by Sue Lancaster
Gettin’ Jiggy in West London
It’s a well-written-about belief that introducing kids to music at a young age helps develop their creativity, communication and social skills. Which is probably why there are so many under-5s music-based classes across London and up and down the country. As well as the bonus of helping their development and interaction skills, a music class is a really fun activity to do with your little one. It’s wonderful to see them enjoying themselves and it gives you the chance to get out and meet other local mums, dads and carers at the same time. On top of all this, it can inspire new ideas to do with your child at home (I now regularly find myself singing the ‘now it’s time to tidy up’ song).
Most classes offer the first session free of charge as a trial run, so there’s no reason not to give it a try. If you’re not familiar with what music classes are on offer around west and southwest London, here’s a roundup of (some of) what’s out there.
Tempo Tots
Run by Charlotte and her team of helpers, Tempo Tots is a live-music-making class that includes weekly themes, bubbles, musical instruments and puppets! Classes are divided into ages—3 to 18 months, 18 months to 2.5 years and 2.5 to 4 years—so you can be sure that whatever stage your child is at, the session will be tailored to their age group. Led by the class facilitator and a guitar, the 30- or 40-minute sessions are interactive, lively and fun.
Website: www.tempo-tots.com
Cost: 30-minute class, £60 for 10 sessions / 40-minute class, £70 for 10 sessions
Locations: Twickenham, Teddington, Richmond, East Sheen, Hampton Wick, Kew
Pinxie Music
Centred around a giant rabbit puppet called Pinxie (whom the kids will adore), class leader Ana offers 40 minutes of music and songs, incorporating instruments, bubbles, props and a parachute. Classes are for all children aged 6 months to 4.5 years and run throughout the year including school holidays.
Website: www.pinxiemusic.co.uk
Cost: £6 per session—attend 10 sessions and get the 11th free
Locations: Twickenham/St.Margaret’s, Mortlake, Barnes
Rhyme Time
Rhyme Time is a music and movement class for the under 5s and is a fun and relaxed drop-in session. Expect lots of singing, clapping, dancing, musical instruments and, of course, bubbles.
Website: rhymetimeclasses.net
Cost: £6 per session
Locations: East Sheen, Barnes, Chiswick, Putney, Shepherds Bush, Hammersmith
Monkey Music
Classes are separated into four age groups with content tailored accordingly. There’s ‘rock n roll’ for babies from 3 months, which includes gentle songs, sounds and sensory music. From 12 months onwards, babies move up to the toddler class ‘heigh-ho’ for dancing, bouncing and playing. ‘Jiggety-jig’ is for 2- to 3-year-olds, and ‘ding-dong’ for 3- to 4-year-olds. The older classes focus on taking turns and singing together, as well as reading and writing music. As the class name suggests, weekly themes focus on a cheeky monkey puppet!
Website: www.monkeymusic.co.uk
Cost: £10 per session
Locations: All across London including Kew, Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Barnes, Putney, Fulham, Kensington, Holland Park, Notting Hill, Chelsea, Battersea, Queen’s Park
Amanda’s Action Club
Amanda and her team of helpers run classes based around fun, fitness and music, encouraging kids to move, dance and be healthy. Amanda has been in the business for many years and her love for what she does is obvious.
Website: www.amandasactionclub.co.uk
Cost: £75 per block of 10 sessions / £10 per session pay as you go
Locations: Chiswick, Wandsworth, Parson’s Green, Kew, Chelsea, Kensington (Natural History Museum Ice Rink)
About the author:
An Essex girl, Sue came to London 12 years ago and never left. She moved to West Kensington with her now-husband, then spent a couple of years living in Stamford Brook, before finally settling down in Mortlake. Prior to becoming a mum, Sue worked in TV production. She now stays at home, looking after toddler Tabitha and writing whenever she can.
