I often watch & admire the way in which children sing and dance with complete innocence and lack of inhibition. I can't help but wonder what causes some of us lose our performance freedom along the way. At what age does this happen, why do we become self conscious and overly concerned about the opinions of others? I really wish I could enjoy my love of singing and dancing without being worried about what other people are thinking, but the undeniable fact is, I have no rhythm and am very close to being completely tone deaf, so maybe that has something to do with not wanting to perform in front of an audience!!!

However, this does not stop me from singing to and around my children & husband. I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy singing or moving to music, my kids, especially my 3.5 y/o boy is no exception and he has an amazing memory for lyrics. He'll spontaneously start singing a song he's only heard once, two weeks ago, but mostly he enjoys singing theme songs like Spiderman & The Hulk, his favourite is the Toy Story song!

Recently my husband and I started learning the guitar, he played just after high school and much of it is coming back to him, I on the other hand have never played any musical instrument. I love it and find the satisfaction of hearing something that sounds like a twangy mess turn into something that sounds remotely like a song, well worth the challenge.

Our son loves our guitars, wants to play them all the time and has now taken to playing air guitar when singing his favourite songs. As things usually happen for a reason (and just when you need them to) I met Ainslie, the owner and director of Little Stars Early Music Education at our local park a few months ago. She seemed extremely passionate about her role as a music teacher and after reading about her musical life on the Little Stars website it was very clear that Ainslie is one of 'those' people - talented! I can't think of a better person to teach our children how music 'should' sound!

I feel it's important that the kids get proper guidance and education in a warm and friendly environment from an early age, obviously without pressure, but in a place that nurtures their love for something and if it's within you, then it's able to flourish. If music is something they would like to pursue at any stage the Little Stars classes will help build a solid foundation. It becomes quite apparent though, why I would be self-conscious about my singing abilities when I hear the teachers in our music class. They have beautiful voices and create a place where my children feel confident to leave my side, cross the room and sit on a strangers lap to play the xylophone or bang the drum!  

This 'blog' section of Jellyfish Connection is here to share my experiences (highs & lows!) as a parent & hopefully others feel comfortable to do the same, it's not here to advertise or 'plug' any particular product or business, but if i find something I love, it's a natural thing to want to tell everybody about it. So, if you're interested in participating in a music class with your baby or toddler, contact Ainslie through the little stars website by clicking on the logo above.

Here's some pics from this weeks class........

See more in the Photo Gallery