Music and Rhyme

Beaus & Belles is a colourful, imaginative and fully interactive music class for babies to pre-schoolers, in a fun, active and educational environment which appeals to both genders equally, and I know how much they can differ! As a fully qualified musician I insist on using only authentic musical instruments from around the globe and ensure the children have regular access to them so they can develop a fuller understanding of how music works. My classes are relaxed, sociable and tailored to be user friendly and totally transferable to when the children and parents/carers are at home, thus improving emotional bonding. They also help develop speech and language, fine and gross motor skills, communication and listening as well as musical harmony, pitch and rhythm. Children often build strong bonds and confidence through the rhythms and melodies before and in parallel to their development of cognitive and verbal abilities – and all whilst they are having fun! Musical instruments, puppets, parachutes, scarves, songs and a whole lot more, come and join us for some guaranteed happiness.

DaCapo Music classes in St Albans for children aged 2-7yrs old are held at Marshalswick Baptist Church on Tuesdays.  Free taster sessions are available so that you can see whether the classes are for you.  Sessions are 45 minutes long and are divided into three parts:

• singing, rhythm, music games and early preparation for reading music;
• movement with a purpose; and
• creative singing and percussion work.

The education methods behind the DaCapo music programme are Kodaly and Dalcroze and have been researched over 21 years.  Jane is happy to talk to anyone who may be interested in sessions.

For more information call Jane on 07590 689 388 or visit the website.

Funnybones combines music, theatre and movement to create educational, social classes in Harpenden that are really good fun! Funnybones is a lively, interactive music show for children under 5.  Based around a programme of songs, poems and nursery rhymes you are taken on a journey every week, with actions, numbers, colours, puppets, props and comedy. For more information call 07904 700 301 or visit the website.

Gymboree St Albans music classes are high energy and full of life, allowing children to express themselves freely and to move about when the mood strikes! A new musical style is explored every three weeks – from African to Classical, Jazz to Disco, R&B to Asian – introducing children to a variety of new sounds and rhythms from all over the world and from the past to the present! Enhance your child’s development and love of music through song, dance, movement, games and instruments.

Music I (6 – 16 months) – Musical fun using a variety of baby friendly instruments

Music II (16-36 months) – Dance and sing to a variety of musical styles including Rock ‘n’ Roll, Classical, European, Carribean and more.  Hands on exploration of musical instruments and freestyle dance creates and environment which fosters musical self expression.

Music III (3-5 years) – Take your musical expression to a new level with singing, action songs, turn-taking activities and musical games designed to develop rhythm, beat and listening skills.  A drop-off class.

Family Music (6 months – 5 years) – Get musical with the whole family through instruments, song, dance, games and more while building a solid foundation of musical skills for everyone.

For more information call 01727 831551 or visit the website.

Hartbeeps St Albans and Harpenden offers innovative, multi-sensory and interactive productions that transform everyday environments into colourful, tactile ‘wonderlands’.  We invite you to join us in a musical world of imagination.  It is a supportive and caring environment where every child matters and so does every parent.  Please come along and discover the magic of Hartbeeps for yourself!

Babybells (2 months to sitting unaided) – Using principles of baby yoga, along with baby calming techniques, we offer this original experience set to a backdrop of contemporary songs, lullabies and beautiful music.

Babybeeps (sitting to walking) – Innovative and rich in language development we take a sound journey through ‘Babyland’; a squishy, squashy place with no sharp edges and a place where every day activities and routines are turned into ‘sing song’ events.

Happy House (walking to 5 yrs) – The ‘Happy House’ represents our starting place every week and is a safe and familiar place to be.  Children recognise and enjoy the rituals of entering a ‘make-believe’ happy house where familiar objects are turned into musical play times.

For more information call Andrea on 07759 727516 or visit the website.

Inspire passion, creativity and a lifelong love of music with Mish Mash Music classes in St Albans.  Share in wonderful instruments, great musical experiences and a relaxed, friendly group.  How?  It’s all about the fun of making great music with a real musician! Support your little one’s journey with mum and songwriter Ruth, with guitar, African drum accompaniment (and unlike most music groups not a CD in sight).

Since 2003 we have developed a reputation for quality sessions that parents enjoy as much as their children.

For more information call Ruth on 01727 832223 or visit the website.

Award-winning classes for babies and young children (from 3 months to 4 years) that are both fun and educational! Our progressive curriculum is delivered by highly trained professionals supported by a fantastic quality instrument kit for all to use. Each class is performed live and lessons carefully structured to capture imaginations whilst meeting those all important developmental needs. Classes are small with children grouped according to age:

Rock ‘n Roll – babies from 3 months

Heigh-Ho – toddlers from 12 months

Jiggety-Jig – 2 & 3 year olds

Ding-Dong – 3 & 4 year olds

Your first class is complimentary so you can enjoy what we do without pressure and you are welcome to join our classes at any time during the term (subject to availability in your chosen class). We also run Holiday Workshops and Children’s Parties. Classes run in Harpenden and St Albans, please see the website for timetable and venues.

Pitter Patter Music classes in St Albans are a fun filled 40 minutes of music for babies and toddlers.  Spark your child’s imagination with songs, actions, rhymes, instruments, parachutes, bubbles and puppets!  Through music you will have a chance to develop your child’s language, communication and concentration skills.

Everyone is welcome to come along and join in and you can also learn ‘Tunes 4 Toddler Tantrums’, a series of songs that will help you to persuade your tantrumming toddlers to do things they may not want to do!

For more information call Vicky on 07549 871746 or visit the website.

Tiny Tots Tunes fun pay as you go music and movement classes for toddlers run in Harpenden. Lots of singing, actions, colourful puppets and a range of multi-sensory resources to stimulate your little ones’ minds while they benefit from the developmental progression that music and movement bring. Classes run for one hour and offer 40 minutes of activity followed by free refreshments and the opportunity to chat to new friends and catch up with others

For more information call Pippa on 07769 694178 or visit the website.