Little monkeys 

A children’s music group that is popular with Belgravia mums is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Monkey Music, which offers pre-school music classes for children aged from three months to three years old, takes place at St Michael’s church in Chester Square twice a week.

Music classes involve both children and parents with a combination of upbeat songs, percussion instruments, dance and movement. Classes are supported by an array of toys and props.

Professional violinist Jayne Harris, who runs Monkey Music, said: “Early exposure to singing, listening and playing music are invaluable to a child’s early development. At Monkey Music we are so busy having fun that no one notices the tremendous educational benefits.”

According to Ms Harris, these include refined motor skills through playing handheld percussion instruments, and language and numerical skills through action songs and rhymes. An awareness of space is developed through dance and movement.

“It’s amazing to watch a child’s confidence and self-esteem grow as their involvement within the class increases,” said Ms Harris, who is planning a Monkey Music extravaganza for her 500 or so pupils during October half-term to celebrate her 10th anniversary.

This is an edited version of an article that first appeared in Belgravia Magazine.