Music for Minors

for the best in music education!

Photograph by Michael Cossins

What happens at Music for Minors?  

(Age 4mths to 5 years) 

 

Music for Minors offers fun, musical classes for young children. Children have the opportunity to explore sound through singing, movement, listening and playing instruments. By singing songs and playing games young children will absorb musical experiences even if they appear not to be listening! The structured sessions, help children learn to listen, sit still and move around when asked and settle into a routine. Children will also learn to share and socialise with others. Session content includes Kodály based songs and games which introduces the concepts of rhythm, pulse, pitch, dynamics and even musical notation and composition in an unconscious way so that children find classes interesting and fun! Children must be

accompanied by an adult.

Rhythm and sound games are played in the older classes introducing basic musical concepts such as pitch and dynamics.

Unlike most other music groups Music for Minors is not a franchise (and never will be) which means each class offers a unique experience compared to other music groups.

   
What is Kodály?

 

 

 

 

 

Kodály's approach to music education is based on teaching, learning and understanding music through song. Singing gives everyone access to music without any technical know-how of playing an instrument - in fact our voices are our own in-built instrument! Singing is important for many reasons: it builds confidence, gives people a sense of unity (it is something everyone can do despite race, age, ability, social and economic factors etc) it is also joyful and sociable! The Kodály approach uses a country's own folk song material, it being the most effective way of learning. Singing is the fastest way to internalise music: pulse, rhythm, pitch and melody. It develops musical memory, inner hearing, true intonation and harmonic hearing. Engaging in singing shows an increase in concentration, levels of achievement and social harmony.
   
Where can I find a class?

 

Classes run in the Wakefield area term time only -see Class Times for details.

Music for Minors can also come into your school, nursery, playgroup, parent and Toddler group, library etc for one off or regular sessions.

   
Who runs Music for Minors?

 

Meet the Team

Melanie Cossins: BA (Hons), CACHEDip3. Owner and Founder

I am an experienced vocalist and a pre-school educator with training in the Kodály technique. I have a background in music (playing the clarinet and saxophone), all areas of dance (gaining IDTA and RAD qualifications) and singing (performing in musical theatre societies and teaching singing for a stage school). Moving back to Wakefield from Dorset (where I had enjoyed teaching children to sing) I set up Music for Minors. Shortly after my daughter was born I gained a qualification in Early Years practise spending time in Early Years settings. I continue to train with the British Kodály Academy in improving my personal musicianship and in teaching children of all ages. I love teaching and singing but most of all seeing children develop their musicality. I am always proud, delighted and amazed when children are able to feel pulse, clap rhythms and sing correct pitches at a young age. Melanie x

Kate Meadows (BA QTS)

Kate is a fully qualified teacher and currently teaches classes at Crigglestone. She gave up full time teaching after her first child and really enjoyed coming to classes but after having a second child she decided she would like to learn more about teaching music. She also has a background in music playing the flute and has been teaching classes now since 2009. Kate really enjoys teaching Music for Minors classes.

Heidi Genty (BA QTS)

Heidi has recently joined the team in 2011. She is a qualified teacher  and now her two children are in full time school she was keen to join the team. Heidi brought her second child to Music for Minors over 4 years and has enjoyed it so much she wanted to teach. Heidi has a background in music playing the piano and violin and was also head chorister in her local church choir. She also continues to dance freestyle and streetdance.

Fully CRB checked, Fully insured through Simply Business & PLA, PRS & PPL Music Licenses, PAT tested & Member of PLA (Pre-school Learning Alliance)
Liability Insurance

Liability Insurance
from Simply Business

Public Liability : £5,000,000

View our policy details

   
Kodály Singing and Musicianship classes for older children.

 

 

 

Musicianship classes follow on from Music for Minors classes, however this doesn't mean a child needs to have previously been to classes! These after school

sessions develop children's musicianship through singing using the Kodály technique which teaches children the ability to hear sounds before they sing! Children aged 4 years and up.

Private vocal tuition

   

Music Parties (ages 1-7)

Have you ever considered a music party for your little one? Music for Minors can provide all your entertainment needs keeping children active and happy! Songs, games, instruments and much, much more! Leaving you able to sit back and enjoy their big day!
 
Please see the 'Party Page' for more details.

 

   
Keep up to date with what's happening at Music for Minors..... Occasionally Music for Minors has Holiday classes and events available for current members and non-members.

We also run one-off events for Charity - making instruments, painting, singing, crafts etc.

Music workshops for Educational Professionals.

Check out our Songs in Winter Performance photo's for the Wakefield Pre-school Learning Alliance Winter Festival!

In accordance with UK legislation and Government requirements Music for Minors has developed a number of Policies

 

RESOURCES Buy a range of excellent resources for home or classroom HERE

Hand Puppets, Finger Puppets, Instruments and Song Bags

 

 

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