by Clea Friend
…wake up, breakfast at home, out to a café with mum to meet her NCT friends, shopping in
town, snooze in the buggy, trip in the car to pick up big sister from school, tea-time at home,
CBeebies on the TV then bed-time with mobile hanging over me until I drift off to sleep…
Does any of this sound familiar? Some of the above will be included in an average day for babies, and much of it will have a soundtrack of background music, from the radio to music in shops, cafes, and elevators, to singing. The constant sounds and noise are relentless. As a musician, I'm acutely aware of it. People often ask me what I like to listen to; honestly, I cherish silence when I can find it, as it's so hard to come by in city life. However, I couldn't imagine my life without music. When music is controlled, live, refined, and I can give it my attention, there's nothing I enjoy more.
Recitals for Wrigglers aims to introduce children to music through high-quality experiences, so that they appreciate its potential. It's important that young people understand music is created by human beings, and the best of it requires skill, practice, and is fun to make! Science increasingly demonstrates what many of us instinctively know – that music can enhance physical and mental health. From cognitive development and physical rehabilitation to improved mobility and memory recall, music can be beneficial. Exposure to music, or any enjoyable activity, also increases the production of oxytocin, the "love" hormone, which is associated with pro-social behaviours, positive relationships, trust, and bonding. For children, music has been proven to aid learning across the curriculum. For children with challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, musical activities can be powerfully therapeutic.
Interactive music making helps develop communication skills and self-awareness within groups, and facilitates integration and inclusion. At every Recitals for Wrigglers performance, the magic of acoustic music is apparent. Parents and carers who may worry about their children's behaviour or attention span are immediately reassured when they hear the first notes and see their children captivated. One parent said, "They were the quietest they've ever been." The carefully designed environment allows adults and children of all ages to listen, respond, move, and engage with each other nonverbally through shared musical experiences. It's a safe space for expressing emotions like joy, sadness, anger, and confusion, which can be difficult to articulate verbally.
The bond between a baby and older sibling is very touching during these performances. Young babies, who may not yet move independently, can share the musical world with their siblings. The programmes are carefully constructed. Each 35-minute concert includes a 15-minute classical segment, a short story illustrated with music, and a final ten-minute session with interactive instruments and songs and rhymes, keeping the audience engaged. The aim is to convince people that classical music isn't exclusive; it's hoped that young listeners will enjoy all music, including classical, as they grow up.
Looking ahead, Recitals for Wrigglers would like to develop programs for primary school children. Working in partnership with schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas with limited music provision, is a major goal.
Clea Friend MMus MSc PGCE is co-founder of Recitals for Wrigglers and a classically trained musician.
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