Newsletter

NOV 07

Issue 0307

THANK YOU!

I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all parents and carers who join in with singing, dancing and sometimes doing silly things! YOU are the most important part of the sessions and by joining in, provide great role models for the children.  I believe children respond the most to music and singing, even if you think you cannot sing it is really important children hear our voices (our voice is our own inbuilt instrument!). Be creative with songs by using well known songs to make up your own lyrics for everyday tasks such as getting washed, getting dressed or going to bed! It is surprising how children respond to this and much more enjoyable for us!

It is also really important to be positive and encouraging during sessions so we can ensure our children get the most out of music by learning and having fun! Don’t be discouraged - what a child is absorbing in class is often evidenced in the comfort of the home environment rather than in a certain level of participation in class. A few minutes of participation during class, is a fantastic result and children are always listening even if they appear not to be! Frequent reinforcement at home throughout the week makes all the difference in the child’s comfort and participation in the sessions.

I would like to thank you all for your fantastic involvement and encouragement especially as your children get older and more independent. I know the children appreciate it and I hope you have fun too!

Please keep joining in!

HEALTH & SAFETY

Please can I remind all parents to follow Music for Minors Health and Safety Policy. The policy is in force to prevent accidents and for the safety and comfort of all adults and children who attend classes.

Everyone should have had a copy of the policy when they first joined or if you would like another copy please ask.

I would like to draw particular attention to eating and drinking in class. Food should not be consumed during class for the safety and comfort of everyone. Drinks are permitted and if your child does need a drink please take them to one side. I know Music classes are thirsty Work!

SECOND CHILD POLICY

I think some people are unsure about whether they can bring other children to class, please read the information below and if you have any questions please come and ask. 

If a second child is brought along to any term sessions:

 1.        Children aged 1 year plus who are brought to each session must be paid for at the reduced rate (£1.50 off each session) payable in advance for the term. Children at this age tend to want to join in and be a part of the class and therefore will be classed as a full member. Please speak to me if you have any concerns or queries or to arrange an additional place.

1. Where young children attend classes above their age range all effort will be made by the class teacher to ensure parent and child get the most out of the class.

2. Children who are younger than 1 year, who’s parents wish them to take part in the sessions will be assigned a place and classed as part of the group. This place must also be paid for.

3. New babies may be brought to sessions. Parents please be respectful of others and the fact that a new baby may be a distraction to other children and the session. If you have any problems please speak to me.

2.       In the case where other children (of the same family) are brought along to one-off sessions they may join the group as long as instruments etc are available (and depending on numbers) and MFM will allow this free of charge.

3.       If other children are brought to a session, (who are not part of the same family) they must be paid for at the normal session rate. This should be handed to the teacher on the session day.

 Thank You

Gift Vouchers

I am now pleased to be able to offer gift vouchers redeemable against Music for Minors sessions or merchandise. These are available at any amount and would make an unusual Birthday or Christmas gift. Please ask for further details.

On Sale: T-Shirts & Instruments

You can still purchase MFM T-shirts for £5 sizes are: 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6yrs. If you would like to have a look at one, please ask and I will also be bringing some to sessions over the following weeks. There will also be a few instruments for sale which make great gifts for birthdays & Christmas. Please see the display in class. I will also be making an instrument order over the next few weeks so if there is anything you would like me to get please ask.

Kodály Sessions during half term

Over the half term holiday I ran some very special music sessions, based on the Kodály method. Zoltan Kodály believed that, to be effective, musical learning must begin with singing he stressed that only through the voice could the musical ear be developed. Young children are most sensitive to music and therefore musical instruction is crucial at this time to develop the musical ear and this is done unconsciously through singing and movement. Kodály uses traditional songs and rhymes, which are easy for children to pick up as they consist of two or three notes and are within their vocal range. Children do not need to be able to sing to gain benefit from Kodály, lots of actions and movement to these songs mean children have fun and learn musical concepts unconsciously e.g. pulse (the beat of the music), rhythm (the pattern of sound or words), pitch (distinguishing between high and low sounds) and dynamics (distinguishing between loud and quiet). This can be done using instruments or body actions e.g. patting, walking.

Music and singing still remain to be the one discipline that covers all aspects of learning from memory and retention, language, physical, intellectual and social development. It was excellent to have such positive feedback regarding these sessions as I believe this is the future of music education. I hope to run more of these sessions in the future.

Extra Classes

During the New Year there is a possibility of new classes. These are likely to be:

Tuesday’s at Crigglestone

11.30-12.15 Musical Majors (3-5yrs)

13.15-14.00 / 1.30-2.15 Tapping Teddies (1-2yrs)

If either of these classes are more suitable for you or if you know anyone who would be interested in these extra classes please let me know.

There may also be special Kodály sessions starting in a central Wakefield location and over half term for all ages and extended to 5-7 year olds! Please see me if you would like further information.

Christmas Party

Due to lack of interest and recent personal circumstances I have decided not to run the Christmas Party this year but look out for other events next year!

End of Autumn Term

It’s nearly Christmas and only a few more weeks left before MFM finishes for the Winter break. All classes finish by the 8^th of December. If you would like to keep your place for January term you will need to book by your last session or I will assume you no longer want the place !

Please speak to me regarding class swaps or progression to the next age group.

You can now book by cheque, cash or direct payment.

Direct Payment details:

Sort Code:   09-06-66

Account:      42523421

Account name: M Cossins T/A Music for Minors

Please make the reference the child’s full name, class and day.

e.g. Tom Woods, TT Friday

(BB = Bouncing Babies, TT=Tapping Teddies, WJ = Wiggles & Jiggles, MM= Musical Majors)

BB = £3.25 per session (under 1’s session only)

All other classes = £4 per session

Additional children from same family £1.50 reduction per session.

All classes start again on the week beginning 7^th January 2008. Last sessions by 17^th March. Break for half term 10^th-17^th Feb.

9 weeks for Wakefield Classes

10 weeks for Oulton Classes

Thank you for your continued support!

Have a great Christmas and New Year!

Melanie