Julie Church & Daisy Dolly

I play clarinet and piano and completed my training to become a Presma teacher in 2001. However, our programme of professional development is on-going and I’m still always learning! My introduction to Presma was when I attended Presma classes with all three of my daughters (now teenagers!) and the classes were a huge part of their, and our, pre-school lives.

I am passionate about giving children the opportunity to make music. At Presma classes children can not only make their own music but do so within a gentle, supportive and, most importantly, fun environment. Of course, the educational benefits of making music in the early years are well documented but children benefit so much more in every way.

Active involvement in music has huge benefits for babies and children. Of course, children enjoy listening to music but the real benefits come from making music. When children feel a sense of ownership and have creative input they learn more quickly. The key word here is “active”.  Children will, of course, enjoy listening to pre-recorded music but they will be getting far more benefit by making their own music. You wouldn’t expect a child to enjoy looking at a beautifully painted picture for hours on end – every parent knows the enjoyment experienced and the skills acquired by allowing a child to experiment with a paint brush and several pots of paint! When the painting is finished we all know what pride a child takes in it – because they have ownership of it. The same applies to music. 

I currently teach 12 Presma groups each week in Attleborough, Wymondham, Norwich, Mulbarton and Poringland. 

Testimonials

 “Julie is a great teacher. She is fun and confident. She always picks up on the mood of the group really well – if the children are shy, noisy or unsure. There is always a mix of old and new songs – we really like the marching band!”

 “I have been coming to Julie’s music class for nearly a year now. My four year old daughter, Emma, has always enjoyed the classes and has over time become more confident to actively participate. My youngest daughter, Eden, was 8 months when she started: she was absolutely fascinated from the start. Now she is at an age where she is joining in. It is wonderful to see her progress every week. As a parent, I admire the way Julie manages to involve all children of all ages and to make it a fun experience for every single child.”

 “My one year old daughter absolutely loves Julie’s class. She gets excited when I say it’s time to see Julie. Julie is a wonderful musician and is so good at engaging the children. There is a perfect mix of repeated activities and new ones to keep everyone interested. Her class is one of the highlights of our week!”

You can get in touch with me by email at juliec@presma.org