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Monkey Music Baby & Toddler Classes Music Classes in Bournemouth, Poole, Broadstone, Ferndown, Hamworthy, Highcliffe, Parkstone, Wimborne, Ringwood, and Southbourne

Katherine Watmough 07855 776878
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Welcome to our classes

Hello, I'm Katherine and I am delighted to be offering Monkey Music's multi-award winning children's music classes in Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown, Hamworthy, Parkstone, and Christchurch areas. As a professional violinist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and also a mum of two musical boys, I am passionate about how music stimulates and helps develop children.

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I am ecstatic to be the Winner of the HSBC British Franchise Awards UK, 2020 for my Monkey Music business! I studied the violin and piano at The Royal College Of Music in London gaining a BMus(Hons) and PG Diploma in Orchestral Performance and Teaching. Alongside a career performing in some of the world's top orchestras, recording hundreds of film scores,  I have always enjoyed passing on my love of music and education, teaching music classes for children of all ages.

At Monkey Music, we see babies, toddlers, and children grow with confidence and ability as they progress through the magical music classes. There is live singing, instrumental playing, colourful puppets and sensory activities.

Why Monkey Music? Over the past 25 years, parents repeatedly choose to bring their kids to Monkey Music for its academic superiority and magical class format, even though there are so many other activities they can choose from. Babies can start when they are only a few months old and can stay until they are ready to start school and learn an instrument. Monkey Music classes are 30 minutes long and are jam-packed with musical activities, sensory activities, learning opportunities, and specialist musical instruments. Our children's music classes that support child development are unique in having four different age-specific classes, based upon a progressive curricula including over 500 bespoke songs. Most of all though, our classes are fun and inspirational. The little ones are taken on a magical learning journey fulfilled with mesmerizing props, bubbles, specialist instruments, catchy songs and so much more. Children are always learning and interacting with other children of similar age. 

The 4 Progressive classes...Babies start off in the Rock'n'Roll class when they are starting to explore new sounds and sights and begin to track objects and respond to exciting new sounds. This class is specifically designed to stimulate all their senses using exciting colourful props, age-appropriate instruments, and fun, entertaining songs. We focus on bonding and building confidence whilst carers interact with their baby enjoying the fascinating sounds and sensory moments. These classes are perfect for sharing that special precious time together and meeting other babies and carers locally.

Heigh-Ho, from 12 months encourages our toddlers to be up on their feet, exploring and interacting with the catchy songs and rhymes. These songs are tailored to develop co-ordination, spatial awareness and for your child to enjoy feeling the pulse of the music. We focus on listening skills and language development and make lots of exciting sounds together.

Jiggety-Jig, for 2+3 year olds, is the class in which toddlers really do get to know one another. We encourage your little monkey's creative and independent processes including singing, dancing, playing instruments and composing their own songs. This really is a fun-filled musical experience for everyone, alongside building their self-confidence, social perception, and co-ordination. Children will learn important musical skills such as rhythm and pitch and will practice this together within the group.

The final stage of the amazing Monkey Music journey is Ding-Dong, for 3+4 year olds. Our children are now ready to learn and read music! they will start to recognize the different sections of the orchestra as well as learning the basics of notation. By the time your child enters primary school, they will have gained so much musical knowledge as well as important communication and life skills. Monkey Music lays the perfect grounding for pre-school children to progress to learn a musical instrument and enjoy a wonderful musical future. 

What to do now...

Please click the 'book your free class here' button so that you and your child can experience Monkey Music for yourselves. I look forward to introducing you all to the wonderful Monkey Music family! 

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Growing up in tune with Monkey Music!

Monkey Music near you

BOOK YOUR FREE CLASS HERE!

Monday

Wimborne Royal British Legion, West Borough, WImborne, BH21 1LT

9:50am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:30am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:10am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

Bournemouth Electric Club, 1 Broadway Lane, Bournemouth, BH8 0AA

9:50am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:30am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:10am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

Tuesday

Broadstone Community & Arts Centre, 21 Dunyeats Road, Broadstone, BH18 8AB

9:45am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:20am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:00am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

St Michael's Church lounge, Hamworthy, Blandford Road, Hamworthy, Poole, BH15 4HR

9:50am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:30am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:10am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

Wednesday

The Brewhouse & Kitchen, 147 Parkwood Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, BH5 2BW

9:35am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:10am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
10:50am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:30am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

The Greyfriars Community Centre, The Activity Centre, 44 Christchurch Road, Ringwood, BH24 1DW

9:45am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:20am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:00am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

Wimborne Royal British Legion, West Borough, WImborne, BH21 1LT

9:50am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:30am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:10am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

Thursday

Parkstone Baptist Church, Loch Road, Parkstone, BH14 9EX

9:50am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:30am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:00am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

Broadstone Community & Arts Centre, 21 Dunyeats Road, Broadstone, BH18 8AB

9:40am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:20am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:00am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

The Centre, Ferndown, Barns Road, Ferndown, BH22 8XH

9:50am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:30am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:10am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

Friday

Highcliffe Methodist Church, Lymington Road, Highcliffe, BH23 5EG

9:45am
Jiggety-Jig 2 + 3 year olds
10:20am
Heigh-Ho From 12 months
11:00am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
11:40am
Rock'n'Roll From 3 months
Book Online

Monkey Term Dates

Spring Term 2024

Term Starts:
Monday 8th January
Half Term:
Monday 12th February - Friday 16th February
Term Ends:
Friday 29th March

Summer Term 2024

Term Starts:
Monday 15th April
Half Term:
Monday 27th May - Friday 31st May
Term Ends:
Friday 26th July

Bond with Baby and discover how music supports early development. This 5-part musical programme for newborns up to 16 weeks old is a mix of in-person classes and pre-recorded sessions delivered by our specially trained teachers and is designed to compliment Monkey Music's progressive 4 stage curriculum.
Each booking includes a kit bag with instruments and a sensory scarf to be used at home.
Book now and make new friends!

No Beautiful Noise Dates Yet... Come Back Soon!

Katherine really does engage with all the energetic toddlers and when she plays her violin it is incredibly mesmerising. We totally recommend you try these classes - you will be hooked!

A Monkey Music Mum

We love the progressive and professional nature of these fabulous classes. Our little one loves them even more and it is the highlight of her week.

Monkey Music Nanny

By far the most engaging music and sensory classes around! I love the harp and violin tunes, but above all love the fact that these are professional teachers that take the classes. Totally recommend!

Janice

Celebrate with Monkey and Mo!

Monkey Music parties are great fun for babies and children of all ages. Parties are tailored to suit every occasion and always include the birthday child’s favourite Monkey Music songs!

Send a Party Enquiry

Katherine did the most amazing party last Saturday. Even the adults were thoroughly engaged with having musical fun. It gave out=r son's first birthday one we will forever cherish!

Sally, Monkey Music mum

Holiday fun for all with our Holiday Workshops!

Monkey Music holiday workshops are a popular way to keep children entertained during the holidays. Unlike our regular classes where children are strictly grouped according to age, the holiday workshops cater for a mixed age group of children.

Book your Workshop here!

Monkey Workshops


Easter Holiday Workshop

Mixed Aged Session 1 - 6 years
Wednesday 3rd April, 9:45am
The Brewhouse & Kitchen
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Easter Holiday Workshop

Mixed Aged Session 1 - 6 years
Wednesday 3rd April, 10:30am
The Brewhouse & Kitchen
Book Now

Easter Holiday Workshop

For Babies 3 - 11 Months
Wednesday 3rd April, 11:15am
The Brewhouse & Kitchen
Book Now

Monkey Music Events!

Join us at one of our Monkey Music Events and find out what happens at Monkey Music! Since they began, in 1993, over 4.8 million classes have entertained hundreds of thousands of families across the UK!

Book your space for some magical music making with your family. Suitable for babies and young children. Be quick! Places are limited.

Monkey Events


‘Music and Your Baby’ Event

For Babies 3 - 11 Months
Wednesday 10th April, 11:00am
The Greyfriars Community Centre
Book Now

‘Music and Your Baby’ Event

For Babies 3 - 11 Months
Thursday 11th April, 11:00am
St Michael's Church lounge, Hamworthy
Book Now

Wow, we all had such great fun at Katherine's Open Day and will definitely sign up for more!

Monkey Music Mum

I would like to make a Nursery Enquiry

The Monkey Team

Katherine Watmough

Katherine, HSBC British Franchise Winner 2020, and Monkey Music Franchisee of 2022, owns the Bournemouth Franchise as well as her established Hertforshire one. She has been a professional violinist and teacher for over 20 years and can't wait to share her passion for music with everyone

How old does my newborn baby have to be to join the Beautiful Noise programme? Parents and carers can join our Beautiful Noise programme with their newborn baby anytime from birth up until their baby is 16 weeks old (taken from the date of their first face-to-face class).
Can my partner and I both bring our baby to Beautiful Noise? Yes, our Beautiful Noise programme is perfect for parents who attend on their own or with a partner.
How long is each Beautiful Noise face-to-face class? Each Beautiful Noise face-to-face class is an hour long. This gives everyone lots of time to settle/feed/change before the class begins and at the end of the class before leaving.
Can I feed my baby during Beautiful Noise? Yes, of course. We understand that you will want to make yourself and your baby as comfortable as possible during your Beautiful Noise class and you may feed/change/sleep whenever you feel like it!
What happens if my baby sleeps all the way through the class? Beautiful Noise has been created so that you and Baby can share precious time together whilst enjoying the class for mutual reasons and for different reasons. Our teachers understand that our youngest babies need their sleep so if your baby sleeps peacefully during your class then you will be encouraged to join in whilst they sleep close by.
Where can I find my local Beautiful Noise programme? You can click this link https://wwwapi.monkeymusic.co.uk/Beautiful+Noise/ and enter your postcode to find Beautiful Noise programmes near you. If there are no programmes happening in your local area then email hello@monkeymusic.co.uk for an update on programmes which may be opening soon.
How and when do I receive my Beautiful Noise online sessions? Our Beautiful Noise online sessions are sent via email to all members of our face-to-face classes immediately after their first and second classes. Both sessions have been created so that you can practice at home what you and Baby have learned in class.
What is in my Beautiful Noise Kit Bag? Inside your Beautiful Noise Kit Bag (a linen tote) you will find a Monkey Music wave drum, Monkey Music maracito and a sensory scarf. You will be encouraged to use these instruments and the sensory scarf at home when joining in with the online sessions.
What do the classes involve? Monkey Music is an interactive award winning musical curriculum. Classes are small and tailor-made for babies and young children who are grouped according to their age. Each child is accompanied by their carer. Little ones sing, dance and play musical instruments. Grown ups join in the fun too!
Do you offer ‘mixed age’ classes? Because of the progressive nature of our curricula which is age specific, we do not offer regular weekly mixed classes. However, during the holidays, many of our teachers offer mixed age holiday workshops.
What do you expect of the children, do they have to sit down the whole time? Each class is carefully structured and formatted so that every child and carer is encouraged to join in with the fun. Classes are paced according to each age group with the opportunity for little ones to be up on their feet during ‘Time to Move’ and sitting with their carers during ‘Time to Play’ and ‘Time to Sleep’. Most children quickly learn what is happening next and Monkey helps them with friendly encouragement!
Why are Monkey Music classes 30 minutes long? Our classes have been honed and developed over 25 years and are designed to fully captivate babies and young children for the duration. The very interactive nature of every class means that our little monkeys need to rest again after 30 minutes of magical music making!
Why is Monkey Music more expensive than the other music groups around? Monkey Music has been established for over 25 years and is proud to have a rich musical heritage. We offer a unique and progressive learning experience for your child, which is supported by over 500 original songs and musical activities. Our talented teachers are carefully chosen and trained to offer the highest standard of pre-school music education.
What makes Monkey Music classes so special? Monkey Music classes are considered a leading light in pre-school education. Come along for a free class to see for yourself what make Monkey Music classes the highlight of the week for so many families across the UK!
What if I miss my usual class? Should you miss a class you are invited to contact your teacher to book a catch-up class at a later date in the same term. These are subject to availability. If your teacher is unable to teach, you will be contacted to be offered a make-up class at a later date in the same term.
What do I need to bring with me? Everything you need to enjoy our classes is made available by the teacher, however, should you prefer not to use the Monkey Music instruments provided at class (these will have been freshly santised for each customer prior to use), you may bring your own Monkey Music approved instruments purchased from our online shop or identical items bought elsewhere. You may also bring along your own small blanket for your child to sit on.
Can I bring a newborn baby too? Babes in arms accompanying older siblings are welcome in our classes free of charge, please speak to your local classes for more information.
Why don’t you offer drop-in classes? We value musical education as a fundamental part of early development, and as such our regular weekly classes are progressive to maximise the learning potential of each child.
Do I have to be musical? No! Our teachers will make you feel welcome whatever your musical ability.
Do I have to sing along? We love it when families sing along and your children will benefit from hearing the sound of a familiar voice, no matter how good or bad! But – there is no pressure to sing because listening, watching and playing the instruments will keep you and your child busy enough! Customers may enjoy our songs at home by purchasing our class specific download albums or books - all available from our online shop
Can I bring an adult friend/relative to class? This is usually possible, but we do ask that you contact your local teacher to ask permission beforehand. This is because some of our teaching rooms have maximum levels of occupancy and our teachers need to know who is attending each session, thank you.
Can I opt out of the membership fee? No, our online club is designed to support the learning experience of children at our regular classes and is a popular go-to places between classes to enjoy making Monkey Music at home.
Is it OK for me to take photos or video in class? No, we politely request that you refrain from taking photos or videos at class.
How do I cancel my class booking? You can cancel your booking at any time within 15 calendar days from your booking confirmation date if you have not had face to face contact with your franchisee when making that booking. To exercise your right you must inform your franchisee in writing of your decision to cancel within the cancellation period. Notice can be provided by emailing the email address or writing to the address provided to you in the booking confirmation email, including your name, home address, details of your booking and, where available, your phone number and email address or you can print off and post or email to the email or postal address shown in the booking confirmation email a completed model cancellation form, a copy of which is available from your franchisee.
In addition to the above you can end your enrolment for terms of regular classes with Monkey Music on giving at least one month’s prior written notice to be received by your franchisee by 1st day of the month prior to the month your next payment is due.
For those paying termly: If you have opted to pay for classes termly this means that notice must be received by your franchisee by 1st day of the month prior to the month the next term is due to start. If you seek to terminate the contract before this date your franchisee will try to fill the place(s) you have booked with other customers but if your franchisee is unable to do so then you may not be entitled to a refund.
For those paying monthly. If you have chosen to pay monthly then notice must be received by the first day of the month prior to the month your next payment is due.
Provided your notice to terminate has been received by your franchisee by the 1st of the month before the next payment is due then the contract will end and you will not be required to pay the next payment.
Where can I buy Monkey Music merchandise? Please go to www.monkeymusic.co.uk/shop
How do I become a Monkey Music franchisee? For more details, please go to https://www.monkeymusic.co.uk/franchise.
What happens at a Monkey Music Birthday Party? See https://www.monkeymusic.co.uk/more-fun for more information.
Do classes just run during term time? Regular classes run during term time. Many areas also run seasonal Holiday Workshops during school holidays.
How many children are in a class? During our transition to classes due to Covid-19, places are limited and will vary from venue to venue. Our maximum capacity is 15 children per class.
Do I have to pay in advance? Yes. After your first complimentary class you reserve your place and you may choose to pay for our regular weekly classes either monthly or termly.
Monthly payments will be due on the 1st of a month for classes booked in that month. Customers joining midway through a month will be charged for the remainder of classes in that month. Customers booking prior to the start of term will be charged for classes in the first month of booking.
Termly payments will be due on the 1st of the month that each term commences. Customers joining midway through a term will be charged on booking for the remainder of classes in that term.
Customers booking prior to the start of term will be charged for the term on the day of booking.
How much does a class cost? Please ask at your local Monkey Music Office.
Can I try a class before I sign up to a course? Yes. You and your child are invited along for a free complimentary class when making an initial booking enquiry.
At what age can my child start Monkey Music? From 3 months old.
How long is a class? Half an hour. Each 30 minute class is a significant step in our progressive curricula. Classes are carefully planned to maximise the attention span of a very young child so that they learn from sharing a rewarding, enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
Are all the teachers musically trained? All Monkey music teachers are specifically trained on delivering the Monkey Music curriculum. Many of them are professional musicians and teachers.
Are the classes different for each age group? Yes. Our curriculum is structured and progressive.
Rock’n'Roll: from 3 months
Heigh-Ho: from 12 months
Jiggety-Jig: 2 + 3 year olds
Ding-Dong: 3 + 4 year olds
Can babies relate to music at such a young age? The ear is the first organ to develop fully in the womb. From five months, an unborn baby can hear the world around them. Early exposure to music encourages babies to develop their musical ear which supports all aspects of early learning and development.
Just as language skills are developed early in life, so is musical talent. Regardless of the level of music aptitude with which children are born, they must have formal and informal experiences in music to maintain that level of potential.

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