the children are attentive and eager for their music session, a train, crammed full of musical instruments (which are changed every week) is brought to the front of the group.   If your child is aged two and upwards, they will listen carefully to the sound of the instruments hidden in the train carriage and try to guess the instrument of the week. 

The train now visits each child and parent and everyone selects an instrument with which to accompany the teacher playing the guitar.  Well known songs are sung and the class is relaxed and happy, ready to return the instruments to the train (encouraged through our special song) for the next part of the session.

Movement:

A lot of emphasis is placed on teaching a steady pulse and co-ordination, and during this part of the session, children will take part in moving activities, marching to a beat, action songs or maybe dancing.

Babies:

Babies will now take part in activities specially designed for their level eg with bubbles, scarves or jigging.

Topics:

Children from 12 months will explore their half term topic.  This may be spring, transport, animals etc.  Musical concepts, songs and listening activities are presented through the topic.

Children from 2 years will not only explore a general theme as above, but also a musical theme such as Stringed Instruments or Music Around The World. We have at least 16 different musical topics that the children work through.  If the topic is strings, a real cello and violin are brought into class for hands on exploration by each child, and strings etc are counted.  The topic may include some craft work, eg drawing details on an instrument picture or sticking on woolly strings.  Children may dance on our specially painted mat of full size daddy double bass, mummy cello etc, exploring higher and lower sounds.

Key song:

It is possible for every child to learn to sing in good tune and Music Train will help your child on their way.  An age appropriate key song is introduced to children over 12 months every half term and repeated each week.  Parents are encouraged to repeat this song over and over at home.

Reading notes and rhythm signs:

Some of our three and four year olds will also enjoy learning the basics of crotchets, quavers, minims and rests and even start to read music.  All this is carried out using a fun method, involving physical movement and play.

Free exploration:

Although children aged two take part in a 45 minute session, younger children break from the formal side of things after 30 minutes and baby safe instruments are brought onto mats for exploration in the child`s own time.  Parents can help with this exploration and find time to form new friendships.