Fun, music and movement for little movers and shakers

Hayley McBride & Frodo

Frodo the Fox!

Music has always been there.  Mum singing, Dad's old record player (remember those?!), carpet pulled back, dancing all night.  Superb memories.  My father, who travelled extensively, told me, 'Music is an international language. Never lose it'.  How right he was.  We always had a variety of instruments around the house, and soon I was singing in my big brother's band in local pubs and clubs.

I first experienced PRESMA when I moved to Norwich four years ago.  My eldest daughter (four at the time, and always one to be 'on show') revelled in the opportunity to experiment with a delightful array of 'props' and percussion instruments.  Wonderfully and oh, so gently, I could see Scarlet was gaining the basic social and emotional skills to help her enter her new social circle with confidence.  She began a new school, in a new city, happily and with a few new friends she had made through her class.  For myself, I also gained the friendship of like-minded people through PRESMA.  Suddenly, moving from my home town was not so bad after all!

My youngest daughter began PRESMA when she was 18 months old.  Poppy had been the quieter of my two daughters.  Not now! I found PRESMA strengthened her confidence, whilst (amazingly!) she even 'took turns' in class.  I was discovering the fundamental lessons we learn from music and I loved the gentle ways PRESMA enforced this.  I became very interested.

It was around this time a good friend on the PRESMA committee suggested I became a teacher.  Having no official training, I was rather nervous.  However, after talking to other PRESMA teachers and attending a brilliant PRESMA training day, I left feeling inspired, excited and confident enough to begin a class the following week.  I decided to take the wonders I had found to friends and family in my home town.  This was last May and I began my first group in Lowestoft.  Demand was high as there had been no Pre-School Music here before, and by October I was running four classes.

I have never had such a warm, sunny feeling as I experience in a PRESMA class.  Watching as each child gains confidence, ability and enjoyment makes me beam each day.  I nod as mothers tell me how 'little Johnny was so quiet and shy, but now loves to sing for Grandma and plays happily with Jack next door.'  Yes, that was my little one, too.  I hope to keep learning, along with the children.

I would like to pass on the message my father gave his children.  Enjoy music and never be afraid to play, sing or dance, no matter what your ability.  PRESMA has helped me reinforce this.  Your children will never judge your voice.  For them it is magical, it is security, it is love.  Enjoy together.

Thank you PRESMA, for such a magical gift.