About DO RE MI time:
DO RE MI time is a fun, 45 minute music session for children between the ages of 0 and 3 years of age (and their accompanying grown ups!). Classes are structured and well planned and follow a well established system of teaching based on the Colour Strings and Kodaly approach.
Many of the nursery rhymes in our heritage are out of date, inappropriate, or contain difficult intervals to sing which can strain developing vocal chords and encourage poor quality, out of tune singing. DO RE MI time offers an alternative to this with a huge bank of songs based on the pentatonic scale and well formed rhymes promoting good rhythm and pattern.
The emphasis is on children 'finding their own voice' in order to express themselves through music, at the same time unconsciously learning all the skills needed to make music.
Children learn about musical concepts: high and low, fast and slow, short and long, loud and quiet, sound and silence through songs and rhymes carefully chosen, often with the help of puppets and other props to help with the visualization of concepts.
Many children begin to use their 'solo voice' in time, and will happily sing a solo to a puppet. We often hear our children sing before they can speak - magic moments.
The sessions are run by me, Rachel Greenwood. I'm a violinist and have been teaching music for 20 years. I took my son, then 2, to a Colour Strings class run by local guru Pauline Bishop. She soon became my mentor (and friend!) and has shared her experience and extensive knowledge with me - I am eternally grateful to her and I am keen to continue the good work she started in the Dorchester area.
Some testimonials:
• "I have had 3 children go through DO RE MI time from a few months old and have seen how much they have benefitted from going along. As well as all the music fun they also learned to focus, take turns and other social skills. To see a 4year old eagerly writing his own little tune and then proudly performing it for others was amazing. As they have got older and started instruments they have found it very natural to read and understand music."
Marianne (Joseph's mum)
• A really good high quality music class. Lots of variety in the 45 mins, the children get to listen to different types of music, move around, play instruments and meet Rachel's toys which help her sing, a great introduction, my very busy son has even learned to sit still, join in and has started singing at home which he never wanted to do before this class. Rachel is fab and is so understanding that little people rarely want to sit still for very long so the children really do get the best out of the class.
Louise Harding
• This class is fantastic! My daughter loves going every week and aged 2 can sing in tune and is starting to clap in time. Lots of songs, learning about loud/quiet, fast/slow, dancing, actions and stories. Rachel has the children captivated the whole time. She creates a relaxed environment for parents and children and there is usually a chance for a cuppa after the session.
Hanna Trevorrow
•We really enjoy our DO RE MI time sessions, Rachel is a fantastic teacher and she manages to really capture the children's attention. We enjoy the music and have leant some lovely songs and techniques.
It's a brilliant atmosphere and I've made some lovely friends too.
I would definitely recommend this class.
Mrs Hurford May 2016
•We love coming to DO RE MI time!!! One of the highlights of our week! Every time we walk past the hall Ruth tries to go in, shouting "song!" Georgie O'Donnell May 2016
•This is a fantastic class run by the wonderful Rachel. My daughter loves all the songs and characters involved in the sessions. Each class has a theme and there is some sign language too. Altogether these things make for a truly engaging experience and one my daughter talks about all week! Emily White, May 2017
• Fantastic classes! Tracey G September 2017
• I never got round to emailing you to say how amazing your music classes have been for Rosa, and how much both of us got out of them and enjoyed them.I loved the calm, warm, and focussed atmosphere you create in your sessions-Rosa responded so well to everything you did and loved it all. I really enjoyed singing with Rosa in a completely distraction free environment for a good chunk of time-and I loved also learning lots of new songs that are now firmly part of family life...walking in the rain...walking in the rain....! Basically I'm so happy we came-Rosa has had a really positive singing experience with you and the group and she now sings constantly. She absolutely loves singing. So thank you for all you have done for us, and I hope your groups continue to grow so that loads more kids can have such a brilliant musical start! Ruth Wakefield September 2017
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Where and when?• Classes are held at St Marys
Church Hall, Alexandra Road, Dorchester DT12LZ • On Thursday and Friday mornings during term time • Mixed age 0 - 3 classes are at 9.30 10.30 and 11.30 on Thursdays and 9.30 10.30 and 11.30 on Fridays • Classes last for 45 minutes |
How much?• £5 per session
• Fees are due termly • 10/11 sessions per term • Come for a free taster session (please get in touch first) • 15 % discount for siblings within the same class |