PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC

What we are trying to achieve:
To rectify some of the aspects of music that we feel are missing in a number of students encountered over the past 19 years. To accomplish this we would like to undertake exploration and adventures in:

• Rhythm
  
• Pitch recognition (aural)
  
• Pitch reproduction (oral)
  
• Tonality awareness
  
• Dynamics
  
• Body movements in relation to music

Given the hectic lifestyles of today and the changes occurring within families; some of the traditions once taken for granted have in many cases been lost. Children are often lacking basic musicology skills and many schools focus more on academic and sporting performances, rather than the Arts. The voice (singing), for example is a ready-made musical instrument which is sadly overlooked. In April 2000, the Bureau of Statistics reported that only 29% of children between the ages of 5 and 14 had been involved in Performing Arts activities outside school hours in the previous 12 months.
Our society teaches us to rely heavily on the visual senses at the expense of our other senses. This is an issue we would like to strongly redress, not only for tangible results such as examinations, eisteddfods, etc., but for the sake of the soul. Dan Campbell, described by some as a “sound healer”, says that the benefits of music are far-reaching, and include boosting the immune system, stimulating digestion, increasing productivity, strengthening memory and learning and even affecting body temperature.
So come join us on this journey to bring some of the magic of music back to these open and willing minds. Feel free to ask any questions. We are looking forward to helping your child develop an awareness and appreciation of music which may take them further in the future should they so wish. At the very least, it will present them with some creative doors which they can open whenever they are ready.

Cath Nielsen
Michael Walker