“We gently rock the babies while we hum and sing”
This group is for mothers* and their babies under 12 months. Come and sing folk music together in Circle, learn songs to bond with your baby, meet real friends and nourish your body with hot tea/coffee and homemade cake.
When: Tuesdays 11am-12pm
Where: Harehills Lane Baptist Church (Side Entrance), 13 Hilton Place, Leeds LS8 4HE
Cost: £11.50 per adult per session paid in a block. Includes tea/coffee and cake for the adults.
*Please see our definition of “mother” below in our inclusivity section
What happens in the session?
This is a real, genuine and safer space to ‘come as you are’. We always start with tea/coffee and cake and a chance to chat with others. After 10 minutes or so, I lead us in some calming breathwork and a grounding vocal warm-up, followed by a one-word check in.
Held by the Circle, we then sing beautiful folk tunes together for around 20 minutes, to nourish ourselves while the babies soak up the music. Then we have a pause to check in with the babies, and finish the session with about 15 minutes of mother-baby bonding, learning simple songs which you can sing to your baby at home when bathing, changing or lulling them to sleep.
The session is informal; you can feel comfortable to feed or change your baby mid-session if you need to. I limit numbers to a maximum of 10 adults so that the babies aren´t overwhelmed, and so I can support everyone, but there are still enough voices so we make a good sound and can harmonise.
What our parents say…
I’ve found attending Ringató this half term incredibly healing, both in relation to my emotional health during this period specifically and in relation to past trauma. My baby is so responsive to the beautiful songs we’ve learnt with you, we sing them every day at home and they really help to calm him (and me) when he’s unsettled. It’s been a real support to be part of this singing community.
We have really enjoyed attending the singing group. It has been therapeutic for me to sing again, and has been an enjoyable experience for my baby. A great way to meet other mums too!
Caitlin’s singing group has been a joy to be a part of. It’s lovely to have a class that is for both me and my baby, we both love it and find it very relaxing. The songs are so special and I find myself singing them all the time, a nice break from the usual nursery rhymes. I’d recommend this class to anyone! Thanks Caitlin
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 Ringató Baby Circle
We believe that music is for everybody, and all our other Kodály classes are not gender-specific. However, we also recognise that the transition to motherhood in the first year of a new baby’s life is a unique journey which fundamentally changes us as humans. As mothers ourselves, we know there is something indescribable which links us together as we collectively step over the portal into motherhood, and so we want to provide a space just for mums which allows us to connect more deeply together in Circle.
Ringató is intended as a sacred, community space where anyone who identifies as ‘mother’ to a little baby is welcome. This group is not for dads or cisgender men, but we welcome LGBT and queer parents who identify as being in a ‘mother’ role, or are a birthing parent. The terms ‘mother’ and ‘motherhood’ will be used within this group, but by using this language we are not assuming that all mothers identify as ‘women’. We welcome adoptive mothers and their babies, as well as asylum seekers and refugees, non-English speakers and those of all faiths and none.
If you have any feedback for us about how we can improve our accessibility and inclusivity, or would like to chat to Caitlin before attending this group, please get in touch – 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
Which group should I join, Ringató Baby Circle or Singing Circle?
Ringató Baby Circle is tailored to babes in arms. If your little one is on the move, please join Singing Circle, my toddler-friendly choir. Singing Circle is also perfect for parents bringing 2 children of different ages (e.g. a baby and toddler) – I bring my toddler and baby with me, too!
Do I need to be a singer?
No, all voices are welcome and no experience is necessary. Songs are taught by call and response so there is no need to read music. I believe every voice is beautiful, and your voice is your baby’s favourite sound.
Important information about booking
By booking any of the courses below, you confirm you have read and agreed to our Refund Policy.
Music at Heart 