Music for Minors

for the best in music education!

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.

Music for Minors is not a franchise which means each class offers a unique experience compared to other music groups. All classes are lead by Melanie except for Horbury which are lead by Kate.

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?

Melanie Cossins: BA (Hons), CACHEDip3.

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), 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 singing & seeing children develop their musicality and I am always proud, delighted and amazed when children are able to feel pulse and sing correct pitches at a young age. I teach all classes except for Horbury, which are lead by Kate who is a qualified teacher and has had full training from me.

Melanie x

Fully CRB checked, Fully insured, Music License & Member of PLA (Pre-school Learning Alliance)

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.

STARTING OCTOBER 2009 'Singing for Fun' especially for adults!

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

Our Xmas Party 2009!

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