Classes

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Little Minstrels was founded in 2005 by Hamilton musician Kristin Browne.

Little Minstrels is an early childhood music programme developed specifically for use in New Zealand preschools.

The programme reflects the learning stands woven into Te Whariki: the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum. The programme is adaptable for any preschool age and class mix.

The underpinning philosophy of Little Minstrels is that as music is an integral part of human existence: it is the right of every child to have a musical education.

Little Minstrels takes a thematic approach. The current themes are:

  • Summer
  • Matariki
  • Animals
  • Feelings
  • Technology
  • Bears
  • Fire and Ice
  • Peter and the Wolf (instruments of the orchestra) for 4 year olds
  • The Fish of Maui (a musical that can be performed as a concert)

tylerelliotsmallLittle Minstrels educational philosophy utilises an Orff based approach, linking rhythm to the body and finding expression through use of drama and improvisation by breaking material down to the smallest component, making music making accessible to all.

Little Minstrels classes develop lifelong musicians through emphasising:

  • singing as the child’s first instrument through developing listening skills and the ability to sing in tune
  • developing the ability to keep a steady beat
  • developing strong rhythmic skills providing a solid foundation for the acquisition of literacy

Little Minstrels classes contain:

  • original home grown Kiwi music
  • strong links to literacy and numeracy
  • focus on rhythm and the sounds of words
  • focus on the creation of beauty in our music making and giving children the musical vocabulary to make this possible

Little Minstrels classes can cater for up to 30 children. All instruments are supplied.
Classes are 40-45 minutes in length. At the end of each unit Little Minstrels will sum up the learning and provide written links to Te Whariki and musical learning objectives.

To support learning Little Minstrels provides handouts of the rhymes and songs.
Each unit also has a Pinterest board containing YouTube links to music we have listened to, craft activities and other ideas for use at home or in the centre.

Little Minstrels classes are engaging, improve focus, and above all – are FUN!

Please contact for more details including pricing.