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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Windy Weather

Had great fun this week brewing up our musical storm. Hopefully you have all had time to work on whirling, twirling and rocking. Have a go at making a kite. A really simple kite can be made by cutting a diamond shape from a piece of A4 paper. If you fold the paper in half lengthwise you can cut a half diamond on the open edges of the shape. Open it up and "voilà". Decorate the shape with colours and/or stickers. Attach some streamers to the pointed long end. Poke 2 holes just to the right and left of the centre and thread some string through. Reinforce holes with a piece or sticky tape. Go fly!!!!!

Hello Weather week 7

How very topical to be singing and dancing in the wind and rain this week. I loved the rain hats, thanks for putting in the hard work to making them.

This week we are making a Where Box. Remember to stick your sticker on the page if you haven't already done so. Your where box could be any old cubed box. Or you could print off your own here http://www.mathsisfun.com/cube.html

You can make up new words to the Mulberry Bush song as you play with your Where Box. Have fun!

Enjoy more weather fun. Print off the Weather Bear on this page colour and dress appropriately. http://daniellesplace.com/HTML/paper_dolls.html

Remember to bring your Home Books next week.

Hello Weather Week 5

You have the whole of half term for this one. Your job is to make a rain shaker and bring it back to class next time. If any of you happen to be coming to mini-STOMP on Tuesday we will be making rain shakers there. If you can't make it this time you could try our version at home. Take a cardboard tube and push through a number of pipe cleaners right the way through. Cover your tube in paper leaving the end open. Pour rice, beans, beads or similar into the tune and secure the open end. Decorate as you feel inclined. Of course there are many other ways to make a rain-shaker, just use your imagination and let your child create something unique.

Hello Weather week 4

Today in class we made some fabulous sunflower masks. We started work on our movement montage where we take on the role of growing sunflowers and hopping bunnies. If you would like some more things to follow up on at home have a look at this link: Sunflower Book

Next week we are going to be exploring the role of the hopping bunnies. You might like to make a mask to bring to class next week or some bunny ears. Make your own or print a mask from here

If you didn't get round to it last week please have a look at activity 3 which asked you to make a puzzle piece which you can cut from the back of your home book, or make a new one. Draw on it your morning sound. Bring the puzzle piece back to class along with your morning sound, live or recorded.

This week have a look at Family activity 4, all about the rooster. There are some lovely suggestions in the home book for you to try playing with the rooster sounds. You may also like to find out about rooster sounds in other languages or try this craft: Rooster craft

We are STOMPING

Our popular STOMP workshops are back for the half term holidays.

STOMP is a combination of fitness and rhythm. Come and try your hand at creating rhythms with unconventional instruments such as buckets, basketballs, brooms and all sorts of junk. Then explore the rhythm of the rope as you skip with big ropes and single ropes and even try to learn the skill of double dutch.

There are lots of extras to such as; clapping games, parachute, junk instrument craft and movement activities.

STOMP is taking place on Tuesday 26th October at the Hythe Community Centre in Colchester. Mini Stomp for 4 - 7 year olds 10am - 12pm and STOMP for 7 - 14 year olds 1 - 5pm.

It costs just £8 for mini Stomp and £12 for STOMP.

If you would like to book a space contact info@musikate.co.uk

Hythe Community Choir

Our choir returns fortnightly at the Hythe Community Centre in Colchester.

We will be full steam ahead to our Charity Christmas concert 4th December. We are planning mince pies, mulled wine and a wonderful concert to invite family and friends along to.

As always there is no need to worry if you are scared of singing even if everyone around you has always been negative!!! THIS is the choir for YOU! We welcome everyone who enjoys singing or who desperately wants to sing.

The choir operates on a pay-as-you-go basis so you do not need to worry about committing up front.

The cost is £4 per person. Children attending with their own parent pay £2 only - this is as an incentive for families to come together. Unaccompanied children may attend from 7 yrs.

FAMILY MUSIC MORNING

our next family music morning - IN THE PARK is on Wednesday 18th August 10 am - 11.30 am at the Hythe Community Centre.

We meet for an hour and half of music and craft. All children between 0 and 7 years are welcome to join in.

Cost is £7.50 or £10 for two siblings. Babies under 1 pay £4. Concessions available for those on limited income.

STOMP and mini - STOMP

what a fabulous day we had yesterday. Our STOMP holiday sessions are becoming more and more popular with lots of children returning time after time.

STOMP is a combination of fitness and music. Our link is in the RHYTHM. Everything we do in STOMP has rhythm.

STOMP workshops consist of all sorts of things like skipping, percussion and much more.

Children who participated yesterday took home some tambourines they had made too.

Our next STOMP is at October half term. Let us know if you would like to come along.

Come and Join in the Fun!!!

28th July - Family Fun, Music and Craft - 10 - 11.30 am

Our first musical Wednesday is a themed session all about the seaside. Come and make a musical wave drum and then join in the music and movement activities. We will be singing, dancing and playing instruments.

The session is suitable for children aged 0 - 7 years.

Cost: £7.50 or £10 for two siblings. Babies under one pay £4

Winding Down......

we are winding down for the summer here at Musikate this week. Our regular classes and nursery sessions are coming to an end.

Don't worry though, there are lots of things on over the summer holidays to keep you musically active.

Tomorrow there is a free baby session being held at the William Loveless Hall in Wivenhoe for all new Mums. I will be at the hall from 1.30pm for a short musical sharing time.

Throughout the summer holidays we have a host of musical Wednesdays. Check back here for more info. or email us.

Ingleborough 24 mile Hike

Untitled by katepavey at Garmin Connect - Details

...details of our 8 mile walk. A group of us are training to do a 24 mile hack in the Yorkshire Dales to raise money for the NSPCC. This was our first training walk.

Mini Musicians

Musikate Mini-Musicians
A New Class for 4 – 7 year olds

Our mini-musicians course is a specially designed course for children who are in Reception or Year one. Formal lessons at this age can easily stunt musical growth. Learning to read music, can often become a chore and it can be quite difficult to combine learning to play an instrument and reading musical notation at such a young age.

In our sessions we use fun games to enable children to understand how music is written down. They will become familiar with the piano keyboard and begin to learn to use their ear to play familiar tunes. They will continue to develop singing skills and become familiar with the sol – fa system of sight singing. As mini conductors they will learn to beat time to music in different time signatures. They will also learn to recognise major and minor scales and sounds.
Parents or carers are encouraged to attend the sessions with their children so that games may be continued at home.

The classes will be run in blocks of 10 termly sessions at a cost of £10 per session. A pack of course materials and games will also need to be purchased, price will be dependent on what is needed for the term. Classes will consist of no more than 5 children.

Each course will be arranged at a time suitable for the participants. Please let us know if you would like to reserve a space on a course.

Imagine That Week 12

Just to remind you all to bring your soft toy animals to class this week. They will be joining in the session with us on Monday.

See you then x