By committing to attend classes every week, clients ensure they are receiving the best value for money. For those not able to attend all sessions during the term, we do have a casual session rate. Casual bookings will only be accepted each week if there is availability in the class.

If you and your child cannot make a session, it is important to provide prior notice by calling, texting or emailing ahead of time. This gives us an opportunity to fill your spot with other clients. Where possible, we ask that you give 24hrs notice of non-attendance, although we do understand that this isn't always possible with little ones. Once notice has been provided, we will let you know our availabilities for catch-up sessions. In cases where you have provided prior notice and Small Sounds has no availability to provide a catch-up session, you may be credited the cost of your lesson to the following term's fees. Clients are limited to two catch-up sessions each per term and these must be scheduled within the same term. Catch-up sessions expire at the end of each term. To provide prior notice call or SMS 0474 328 911 or email contact@smallsoundsmusiceducation.com

For clients who enrol for the whole term, Small Sounds will send you an invoice via email. This invoice will contain details for you to make a direct transfer of funds. You may also choose to settle this amount in cash when you attend one of your sessions. For casual classes, we accept cash only. PLEASE NOTE: Currently, we do not have EFTPOS facilities and accept ONLY direct transfer or cash payments.

Music plays a crucial role in your child's development as it encompasses various cognitive, emotional, social and physical benefits. Engaging with music from an early age enhances cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. The rhythmic patterns and melodies stimulate neural connections, promoting brain development. Moreover, music fosters emotional expression, helping children understand and manage their feelings. It also encourages creativity and imagination as they explore different sounds and instruments. Beyond individual development, music provides a social context, promoting teamwork and communication when children participate in group activities like choir or ensemble playing. Many of the movements associated with dance and playing musical instruments are also directly linked to those required for both fine and gross motor skills, as well as reading and writing. Overall, exposure to music enriches your child's holistic development, contributing to intellectual, emotional, and social growth.

While musical training alone may not guarantee increased intelligence, numerous studies suggest a positive correlation between musical education and cognitive development in children. Learning to play an instrument, read music, and engage in musical activities can enhance various cognitive skills, including memory, attention, and spatial-temporal abilities. The discipline and practice required in musical training can also instill valuable life skills such as perseverance and focus. While the concept of becoming "smarter" is multifaceted, the cognitive benefits gained from musical training contribute positively to a child's overall intellectual development, potentially laying a foundation for enhanced academic performance and problem-solving skills.

Yes, musical training has been shown to assist children in developing speech and reading skills. Engaging in activities like singing, rhythm, and learning to play instruments can enhance auditory discrimination and phonological awareness, which are fundamental to language processing. The rhythmic patterns and melodic structures in music can support the development of language skills by reinforcing the ability to distinguish different sounds and syllables. Physical movements used in music, such as moving the arms across the body when playing the drums or violin, promote skills which are essential for reading and writing, such as tracking from left to right across the page. Additionally, the sequential and hierarchical nature of learning music notation may contribute to the improvement of reading and comprehension skills. Thus, musical training can play a valuable role in fostering the auditory and cognitive foundations necessary for successful speech and reading abilities in children.

Engaging your child in music can yield numerous social benefits. Firstly, music fosters a sense of community and teamwork, particularly when children participate in group activities such as school bands or choirs. This collaboration enhances their communication skills and teaches them the importance of working harmoniously with others. Moreover, music often serves as a universal language, facilitating connections with peers who share similar interests. Participating in musical activities can boost your child's self-esteem and confidence as they showcase their talents and receive positive feedback. Additionally, exposure to diverse musical genres can broaden their cultural awareness, encouraging empathy and an appreciation for different perspectives. Overall, incorporating music into your child's life provides a rich social tapestry that contributes to their emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and overall well-being.

Musical experiences play a vital role in promoting your child's physical development on multiple fronts. Engaging in activities like playing instruments, dancing, or even singing involves various motor skills, fostering coordination and fine motor control. For instance, manipulating instruments like drums or playing piano keys requires precise hand-eye coordination, enhancing their dexterity. Moreover, rhythmic activities such as dancing contribute to the development of gross motor skills, balance, and spatial awareness. These physical engagements also stimulate overall sensory integration, supporting the growth of neural connections. Additionally, the joy and energy associated with musical activities can serve as a natural outlet for physical expression, aiding in the release of energy and stress. In essence, incorporating music into your child's routine not only nurtures their artistic inclinations but also provides a dynamic platform for comprehensive physical development. For babies, toddlers and young children who are still in the earlier stages of their development, the physical benefits of musicking are even more advantageous. Some examples of these include; - Some instruments require their musicians to perform cross-body movements, a skill essential to be able to read and write as both hands and eyes must track from left to right across a page. - Children interact with and develop rhythm, a skill that is vital to walking and running. - Toddlers develop an awareness of the hands and feet - that they have two of each which can be operated together or separately to perform both fine and gross motor skills. - Vocal modulation and projection.

Here are six reputable sources, including "The Musical Child" by Joan Koenig, and at least one Australian resource, that discuss the link between music and childhood development: The Musical Child by Joan Koenig A book providing comprehensive insights into the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of musical engagement in early childhood. American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Website: musictherapy.org Offers insights into the therapeutic aspects of music for children, backed by professional expertise and research. National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Website: nafme.org Provides resources and research on the educational benefits of music for children, catering to educators and parents. Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks A book by Oliver Sacks, a renowned neurologist, exploring the profound effects of music on the brain and its neurological implications. Children's Music Network Website: childrensmusic.org A community-driven platform advocating for the positive impact of music on children, offering resources for parents, educators, and musicians. Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Website: austmta.org.au The official website for the Australian Music Therapy Association, providing information on music therapy and its role in child development within an Australian context.

Our classes are 30 minutes long. We like our students to arrive a few minutes early, so that everyone is comfortable and ready by the time class starts. At the end of the session, we allow a few minutes of extra time for the children to play with some of our instruments whilst their parents chat. This is a great opportunity to ask our educators questions or expand your social network.

Per Term = $239.00 (10 x classes @ $23.90) Clients who join part-way through the term pay pro-rata. Casual Sessions = $28.00 each Please note that we accept CASH ONLY in the case and casual lessons are subject to availability.

We share a space with Griffith Tutoring Centre, which is located in the Co-Op Building in Shop12a and 13, Level 1, 130 Banna Avenue, Griffith. You can find us by going up the escalators between Il Corso Restaurant and Best and Less. Also, keep an eye out for pop-up classes in and around Griffith, as we like to get involved in the local community.

Not yet, but watch this space!

At Small Sounds, children participate in a variety of activities designed to promote musical and developmental skills. This includes experimenting with simple musical instruments, singing, dancing, and engaging in movement activities. We also introduce children to basic musical literacy. Our classes are specifically designed to target both fine and gross motor skills, addressing key developmental milestones for children. Additionally, our themed classes are tailored to target skills specific to making music, such as clapping, shaking and rhythm, all while fostering creativity and confidence in every child. During our classes, you can expect exposure to a wide variety of music genres. During our sessions, our student and their parents sing and move to simple children's songs, as well as music from popular culture and across the globe. Each fortnight, our classes focus on a specific skill and music genre using a combination of both new and familiar songs. During our most recent fortnight, children focused on developing their 'shaking' skills using tambourines, bells, shaker eggs and a variety of "home-made" instruments, whilst learning about music belonging to the Flamenco genre.

Yes, they do. All our activities and lesson sequences are designed to target outcomes from the Early Years Learning Framework - the very same outcomes used by daycares and early learning centres across the country. In this way, Small Sounds is helping your child to reach vital physical, emotional and social developmental milestones.