Our signature, award-winning Kodály-inspired music class
This unique class is designed to inspire your child with quality musical experiences right from the very beginning. We teach timeless rhymes and songs, wherever possible sourced from local folklore, and design a curriculum involving singing games, eurhythmics movement and simple instrumental playing. We aim to help parents/carers develop a resource bank of quality songs to sing and play both in class and at home. As they grow, your children will learn to sing and play along to these songs on Music at Heart´s beautiful, natural percussion instruments.
When: Tuesdays 12.45-1.45pm; Thursdays 9.30-10.30am and 11am-12pm; Fridays 9.30-10.30am and 11am-12pm
Where: Harehills Lane Baptist Church (Side Entrance), 13 Hilton Place, Leeds LS8 4HE
Cost: £9.25 per child per session, booked in half termly blocks (20% sibling discount)
The Kodály Approach comes to Leeds!
Hello, Caitlin here. I am so excited to be offering Leeds families the only Kodály-based pre school music class in West Yorkshire! I discovered the Kodály Approach shortly after completing my music degree, and believe it is the most amazing way for young children to discover music.
Kodály believed singing was the best medium for teaching the language of music. Singing actively engages the whole person and develops that essential musical attribute, the inner hearing. Nowhere is this more important than at the early years stage. To find out more about the benefits of Kodály Music in Early Years Education, click here.
What happens in the session?
The session starts with 15 minutes of free play with our box of beautiful, natural percussion instruments. The class begins when we first hear music played and then is structured for around 40 minutes of singing games, movement, and playing instruments before a short reflection and a musical story at the end. Most families like to offer their child a snack before coming to class, so that during the structured musical session everyone can focus on joining in without distractions.
The structured part of the session follows a 2-week core syllabus of beautiful songs and rhymes, adapted with the seasons. This familiar structure and knowing what to expect in every class helps the children feel safe and held, which creates a nurturing space for the children to have fun, explore their voice and express themselves.
What our parents say…
Music at Heart has meant so much to me and my daughter over the last year and a half. Her confidence has noticeably increased. She happily joins in playing all the wonderful instruments, and she absolutely loves singing, both in class and at home. I’m so grateful that this class exists. It’s a brilliant way of teaching children music.
It’s so refreshing to find a good quality music class that isn’t totally manic and full of bad singing as we’ve experienced in the past! It’s such a lovely environment you’ve created and the ethos is fantastic.
Caitlin’s classes have been of huge benefit to us as a family. Having struggled with my mental health as a new mother during the covid era, the classes were very welcoming. My son thrived socially, and his communication improved through singing and interacting with his peers. I got to meet other parents and have lovely conversations that helped my mental wellbeing. I would highly recommend Caitlin and Carolyn’s classes to families in Leeds, where the passion for music and family values are sincerely shared through their music making.
I’ve been to another music class with my other granddaughter, and it was good, but not a patch on this.
Lara and I absolutely love attending Friday classes with Carolyn. It has such a calming atmosphere which is beneficial for both of us. Lara is learning so much and loves every aspect of the session. Her confidence is growing by the week and it’s really showing through her singing along with, and in front of, the class. I also love that I’m encouraged to sing…though I don’t have the best voice I love singing, and the environment Carolyn and June have created allows me to express myself without fear of judgement. It’s a 10/10 for me. Thank you for creating and running a wonderful class.
Information about the venue
Harehills Lane Baptist Church is accessible for wheelchair users and there are baby changing facilities. When you get to the church, come in through the side entrance on Hilton Place. There is plenty of free on street parking available. Cycle racks are also available immediately outside the side entrance should you wish to cycle.
The 91 bus from Kirkstall, Headingley, Meanwood and central Chapel Allerton stops just outside the church on Harehills Lane. Or if you are coming from Leeds City Centre, you can get bus numbers 12 or 13 to Harehills Post Office followed by a short 5 minute walk up to the church.
Accessibility and inclusivity in our Kodály music classes
We believe that music is for everybody. We welcome asylum seekers and refugees, non-English speakers, LGBT and queer families, and foster and adoptive families, with care-experienced children. Please get in touch if you have any feedback for us about how we can improve our accessibility and inclusivity – we really want you to feel welcome and comfortable here.
You can also apply for a FREE or subsidised place if you meet our criteria. A friend or support worker can fill in the form for you if you are struggling, or you can email us and ask us to help you with the form as well.
FAQs
0-4 seems like a big age bracket. How will the music class be tailored to the needs of a baby as well as a pre schooler?
The magic of Music at Heart´s pre school class is that the children are always at different stages and learning at their own pace. Our babies and younger children look up to the older children and see what they can aspire to later on. In turn, our older children become an example to the rest and experience confidence and leadership.
As the children grow up through the group, you will see the many small steps they make over the weeks, months and years to develop their innate sense of musicality – or musical ´talent´ – which I believe all children have. Babies and younger children will gain so much just from hearing you join in with the songs, seeing your movements and actions and soaking up the gentle, sensory musical environment we create for them together. Older children will have opportunities to play simple melodies and rhythm patterns on instruments, and sing a solo as they gain in confidence and skill. This is why it is important as parents/carers to take time at the end of each session to reflect and write down the new things we notice about our child´s connection with music every week.
Important information about booking
By booking any of the courses above, you confirm you have read and agreed to our Refund Policy.
Music at Heart 