Music and instrument classes

Motivation to take part: Music sessions are effective for groups of children mostly as children enjoy music making and will be motivated to take part. This is particularly important for children who struggle to be engaged or maintain interest and attention in what they are doing, and who may be unwilling to try other forms of social activities such as board games, shared puzzles, or outside ball games.

Language & communication skills: Group music making allows children and adults to interact non-verbally, which is very useful for children who struggle to understand or to use spoken language.

Self-esteem & confidence: Group music making can be made accessible to all children, which means that group members can have equal roles in the group as divisions between adults and children, and between more and less able children will not be so obvious. This can raise individual children’s self-esteem and give children who have previously been unable to have a voice as sense of self. All children can be heard and differences in abilities can easily and unobtrusively be accommodated, making the music group less threatening for some children than other group situations.

Help ease disruptive behaviour: In music groups, children can easily be given opportunities to lead or direct others. This type of positive leadership experience can have an empowering effect on a child who struggles with a lack of self-esteem. Children who are very disruptive and attention seeking may ger into difficult cycles of behaviour with their parents, nursery / school staff where the child frequently receives negative attention through misbehaving and there is little time or energy left for more constructive interactions. In music groups, these children can be given the experience of being in control in a positive and creative way, which may be the first step in breaking the negative attention cycle.

Fine Motor   Skills

Playing   instruments like drums, tambourine, or maracas requires specific hand and   finger movements, strengthening fine motor skills and hand-eye   coordination. 

Gross   Motor Skills

Playing percussion   instruments, dancing, and singing along can develop gross motor skills like   coordination and balance.

Sensory   Development

Playing   instruments helps children develop their sense of touch and their ability to   perceive and decipher sounds. 

Cognitive   Development

Music   enhances memory, problem-solving, and pattern recognition, contributing to   overall cognitive development. 

Language   Development

Songs and   rhymes improve listening skills and vocabulary, while musical phrases help children   understand the rhythm and patterns of speech. 

Emotional   Expression

Music allows   children to express a range of emotions, from joy to frustration, through   their instrument choices and playing styles. 

Creativity

Playing with   instruments and creating music fosters creativity and encourages   improvisation. 

Social   Skills

Group music   activities encourage teamwork, listening, and cooperation. 

Focus and   Concentration

Music demands   attention and concentration, which can help children develop these important   skills. 

Self-Expression

Music   provides a unique and powerful way for children to communicate their feelings   and ideas.