MUSIC MONDAYS
Live sounds, learning through rhythm, and joyful noise-making with our tamariki
There’s a new kind of energy in the centre every Monday. A ripple of excitement. Curious eyes peeking around corners. And the unmistakable sounds of music on its way, the clatter of instrument cases, a few warm up notes, and the joyful chatter that comes when something special is about to begin.
We’ve started something really special here at Sugartree Lane. It’s called Music Mondays, and it’s all thanks to Jonathan Cohen, our very own resident musician and the principal clarinetist for the Auckland Philharmonia. Each week, Jonathan is inviting guest musicians to come and play live for our tamariki.
Last week, the incredibly talented Luca Manghi visited us with his flute. The children got to hear a little bit of Beethoven, then marched and giggled along to a classic favourite, The Ants Go Marching. We explored loud and soft sounds (forte and piano) and watched how music can move not just through the room, but through us too.
These sessions aren’t just about listening. They’re about noticing and responding, about building curiosity and confidence. Children are feeling the vibrations of different instruments, moving their bodies in time, and learning more about music.
Music Mondays beautifully support several strands of Te Whāriki, especially Communication | Mana Reo. Through music, our tamariki are learning to interpret sound, recognise rhythm and tempo, and express themselves in new and joyful ways. We also see links to Contribution | Mana Tangata, as the children explore turn-taking, and shared enjoyment during group songs and musical games.
As parents and whānau, you might already know that music has huge benefits for early development. It helps grow memory, coordination, and language, but more than that, it builds a sense of connection. To each other. To culture. To something bigger than ourselves.
So if you hear your child humming a tune you don’t quite recognise, or dramatically whispering “piano” before shouting “forte!”, you’ll know why.
We’re so proud to offer this kind of experience at Sugartree Lane Preschool. It's not just about teaching music. It’s about sharing moments, sparking curiosity, and nurturing the creativity in every child.
