My name is Kate and I am delighted to be offering the Nationally Acclaimed, Monkey Music classes for babies and toddlers in the Mid and North Bedfordshire area. My background is in Musical Theatre & Drama and am also a classically trained Opera Singer.

Music has always been an important part of my life from childhood to current day. From learning the Recorder, Violin and Flute at school I also began to focus on my singing which led to me being selected for the Hertfordshire County Youth Choir. At the end of my sixth form education, I gained hands on experience when I took a year out to work at a school for children with learning difficulties as a classroom assistant. This included the use of music for both sensory and development of children with special needs. My education continued when I went to university where my focus was upon performance, acting and vocal technique, I graduated with a BA Joint Honours degree in Musical Theatre and Drama.

Since university I have continued to focus my training upon opera, vocal training and performance technique and have performed professionally with Dorset Opera and I sing regularly with Chelsea Opera and Herts Opera.

In parallel I combined my interests in the world of theatre where I was the Front of House manager at The Radlett Centre in Hertfordshire. 

When I discovered Monkey Music and the opportunities it offered myself personally it seemed the perfect match for me to use my skills as a manager and as a performer to provide a wonderful resource to pre-school children in Bedfordshire.

Watching how Monkey Music classes nurtured early development skills (Social, Language and Physical) in pre-school children through exploring and playing music was one of the main reasons why I wanted to be a part of this special “Monkey Music Family.” It is and will always be a privilege to create a very magical and musical environment to watch the parent and child relationship grow before me.

What sets Monkey Music apart from all other pre-school activities, is that just like school, it works on a structured curriculum which even at 3+ months of age, your baby embarks upon a musical journey that prepares and builds a foundation for them as they grow into young children and start full-time education.

It is wonderful to watch young babies start their musical journey, being captivated by singing and activities right through to making music on their own. The classes are full of beaming little faces, lots of smiles, fun and laughter and is a family gathering for Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Carers.

Initially, my classes are based in Woburn Sands, Great Denham and Olney. However, it is my intention to open further classes throughout the region, so please get in touch if you have an interest in what Monkey Music can offer your child. 

Where to go?                                 

On Mondays, our Great Denham Community Hall venue is in the heart of Great Denham, Bedfordshire by the small parade of shops which includes a family run coffee shop which is perfect for a cup of coffee with Monkey Music friends after class.

On Wednesday, our Olney Venue is The Olney Centre which is on the High Street in the Market town of Olney. Olney has easy access to the M1 at junction 14, it is a popular tourist destination, perhaps best known for the Olney Pancake Race. Nearby attractions to the venue includes small specialists shops, coffee houses, restaurants including the Olney Pancake House where Monkey Music customers have 10% discount on a Wednesday on all food and Drink after the class.

On Friday, our classes take place at Frosts Garden Centre in Woburn Sands. Frosts Garden Centre is a smart, family -owned Garden Centre with homewares, gifts and a wonderful restaurant. There is a large onsite car park and access to the venue is very good.  Throughout the year Frosts also runs adult and children events throughout the year, the Santa’s grotto is a highlight of the year for children. 

What happens in class?

Monkey Music classes are delivered in a safe and secure environment with an emphasis on having fun. Each class is tailor made and designed to cover four specific age groups: -

Rock ‘n’ Roll (3+ months to 1 year)

Heigh-Ho (from 12 months)

Jiggety-Jig (2-3 years)

Ding-Dong (3 -4 years).

Within each class, elements of listening, learning, playing, singing, moving, dancing are incorporated into the songs to provide an exciting variety of children’s music activities. The songs are based around the theme of our lovely Monkey and Mo, teaching your child topics, such as; animals, weather, colours, instruments rhythms and seasonal celebrations all delivered within a structured curriculum. 

Everyone is welcome- Mum’s, Dad’s, Grandmas and Granddads, Aunts, Uncles, child minders and nannies, all bring their little ones to class. Whether you are musical or not, come along to the classes, join in with the songs, activities and see your little one in action.

If you have any questions, then please contact me at any time. I look forward to meeting you and your “Little Monkey’s” to start their journey of …Nurturing a Lifetime of music