The Muse Community Music Trust

In a time of increasing global conflict and nuclear risks, join in us in remembering the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This year marks 81 years since those horrific events, on August 6th (Hiroshima), and August 9th (Nagasaki). We will gather at the World Peace Bell in the Botanic Gardens in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Sunday, August 9th, 11:00-11:45am, to remember the more than 200,000 lives lost, and honour the survivors' (hibakusha) call for the urgent need for disarmament in our world. There will be speeches, music, and reflections. All welcome.

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