Little Stars

“Early years settings and schools should start from the premise that all children are musicians – embracing music in their provision, sparking children’s musical curiosity and developing their ability and interest.” – The power of music to change lives – A National Plan for Music Education, June 2022

NMPAT has been running classes for children under five for over 25 years, and the new National Plan recognizing the importance of these earliest years, is warmly welcomed.  Little Stars is the name given to the NMPAT department which provides opportunities for children aged 0 to seven years old.

Every child is born with musical ability and our classes aim to develop their interests, skills and knowledge.  Musical experiences in the first few years of childhood are important for future development, building, amongst other things, their sense of fun, language and listening skills, physical co-ordination and personal, social and emotional growth. Music is an essential part of being human.

‘Little Stars’ music classes take place at NMPAT on the Kettering Road in Northampton, and at Saturday Centres across the county.  Classes at Kettering Road are 45 minutes long and are well-planned and inclusive – a mix of noticing and building on what children can already do, and adding in new ideas, skills and concepts, all practised over time through singing, movement and use of appropriate percussion instruments and sound makers.  The child, and having fun together, is at the heart of all ‘Little Stars’ provision.

Families are welcome to try a session before committing to paying for a whole term.   Details on subscriptions costs, how to make a payment, and the financial support that may be available for families in need, can all be found on our payments page.

This class is for babies up to around 9 months and offers a general introduction to the pleasures of music-making with your baby, using songs, rhymes and activities which can also be enjoyed at home.

Babies experience the comforting sensation of their mother’s heartbeat whilst in the womb and from birth, find security in rhythm as they are rocked, patted and bounced, building the bond between parent and child.  The classes offer a multi-sensory experience using touch, sight, smell and sound as babies explore their musical environment.

If you are interested in a class for babies under 9 months old, please email office@nmpat.co.uk

There is no group running currently, but if there is enough interest, it may be possible to re-start this class.

This class is for children aged approximately 9 months to 3 years old, to attend with their adult.

Time for children to socialise and develop communication and language skills while exploring the musical elements through songs and rhymes, movement, props, sound makers and percussion instruments, all with their grown-up.

Children may wander or sit, be fearless or cautious – the class leaders understand and enjoy children participating in music making in different ways.

Do come and try a free session. Classes have a maximum number of 10 children.

Groups are currently running on Monday mornings, during term time.  To register for September 2023, please use this link: https://bit.ly/LittleStars2324

A class for children aged 3 to 5 years old (Pre-school and Reception year)

Investigate the elements of music (pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre) and develop skills, knowledge and confidence through singing, movement and exploring sound makers and instruments.  The teachers notice, value and build on what the children can already do.  Puppets and other props add to the fun and games and, as appropriate, the idea of representing sound through graphic notation is introduced.

This is an independent class and once the child is settled, their adult is asked to sit in a nearby waiting area (wifi code available, as well as toys and books for any waiting siblings).

Come and try a free session.  Groups are currently running on Mondays, after school, during term time.  To register for September 2023, please use this link: https://bit.ly/LittleStars2324

A class for children aged 5 to 7 years old (Year 1 and Year 2)

Continue to develop skills and knowledge relating to the elements of music (pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre) including introduction to reading and writing simple musical notation, through singing, movement, and playing sound makers and instruments.  Puppets and other props add to the fun and games!  Activities help children to further develop self-confidence and perseverance, whilst making friends and continuing their musical journey.

This is an independent class and once the child is settled, their adult is asked to sit in a nearby waiting area (wifi code available, as well as toys and books for any waiting siblings).

Come and try a free session.  Groups are currently running on Mondays, after school, during term time.  To register for September 2023, please use this link: https://bit.ly/LittleStars2324

We are currently running a class for children, aged 6-8 years old, wishing to incorporate string playing into their early music development.  The sessions are designed to build confidence in the language of music, start to read stave notation, gain ensemble skills and to develop their musical understanding using small string instruments, which will be provided.

We may be able to offer an additional class, for children aged 4 to 6 years old (Reception and Year 1), if there is sufficient interest.  Please indicate on the online form if this is something you would be interested in.

This is an independent class and, once the child is settled, their adult is asked to sit in a nearby waiting area (wifi code available, as well as toys and books for any waiting siblings).

Come and try a free session.  Groups are currently running on Tuesday, after school, during term time.  To register for September 2023, please use this link: https://bit.ly/StringStars2324

Recorder Club is available to Year 3 children wishing to incorporate instrumental playing into their music development.  The sessions are designed to build confidence in the language of music, start to read stave notation, gain ensemble skills and to develop students’ musical understanding using the most accessible of instruments, the recorder.  Instruments can be provided, as well as purchase advice for those wishing to buy their own.

This is an independent class and, once the child is settled, their adult is asked to sit in a nearby waiting area (wifi code available, as well as toys and books for any waiting siblings).

Come and try a free session.  Groups are currently running on Thursday, after school, during term time.  To register for September 2023, please use this link: https://bit.ly/Y3Recorders2324

NMPAT offer:

  • the longest running early years classes in Northamptonshire, established for more than 2 decades, hosted in the home of the Northamptonshire County Youth Orchestra
  • a committed team of trained Early Years teachers
  • free on-site car parking
  • level access and accessible toilets
  • baby changing facilities
  • dedicated classrooms well-equipped with appropriate percussion instruments, props and sound makers
  • age and activity appropriate group sizes
  • large waiting area with toys, books and free wifi
  • we are an inclusive organization; keen to discuss accommodating participants with additional needs

And beyond ‘Little Stars’ … built in progression routes including instrumental lessons, composing and performing opportunities – something for everyone including orchestras, jazz and rock bands, wind bands, string ensembles, brass bands, choirs, drama opportunities and much more!

Saturday Music and Arts Centres

Brackley and Cheney
Corby
Daventry
Duston (Northampton)
Holloway (Northampton)
Kettering
Nene Valley (Oundle)
Queens Cross (Northampton)
Towcester
Wellingborough
Y-Not Arts
Youth Theatre
Contemporary