what happens at mainly music?

fun! mainly music is a fun, interactive music session where a child and their parent or care giver can enjoy music, movement, interaction, rhymes, puppets and more. mainly music is a structured session but the focus is on the interaction between parent and child. The amazing factor is the learning that takes place - fine motor skills, gross movement, literacy, numeracy - plus more. The majority of mainly music groups are not lead by qualified music teachers. Why? We're focussing on the interaction between adult and child rather than the learning of music as an art

food! a mainly music session is followed by morning tea and play ... or if you're an adult - morning tea and connection with other adults. This is the chance you can have to recharge your batteries while your child plays.

Our usual 'blurb' about mainly music is ... Started in 1990, mainly music is a fun music group for parents or care givers to enjoy together with their young child. Throughout the morning, children develop gross and fine motor skills, language, imagination, maths and pre-reading skills as well as socialise with others. Each mainly music is associated with and is run by volunteers from a local church. Children are introduced to music, creativity and more, plus families given a chance to think about the God-part of life. Amazing to think that all this can be achieved in a loving, shared family environment

do I need to take anything to a mainly music session?

no, everything is provided for you at the session. However, sometimes a group will stage a theme day when you might be asked to bring your child in gumboots or dressed up. Your local group will give you plenty of notice about this

do I need to put myself on a roster because I am attending the sessions?

no, the mainly music group has a network of volunteers from the local church where they are based. If you want to help in the kitchen, then we are sure the local group will be pleased to have your help!

what age should I start my child at mainly music?

you can start your child from birth! Seriously, if you need to get out of the house - come!!! Once your baby becomes more interested [or even is awake!] during the sessions, bounce your child, swing and sway your child, move their hands to the movements. And once the baby becomes a toddler, they'll be keen to participate

can I start mid-term or mid-quarter?

yes. mainly music is a fun interactive music session - not music classes. So you're not coming in part way into a cirriculum. You can join at any time

what if I miss a week?

that's okay - you have a young child! Routines go upside down, children get sick, mornings just don't happen the way you expected ... so stay at home and don't fret. If you are part of a group who has a closed roll, you will need to phone the contact person if you miss two weeks or more

how much does it cost to attend mainly music?

the cost varies and is set by the local group. You do not pay a 'term' fee so if you miss a week, you're not wasting money that you have prepaid. The aim of a mainly music group is to be as relaxed as possible so you come to enjoy and if you miss a session due to other commitments or sickness, you're not worrying about prepaid money

my child has food allergies - what do I do?

we've instructed all groups to ensure they don't serve peanuts or use peanuts in take home gifts. If your child has an allergy to dairy, wheat or eggs, we'd suggest you check whether the local group already caters for children in this situation. If not, then it's best you take an alternative snack. We know its difficult for children to see others with food they're not allowed - help your child overcome this in preparation for social situations and school. Allergies, as with disabilities, are just one of those things our children have to learn about - life isn't always fair and isn't always going to be fair

videos and cameras at the session - are these allowed?

within reason! We know everyone loves to get those special shots of their child enjoying mainly music. If you have a video camera, please note that music is copyright and therefore filming more than a small portion of a song or rhyme could constitute a breach of copyright. If you are using a video camera or still camera, please make sure you concentrate on your child. And in both cases, please check with the session leader before you start [if the session has started, you'll need to wait until the next week]. Thanks for helping us in this situation