Monday 29 August 2011

New Term

We are busy preparing for a new term. Lots of planning and organising going on here. Our classes and lessons start back w/c 12th September. All the details can be found on the website. Make sure you get your registration forms back without delay.

Sunday 8 May 2011

Merchandise

We now have T-shirts and music bags available to purchase. The bags are lovely and perfect for transporting music and game boards to and from class. Pictures and prices can be found here Merchandise

Thursday 7 April 2011

What's So Important About Music Education?

Did you know that musical activity stimulates the brain like nothing else we do?

Research has found that when we are involved in musical activity the entire brain is stimulated. All the areas we use to think and reason, all the areas we use in language and mathematical understanding, the areas that control our emotions and those which help us with social interaction and physical coordination. It is like the brain is built to receive music.

Not only does this mean that we are all musical, but that being involved in music can bring forward development in every area. You could almost conclude that we actually need music in order to develop effectively.

Research has shown that children who take part in regular musical activity excel amongst their peers. Scientific studies show that music education; develops language and reading skills, boosts our general cognitive development or thinking skills, helps us with reasoning, empowers our creativity and originality, expands memory, aids motor development and coordination, improves social skills, reduces stress and increases the quality of our lives.

It is never too early to introduce music to your child. Babies love singing and rhymes. In order to learn language babies are concerned primarily with the pitch and melody of speech. Singing helps them latch on to this more easily. As soon as they are able they will start to move rhythmically to the beat. Try to build on this by dancing, tapping, clapping or rocking. A good concept of beat helps with coordination and makes them quicker and more able learners.

As they get older and start to move, music can become more creative and social skills are developed as they join others for dancing, singing and playing percussion instruments. Movement is a key to learning here. Experiencing the beat with their whole bodies helps them develop a thorough understanding of it.

Preschoolers benefit from developing singing skills further. Everyone can learn to sing in tune. Singing without an accompaniment is best. Children need to hear an uncluttered melody line in order to learn good pitch. At this age they can start to learn to play specific rhythms and take their part in little ensembles.

Joining a music group is a good way to encourage your young child with music. The best programmes do not seek to make your child conform to specific ways of doing things, they encourage exploration and experimentation, important elements of early childhood education. Smaller groups are best as they allow young children to develop socially in a secure environment. Familiar songs, activities and faces help keep their interest and make them enthusiastic about returning.

Once they are school age music education can begin to become and little more formal. Up to the age of 6 or 7 we still recommend small group lessons which focus on the fun elements of music whilst strengthening foundational skills.

If you have any questions about the best way forward for your child please do not hesitate to contact us. www.musikate.co.uk

Kate Pavey BA (Hons) PGCE, Licensed KindermusikEducator

Monday 28 February 2011

Our New Ad Campaign. Please tell us what you think.

First you have to move to the music in order to truly understand it. One reason we would never expect him to sit still. Our classes are different. Come and see why. Qualified Teacher with 20 years experience and advisor to Early Years Professionals. Musikate, meeting the specific needs of every learner.

Sunday 20 February 2011

Does Music Really Make You Smarter?

I love teaching Music. It is such a rewarding and satisfying thing to do. My work is diverse and varied but I love it all.

First there are the babies who love the cuddles, the dances and the songs. Many Parents have told me how singing a familiar song can help calm a baby. These sessions are challenging for the adults too when we explore part singing or playing a rhythm.

The toddlers really keep me on my toes. They are so unpredictable and that is what I love about working with them most. I love that they express themselves in so many ways and that they simply cannot help but move, move move!

The pre-schoolers can often be challenging as their sense of adventure drives them ever forward. But here we can start the little ensemble as they all take an individual part in the proceedings.

As they get older and join a theory group or take piano lessons their individuality shines and each pupil provides a new challenge. No two are the same.

And then there is the choir. How fantastic it is to be a part of this.

Scienctific study is conclusive that regular music study really does make you smarter. It's to do with the fact that musical activity like nothing else stimulates the whole brain.

Despite all of this musical activity is rewarding for all who take part in it as I see clearly every day.

Monday 24 January 2011

Website shortlisted

Musikate's website has been shortlisted in the final of a competition open to all European websites which feature Kindermusik classes. If you have a facebook account you can vote in the competition by going to the Kindermusik International Countries' page. You vote by liking the link to the website you like best. You do have to become a fan if the page in order to vote.

Sunday 2 January 2011

Family Time


Brand New Family Time class starting Tuesday 18 Jan 2011.

This class will be held at the Salvation Army Citadel in Butt Road Colchester. We are really excited to be taking a class right into the centre of town. The venue also has good parking which is quite rare for a town centre venue.

We are planning to run a course in the near future, but to start the ball rolling we are offering a couple of one-off sessions so that you can come along and see what it's all about.

For more information about Family Time.

Cost is £3.50 for one child, £5 for 2 siblings or £6 for 3 siblings.

Do contact us if you would like to come along as spaces are limited.

Check out our event on Facebook