At just 8 weeks old our little one received his first party invitation. Monkey Music were celebrating 25 years of bringing music to little ones and we were invited to celebrate with them. Being so tiny, I wondered if it was the right sort of event for us to be attending, but as I read on through the invitation I knew I wanted us to be there, I knew I was going to love it even if he slept through it, it was to take place in Abbott’s Barton Care Home in Winchester.
Widely known as intergenerational care, bringing together the generations at either end of the spectrum is becoming more and more popular, and when you get to experience it first hand you can see why.
The beautiful room at the care home was adorned with balloons and the Monkey Music mats were laid out ready. A table full of instruments and props awaited, as did a large semi circle of chairs which were a welcome addition to the normal set up. The children arrived first, warmly greeted by Paula who knew everyone by name. The children explored the new space, played with the balloons and found their places on the mat. Donning their fabulous Monkey Music tshirts, they were clearly ready for some fun. Then in came the residents, some looking a little apprehensive, others looking keen and eager, pointing at the children as they found their seats, they could tell they were in for a different sort of Thursday afternoon!
I have been lucky enough to attend Monkey Music classes and see Paula work on a number of occasions. Teacher to teacher, we have had numerous conversations about the vital role of music in child development and how lucky we are to have been brought up in musical environments. Having learnt to read music at an early age and having spent hours in Year 2 painstakingly learning the recorder - sorry Mum - Music was ingrained in me and my intention is to ensure my children learn about rhythm, rhyme and musical notation as soon as they can, bringing them that same gift. Paula’s classes allow an entry into that musical world in a safe, fun environment which everyone can access offering them an amazing opportunity. Music is at the heart of everything they do in the class and it’s always an honour to be a part of it.
Each term’s curriculum is thoughtfully planned by the CEO, Angie, who I was lucky enough to meet at the care home. Her passion for what she does was clear and the warmth and creativity that filled the room immediately apparent. It was touching to see her reaction as both the young and old embarked on the musical journey she had created, together.
The music began and the little ones were instantly captivated by Paula, saying hello, waving, dancing, singing, the familiarity of the hello song signals that the class is about to begin. I take a look around at the residents and they are absorbing every single moment, soaking up the magic, living it with the little ones and beaming with joy.
The props and instruments were shared by the young and old, tambourines, colour scarves, autumn leaves, the residents weren’t just there to observe they were there to participate and it was thoroughly enchanting to watch them. Their reaction to the music, to the children, for some it awoke something which had been dormant in them for a time, it awoke memories of a forgotten past and brought it to them into the present. I was fascinated to learn that one of the lovely ladies used to run her own nursery and another had worked closely with children. This was, for them, an emotional journey back to a forgotten time, and they were living in the moment with such joy. Having the opportunity to have been transported back had allowed them to reconnect with themselves in a way they hadn’t for some time and from the smiles on their faces you could tell this had been a real highlight of their week. Waving their arms in the air, copying the little ones, they were having such a good time it was sad that the afternoon had to end.
At the end of the session a beautiful cake was presented and shared with everyone and the children were given party bags and a special book, the perfect finishing touches to the celebrations. Then was the time the true magic began to unfold. Now everyone had shared the music it was time for them to meet properly. Parents guided children towards the residents, to shake hands, give hugs, give a wave or blow a kiss, to smile, laugh and interact with them, with no judgements or worries, just pure moments of getting to know one another, starting at the very beginning. The residents enjoyed talking to the little ones, meeting their cuddly toys, and in one lady’s case even reading stories together as a little boy hopped up onto her lap to show her his new music book.
It was a wonderful way for Monkey Music to celebrate and we were honoured to have been a part of it. Research shows that bringing together these two age groups can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health and well being and after spending just a couple of hours witness this union through musical celebrations I would whole heartedly agree. Everyone asked if the partnership would continue and we are hopeful that although this was the first it won’t be the last time Monkey music visits Abbott’s Barton Care Home.
As Paula puts in herself she is an infectiously enthusiastic teacher, and this is true in every way. Successfully capturing both the young and old in her quest to bring music into everyone’s lives, offering a fabulous start to a lifetime of musical adventures and a timely reminder of music from the past. Weekly classes take place in Winchester, Eastleigh, Southampton, Whiteley and Fareham and we highly recommend you book a free trial to see first hand how fabulous her classes are and how vital early age exposure to music is for your little one.
You may be surprised to discover that the ear is the first organ to fully develop in the womb, and at just 20 weeks the foetus can hear sounds from the outside world. Monkey Music teachers continue to expose children to sounds through songs and instruments which develops the musical ear at an early age, further supporting all aspects of early childhood development.
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