The Mish Mash Music Story
Since 2003, Ruth has created and run Mish Mash Music classes by Verulamium Park, St Albans. The vision was to create classes where little ones could join in with live music (guitar, flutes, African drums) to become part of the band. A place where all little ones (whether they were can’t-sit-still little ones, or snuggle-in-your lap little ones) could be free to express themselves and be nurtured to grow creatively. So she took her background as a musician, songwriter and children’s educator to create something different.
Friendly and full of fun, Ruth is an experienced teacher and musician who writes and plays her own brilliant music live. You won’t be able to walk in wellies again without humming along to ‘Welly Boot Wash’ or eat a pot of jelly without breaking into ‘Do My Ears Look Funny’ ever again.
Why Mish Mash Music?
Picture a small friendly group in a lovely room full of African drums and other beautiful percussion, a relaxed teacher playing a great mix of music on guitar, drums and flutes whilst your little one joins in with the action, dancing, shaking, playing and doing heaps of hands on activities designed to captivate and engage children of different ages. Read on to find out what makes Mish Mash special…
*At Mish Mash, your little ones are free to be themselves: to move around, and express themselves
In the classes, little ones are free to move around and explore the environment, interact and make friends with other little ones… they don’t have to sit still on your lap (unless they want to)! This relaxed, supportive environment is something that many parents have told me they have valued over the years of doing Mish Mash. Although babies often love the connection of being on a grown-up’s lap, there will be many stages when that might not work for your little one… they are simply called to explore. MM honours that, because being themselves is one of the ways your child develops skills, confidence and a love of music. I have found that by creating inspiring activities, and a variety of ways for them to be involved in them, the children choose to be involved, because they want to be. A good class and a teacher who cares, inspires music making
Get a peak: Watch some of the class here!
*At Mish Mash, little ones are exposed to a variety of real live music that you’ll want to share with your child.
The world is full of beautiful sounds. I want to support you in encouraging your children to explore and be inspired by the world, and there is a whole world of music out there. Children respond so much more to live music, (which is why I play guitar, flutes, steel pans and drums in the class) and because they get to see where the music is coming from,(a person,like them, not a CD player) they see that they can do it too. To me,Live music Vs CD is like the difference between a TV dinner and a proper meal! (nothing wrong with TV dinners… but I prefer the meal…especially if I don’t have to cook!)
I have been a musician and music facilitator for many years, (playing guitar, African drums, and other instruments) as well as having a background as folk and jazz singer and songwriter. Sharing my passion for making live music is really central to Mish Mash.
*Mish Mash is a place to be part of the orchestra, part of the band!
Mish Mash creates a community of parents, carers and their little ones, sharing in a musical adventure together. The children experience being part of an orchestra of parents and children playing and singing together, accompanied by Ruth’s guitar, drums and voice. Nursery rhymes are part of our heritage, (although when you’ve done the wheels on the bus over twenty times it’s great to have some other fun and funky alternatives). Most children will be exposed to the very traditional songs at playgroups anyway, so Mish Mash allows them to expand their horizons and develop their musicality.
Little ones need to be involved…For babies and toddlers, listening is often a very active process which involves shaking along, dancing, drumming, holding a parachute… These are meaningful are ways of bringing children into the music, letting them feel it in their bodies and their hearts.
*Mish Mash is fun for parents, because you need to enjoy what you do with your children!
Sharing fun experiences with your child is one of the best parts of parenting. That will happen when it’s fun for the both of you and you feel relaxed because: the class is captivating your child (and you don’t have to), and you know that I am relaxed with however your little is feeling at that moment.
*Mish Mash helps make music part of everyday life
Parents have told me that the songs and games they learn at Mish Mash have become part of their everyday life with their children, enriching their lives, and adding a lovely dimension to car journeys, nappy changing, bedtimes and meal times. The songs they learn at Mish Mash have stayed with their children long after they started school.
To help you remember your favourite songs, there are CDs/ downloads to play in the car and at home, to help you reconnect with the classes, and share the songs with grandparents, dads and siblings.
Contact me to try a class, join the waiting list here, or visit our booking page to see if there is space right now in the class you want.
Join us with your little one for wonderful musical adventures in St Albans. Our sessions are designed to inspire passion, creativity and a lifelong love of music.
