Ally Pally Music 1/2 Hours

I have taken all my training in Kodaly, Orff and Dalcroze teaching methods and devised my own early years programme. I started teaching in nursery schools in London in 2003 and now have brought it to Dorset.

Ally Pally Music ½ hours are currently being offered in Poole Town, at the Methodist Church in the High Street, on a Monday morning and at St. Augustin's Church nr to Cemetery Junction, BH2 6NU.

The structure of an 'Ally Pally Music Half Hour' is as follows:

Hello Song – each session begins with an opening song involving singing with motions to a strong pulse (the heartbeat of music which beats beneath the melody).

Songs and Poems – The 'hello' song is followed by a mixture of songs and poems guaranteed to get your child moving. There will always be several songs and poems linked to a particular theme e.g transport . These themes are focused on for ½ term each, to provide scope for development of particular musical skills appropriate to your child’s age.

Movement – Before a child reads music, s/he can experience musical notation through body movements. Walking, running, jumping are all great ways of experiencing different rhythms and they won’t even know that they are being prepared for formal musical instruction; they are having so much fun!  (Research points towards the fact that children who have had experience of music and movement from an early age, will make faster progress at learning an instrument and experience less frustration and difficulties.) Expressive movement to simple stories accompanied by recorder / tambour or cello fosters imagination and creativity in the 3 and 4 year olds; they love it !

Percussion Instruments: Children will be given the opportunity to play a range of percussive instruments. Important exploration time and free play activities as well as guided playing to both live (Ali plays the piano, recorder, Ocarina and cello and will use all these instruments in class) and recorded music are included within the class.  For the younger ones, the use of a strong pulse will be encouraged and for the older ones, rhythmic playing and playing with singing will be taught. Contrasts in music e.g loud and quiet are also experienced during instrument time.

Listening / Quiet time – children will learn to listen to sounds and excerpts of music (again both live and recorded). We all hear but listening is a skill.

Goodbye song – the class will end on a calm, soft note with gentle clapping and singing of a goodbye song.
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Hope I get to make music with you and your child!

Any comments / questions do not hesitate to get in touch.