Baby music class strikes a chord with the community in Dundee

A free weekly music class for pre-school children is hitting all the right notes for families in Dundee.

Baby Noise, run by Big Noise Douglas, is a play-orientated music session aimed at children aged up to three years old.

It helps them to engage with music and develop early cognitive skills in a safe space.

Furthermore, the drop-in sessions allow parents and carers to meet other families in the community.

Classes feature songs, nursery rhymes, instrument play, movement games, and live and recorded music.

The sessions at Douglas Community Centre also develop early social skills such as choosing, taking turns, and playing together.

It is part of the range of free musical activities offered in Douglas by the charity Sistema Scotland through its Big Noise programme, which is designed to empower the community and help children and young people reach their potential through music and nurturing relationships.

Conor Keir, who goes to the sessions with with his six-month-old daughter, said: “Pearl really loves listening to songs and she loves the movements that go along with them.

“Her favourite part of Baby Noise is listening to live music and instruments. Every week we hear the violin, and she is absolutely enthralled with it.

“It’s really wonderful to see. I really love the sense of community you get with Baby Noise.

“I work and my wife takes maternity leave so this is my one day a week with Pearl – I get to meet other parents when I wouldn’t usually.

“It’s great talking with them about how Pearl’s developing, and how their kids are developing and about how the kids are hitting the milestones – and having someone to talk through any issues we’re having as well.”

Big Noise Douglas Head of Centre, Andy Thorn, said: “Baby Noise is a wonderful way for under fives to discover the joy and magic of music with their parents or carers.

Music has been shown to be a great way to help babies and toddlers with their motor skills as well as their cognitive abilities – and it is a lot of fun as well.

“We know that it can be lonely and sometimes challenging to manage at home with young children, so we love welcoming families along and seeing friendships and supports develop.

“It is another way that we are here for the communities we are part of, and we would be delighted to welcome new people along.”