How long are Musical Miniatures classes?
Both Musical Miniatures and Musical Giants Classes are 35-40 minutes. Try to arrive 5 minutes before the class starts, if you can.
What age can my baby start Musical Miniatures classes?
Every parent and baby is different, so it’s important to choose what feels right for your family. Whether you prefer to start social outings and stimuli early or wait until your baby is a bit older, trusting your instincts is key. If you need guidance or have questions, please do reach out to Jenny for further guidance/support.
How are children expected to behave in Musical Miniatures classes?
At Musical Miniatures, we value a relaxed and understanding environment, recognising that children are all unique. As a mother of three daughters, I appreciate the importance of flexibility and patience, ensuring that all children can enjoy the experience as long as they are safe and considerate of others.
Children have diverse learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic preferences, which can influence how they engage with new environments and activities. Encouraging exploration and social interaction helps foster their development, while structured activities like percussion instrument sessions are designed to ensure safety and promote sensory learning. Parental support during these activities can enhance the child’s experience by providing reassurance and helping them stay focused, ultimately contributing to a well-rounded, safe, and stimulating learning environment.
I don’t have to sing in a Musical Miniatures class do I?
Please don’t fear; there is no solo singing in Musical Miniatures!!
However, parental involvement in singing not only boosts children’s confidence but also strengthens emotional connections, making these shared musical moments both fun and meaningful. Confident singers are invited to harmonize and participate in rounds and duets, which can create a magical experience for the children, making the activity more engaging and memorable.
Remember, children cherish the sound of their parents’ voices because it provides comfort, security, and a sense of connection, regardless of how we may perceive our own singing abilities.
I do ask that you don’t be tempted to start up a conversation with your friends in the middle of the class as this can be distracting for the children and doesn’t display the behaviour that we are trying to model for them. Please join in as enthusiastically as you can.
Musical Giants on the other hand focuses on the unaccompanied voice helping to develop not only singing ability, but also the skill of listening. It is widely assumed that if a child can’t sing in tune, then they cannot sing. This is quite wrong; it means only that the child’s musical hearing and listening skills are not yet developed. Something we will work on in the classes.
Is it OK to bring a visiting friend/family member to a Musical Miniatures class?
Yes, absolutely fine, however they will be asked to join in! Please just let your teacher know in advance.
I have older children who are sometimes off school due to INSET days, could they come to Musical Miniatures too?
Yes of course, I am sure they will enjoy helping their sibling. However, please do book them a sibling spot to ensure the class isn’t overbooked.
How can I help my child home?
Sing regularly with your little ones at home! Adapt songs to help with your routines at home, the ‘tidy up’ song, ‘can you make a sound like this?’ and ‘shake and stop’ – are easier to remember and firm favourites with children in the class.
Give your child a small collection of instruments (which could include pots, pans and wooden spoons) and puppets to play with. Teach the songs to the rest of the family – they will love them too. Listen out for the music in everyday activities – enjoy the musical sounds and patterns your child makes (Vocalising) and try engaging in musical conversations with them!
Do you offer Drop in sessions at your classes and rehearsals?
For Musical Miniatures, yes, we offer Term bookings, Flexi-passes and Drop in sessions.
For Musical Giants, children are expected to sign up for a school term and ideally stick with the course for a full academic year in order to see progress.
For Leytonstone Voices, yes, we offer Term bookings, and Drop in sessions.
How much do you charge for siblings in Musical Miniatures?
Siblings under 4mths go free. Siblings over 4mths have a range of different sibling tickets on offer including, term, flexi-pass and drop in.
I am interest in joining Leytonstone Voices, but am worried about commitment.
Leytonstone Voices offers flexible sign-up options to accommodate various schedules, emphasizing that the choir welcomes everyone regardless of ability or experience, with a focus on weekly singing and occasional performances each term. To support members who may miss rehearsals, resources are available on ‘Choir Mate’ for practice at home, ensuring everyone can participate and prepare for upcoming concerts.