About the classes

Songplay musicianship classes are suitable for anyone who wants more music in their lives, whether they are learning an instrument or plan to do so in the future, or just want to have some fun singing with others. At present classes are offered for children in reception to year 3. The class is designed to give children a thorough grounding in musical skills, in an engaging and enjoyable way. Children learn best when they are having fun. Each session is 40 minutes long and will include singing, games, and a dynamic curriculum of activities that develop rhythm, pulse, pitch awareness, coordination, active listening, and the rudiments of music notation. 

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Meet the teacher

Songplay classes are led by Mercedes Cartwright, experienced educator and local mum. Mercedes trained as a classical double bassist at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and has been teaching on the beginner string programme at the Royal Academy of Music since 2009. Mercedes is a firm believer in the benefits of regular singing, and the importance of a quality musical education.

 

Timetable

Thursdays

4 – 4:40 Reception and Year 1

4:45 – 5:25 Year 2 and 3

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Venue information

The class takes place in St Denys Church Hall. There is parking onsite as well as on-street parking. The number 20 bus stops right outside the church.

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Booking information

Please book the class for the school year group that your child will/would be in, regardless of their musical experience. The class is designed to accommodate children with differing abilities and levels of experience, and the curriculum is continuously monitored and adapted to reflect the needs and interests of the children.

 

Songplay classes can only be booked per term. This is because of the cumulative nature of the curriculum. Parents and carers who make enquiries after the start of term will be offered a place on the waiting list for the following term.

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Please get in contact if you have any questions about the programme, or would like to book a taster session. 

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There will be a maximum of 15 children in each class.

 

Info for participants

Please arrive 5 minutes early so that the class can begin at the published start time. There is a toilet available at the venue.

Parents will not generally be present for the class, unless a child really needs them to be, at the discretion of the teacher.

The last lesson of term will be an open lesson, where families of participants are invited to come and see what we have been doing in class.

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Term Dates

Autumn 2024

19 Sept, 26 Sept, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 

7 Nov, 14 Nov, 21 Nov, 28 Nov, 5 Dec (Open lesson)

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Spring 2025

9 Jan, 16 Jan, 23 Jan, 30 Jan, 6 Feb, 13 Feb, 

27 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 27 Mar (Open lesson)

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