The Muse Community Music Trust

Sounds like a book we need to order! https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2026/05/07/alison-talmage-graduation-therapeutic-choirs.html

Sharing the brain-healing power of song – University of Auckland A handbook on therapeutic choirs for people with brain conditions has been created by Dr Alison Talmage, a new graduate from the University of Auckland.

For those who live out west, we recommend these classes from our friends at the CSM for anyone who wants their children to develop skills along with a lifelong love of music. CSM also has Saturday morning classes. If you are on the Eastside, our Tuesday afternoon class in New Brighton is still taking new students. (Age 5-8). Our Beckenham class is open to children age 8 and over or younger if they have had previous experience. See our website themuse.org.nz/children

Children's Music Classes in Selwyn

Christchurch School of Music, Te Kura Puoro is very excited to bring its highly regarded children's music classes to Selwyn. Starting on Monday 18 May at the Lincoln Events Centre, there will be two classes - one for 2-4 year olds at 1.45pm and one for 5-8 year olds at 3.30pm in the Lincoln Events Centre. These classes are based on the Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly approaches to music education and they will be fun, engaging and educational.The preschoolers will move, sing, play and create with the best resources possible and the school age children will participate in singing games, instrumental work, basic music reading and rhythm activities. In Term 2 there will be 6 classes for the preschoolers at a cost of $72 and for the school aged children 5 sessions at a cost of $60 (due to unavailability of the venue after 3 on the 29th June). Book your space now by filling in this google form or emailing [email protected]
https://docs.google.com/.../1pz5T0kioE1qRw3.../edi

People out west, this sounds good

Introducing a brand new adult pop choir from our Templeton venue!! The Elite Collective is a much loved choir group formed in Rolleston in 2023. After a short break we'd love to reignite our love for singing, performing and having a good old belly laugh in this social, laid back pop choir. We meet once a fortnight at our studio in Innovation Park and 2026 marks a BRAND NEW start for BRAND NEW members. Why not come along and find out more this Monday 4th May. A great excuse to get out, let your hair down, meet new friends and have a good sing! Looking forward to seeing you there! 💃🎤

This!

A pilot programme in music therapy has shown measurable benefits for both teen parents and their tamariki in Wairarapa.

Trialled at Masterton’s Puawānanga teen parent unit in term 4 last year, the programme set out to see if starting a school day with big smiles, world music, waiata and dancing could improve learning for parents and their babies.

For the programme’s creator, Pip Algie, it was all about helping young parents to find a little joy amid the headwinds of parenthood, and to learn strategies around positive parenting through musical play.

Being the focus of so much creative attention had a notable effect on the young tamariki in the pilot, who were more settled and relaxed at childcare after one of Pip’s sessions.

Anonymised feedback from ākonga themselves has also been positive: “I like seeing all the kids happy. I feel peaceful,” or “I feel happy and part of a family.”

WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY?
A clinical practice that uses music to support a person’s physical, emotional, cognitive and social wellbeing.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE
This story is from the latest Education Gazette. Read the article online: https://bit.ly/48i3RS8

We have news! We are doing a tweak of our Drumming and Dance classes, to help build our community and better cater for all levels. Please help us spread the word. It's not too late to book for term two! https://themuse.org.nz/drumming/

Starting this term in New Brighton!
Music Foundations, a programme where children develop essential musical skills through structured musical play.

Through singing, group music-making, and playful games, children build musical skills, confidence, music literacy and a strong foundation for learning any instrument.

📅 Term Two: April 21 - June 30 ⏰ 3.45pm – 4.30pm

📍 The Bridge Community Centre, 51 Bridge Street, South Brighton

Term fee: $140 (scholarships available)

Run by The Muse Community Music Trust with tutor Nikki Berry, experienced Kodály practitioner.

Questions? 📧 [email protected]
| 📞 0800TheMuse (0800 843 687)

Read more about our programme at: 🌐 themuse.org.nz/children

Structured musical play – where learning is seriously fun!

We are excited to be launching the Keepsake Singers this term, starting Thursday, the 23rd of April. Ideal for anyone who loves to sing old favourite songs, in a musically satisfying setting, without pressure. Come try it out. All welcome. Bookings helpful: themuse.org.nz/keepsake

Please help us spread the word! Coming to New Brighton!

We’re excited to introduce Music Foundations, a programme where children develop essential musical skills through structured musical play.

Through singing, group music-making, and playful games, children build musical skills, confidence, music literacy and a strong foundation for learning any instrument.

📅 Free introductory session: 24th March ⏰ 3.45pm – 4.30pm
📍 The Bridge Community Centre, 51 Bridge Street, South Brighton

Weekly classes start next term. Term fee: $140 (scholarships available)

Run by The Muse Community Music Trust with tutor Nikki Berry, experienced Kodály practitioner.

Questions? 📧 [email protected]
| 📞 0800TheMuse (0800 843 687)
Read more about our programme at: 🌐 themuse.org.nz/children

Structured musical play – learning is seriously fun!

We are launching a new singing group, for older adults seeking a relaxing, low stress singing experience. Great for those with memory loss, or anyone who wants to just sing for the joy of it.
Thursdays, 1.00pm - 2.30pm at The Multicultural Centre, 455 Hagley Avenue. (The old netball centre). Koha. Bookings essential while we get this off the ground. Phone 0800 THE MUSE or
See link to book in comments.

If you know anyone who thinks they can't sing, or has been given a hard time about their singing, please let them know about this opportunity to Reclaim Their Voice! The taster on 20th February is perfect for those who just want to dip their toes in without having to sign up for the whole weekend. See first comment for booking link and please add the link as a comment if you share. (Apparently this his stops FB from burying it)