I started dancing and singing at the age of 3 and was lucky enough when I was 16, to attend Bird College in South East London for three years where I studied all aspects of dance, musical theatre, singing and drama.

After college, I performed the Can-Can in Cophenhagen, danced at huge festivals with a techno band in Europe and sang pop in pubs and clubs throughout the UK as well as teaching contemporay, jazz and singing in a local theatre school.

When I had my girls, Matilda and then, two years later, Edith, I looked for a music class for them as soon as I could.

Monkey Music was running baby, toddler and preschooler classes in my local area and I could see straight away how wonderful they were with the singing, movement, colourful props, percussion instruments and sensory activities all led by a warm, friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining teacher.

Both of my girls took part in all 4 levels; Rock'n'Roll, Heigh-Ho, Jiggety-Jig and Ding-Dong before starting school and the benefits to their development were clear. 

Music classes help babies with fine and gross motor skills, they practise following sound and colour with their eyes which is really important for their vision and to encourage them to first reach out to something they are interested in and then to move towards it. 

They learn to feel and hear rhythms, familiar songs encourage them to copy with their voices and they experience all the comfort and reassurance they need by spending precious time with an attentive and loving grown up. 

As they graduate to the next stage of our progressive curricula, their confidence grows as they discover that they can hold an instrument, play along, move with the music and copy actions like clapping, peek-a-boo, reaching up high and touching their toes. 

Our older children develop awareness of the world around them with pretending games, their musical skills grow and they can play different percussion instruments one at a time following the instructions of their teacher. 

In their final year with us, the children astound us every time with their ability to remember details about instruments of the symphony orchestra, they are confident percussion musicians playing loudly, quietly, fast and slow and reading notated instructions telling them which instruments to play and how their rhythms will sound.  They can sit and listen, work with their friends and use their voice in front of other people.  Your child's Reception teacher will definitely thank you for sending your child to Monkey Music!

For Matilda, Edith and I, every class was fun for the children and adults too, and of course, being a new mum, it was important for me to have something to get up, dressed and out for, where I could meet new friends for me and the girls.

Monkey Music gives babies, toddlers and preschool children with their carer the chance to make sound and rhythm as part of a group which is something us humans have been doing for thousands of years.  Sitting in a circle and joining in with our voices is a sure-fire way to make us feel warm, fuzzy and happy and gives us a sense of belonging.  Rather like being part of a lovely Family Choir!   We encourage carers to sing to their children whenever they can, (even if  you don't think you are a good singer!),  because singing has been proven to release "Happy Hormones" and make us feel good.

When I heard that a new teacher was needed in my area, I just had to apply and I have absolutely loved singing, moving, joining in and having the best times with families for the past few years.  

Now I am managing all local classes I am passionate about sharing our four, age specific classes that have been carefully crafted to be absolutely perfect for each stage of your preschool child's journey.

As well as our weekly classes, Monkey Music Members get to access music, colouring, games, competitions, discount vouchers and activities through the Little Monkey Club area of our website.  If you Opt In to receive marketing emails, we will also be able to let you know about our exciting Holiday Workshops, Birthday Parties, Weekend Sessions and any other important Monkey Related News.

I and the lovely teachers who work with me would love to welcome you into class soon, so please do click the link to register your details and choose which class you would like to come to for your COMPLIMENTARY class.

Monkey and his little friend Mo can't wait to meet you.