Early-childhood musicianship classes in East Dulwich for children aged approximately 18 months to five years, accompanied by a parent or carer.
Music Play gives young children time to listen, move, sing, explore and become increasingly independent musical thinkers. The classes are grounded in Edwin Gordon’s Music Learning Theory and are designed to nurture audiation—the ability to hear and understand music inwardly.
Classes are particularly suited to families who have previously attended my baby signing classes, but new families are also welcome to enquire.
What happens in a Music Play class?
Children encounter a rich and varied musical vocabulary through:
- songs and chants in varied tonalities and metres;
- flowing, playful and purposeful movement;
- tonal and rhythm patterns;
- repetition with enough variation to keep listening active;
- opportunities to respond, initiate and create when they are ready.
The emphasis is on developing musical understanding through experience. Children hear and participate in music before they are asked to explain it or represent it through notation.
How children participate
Young children learn in different ways and at different rates. There is no requirement to copy every action, sing on demand or participate in one prescribed way. A child may listen closely before joining in, move independently, watch for a time or contribute with growing confidence as the class becomes familiar.
Familiar songs and chants return across the term. As children become secure in the class, adults are encouraged to step back gradually so that children can take a more active musical role when they choose.
The parent or carer’s role
Parents and carers take part alongside their children. You do not need any previous musical experience—only a willingness to listen, move, sing and try. You will also learn songs, chants and ways of playing musically that can continue naturally at home.
Children remain the responsibility of their accompanying adult throughout the session. Younger siblings are welcome without an additional charge if you are able to manage both children. Older siblings may find the class less suitable because it is planned for younger children; if attendance is essential, please bring a quiet activity for them.
Grounded in Music Learning Theory
Edwin E. Gordon’s Music Learning Theory examines how people learn music and places audiation at the centre of musical development. The early years provide an important period of musical acculturation: children benefit from hearing and engaging with a wide range of tonalities, metres, timbres and expressive movement before formal music instruction begins.
I hold Gordon Institute for Music Learning PDLC Level 1 qualifications in both Early Childhood Music and Piano. I also spent a month in the United States in summer 2025 undertaking further Music Learning Theory study.
Current class details
- Day and time: Mondays, 9.20–9.55 a.m.
- Venue: Goose Green Community Centre, 62a East Dulwich Road, London SE22
- Autumn 2026 term: Monday 14 September to Monday 7 December
- Half-term break: no classes on Monday 19 or Monday 26 October
- Term fee: £110
Places are limited. The term may be paid for in full or by instalments; choosing instalments still reserves and commits you to the complete term. If you do not already know me, please email me before booking so that we can make sure the class is suitable for your child.
Musicianship with Trish 