Cossins Music School

#ToddlerTuesday yesterday we were at Brimham Rocks. I swear my 6 year old has no fear... me... I actually covered my eyes! 🙈 We've now nick-named him Dangerboy! The thing is I was the same when I was little but 40 years in and I'm a wreck - my heart is in my throat! What things do your kids do that frighten the life out of you?

#MusicMonday Have you had a nice bank holiday? We have just come back from Brimham Rocks and The Pig Fest (scarecrows) at Ripley. Anyhoo thought we'd have a bit of music fun and see how many songs we can find about money (because its a 'bank' holiday)! Post yours below..... 😁

It's National Dog Day! Post a pic of your furry friend! Here's mine 🐶

#SuperSunday have you seen 'Christopher Robin' yet? What a lovely film and this has to be my favourite saying this week...
Winnie: I always get to where I'm going by walking away from where I've been.
What is your favourite saying?

#SurvivalSaturday I don't know about you but I'm pretty annoyed today. As a parents (especially a woman) I feel like being constantly judged all the time. Must breastfeed (otherwise I'm not a good mum); must make sure my kids have 5 a day (otherwise I'm a crap mum); must make sure my kids are being 'educated' (otherwise I'm a rubbish mum); must make sure my kids go to bed at a specific time, can get themselves dressed, are potty trained by 3, can read and write their name bef...ore they go to school; fill their every minute with activities that keep them fit and healthy/help academic development; not give them junk food; spend more time with them but work at the same time; make them do chores; make them do homework; make them conform and behave; cook, clean, provide meals.... phew it's exhausting! All I see these days is other people criticising other parents because they don't do one or more of the above (i bet I've missed loads of other things we are meant to do) I wonder why we are suffering from stress, anxiety and depression! What do you think? Is it harder being a mum (or parent) today or are we just lazy parents? What would make your life easier or more fun?
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3/4 size violin for sale. Great condition! https://en.shpock.com/i/W3klnEpJNgHVYFnd/ ?lft=

Have you got the Cossins Music School App? Click on the link and 'add to home page' http://apps.appshed.com/727515/

#FunnyFriday My 6 year old has an incredible brain for matching songs to films. Any songs I'm singing or he hears on the radio he can twll you which film it is from - I am rubbish at this! So today we will have a little fun. Post a song title and everyone had to guess the film it is in! I'm going first... Ps no cheating and doing an internet search!

Best present ever! Thank you Jennifer!

Just in case you missed these posts last year here are some great musical activities for kids. This one is particularly liked by my Wakefield Performance Academy kids! :)
http://www.cossinsmusicschool.co.uk/30-su mmer-holiday-song…/

#ToddlerTuesday sometime ago I made this podcast about lullabies. If you are having trouble getting your little one to sleep or are getting up in the middle of the night have a listen
http://www.cossinsmusicschool.co.uk/podca sts-cossins-music…/

So true. Sadly it is either parents who value music learning or parents who can afford music lessons for their children that might have a chance of being musically literate. The thing is, this could be so easily rectified im our education system. What if every child had access to music education from birth? It isn't impossible!

Starting in September! This is a fantastic music course for young children which leads to a greater understanding of musical concepts before starting to play a musical instrument. Children must start at the beginning of the year.

In the car and I'm bored (not driving). Let's play a game.... guess the song title only using pictures... you can draw, use emojis, gifs, sign language etc Here is mine. Clue: a very big 80s hit by a female singer!

Reading 'Free to learn' by Peter Gray. This bit really interests me... perhaps this is just living in the moment?

Don't forget you can join us next Wednesday! Please book before Saturday 🙂

#ThrowbackThursday we are completely obsessed with rock painting in our house. The idea is that you paint stones and hide them for others to find - spreading a little joy. Yesterday I started a new theme of childhood cartoon characters. What are your favourites and what would you like me to paint? Post your suggestions below!! Ps what are the two below?😁

Lots of fantastic classes and events coming up for all ages! 1 place left for Musical Stories on Friday and a new On the Move walking to 3 years class for this last half term! New times! Check out the events page! Contact me for details Mel x

melanie is fantastic at her vocation , my son has had a few lessons with her and has seen a vast improvement in his vocal range and is so happy to be hitting those notes.i would highly recommend .

We attend a children's session on Wednesdays in Horbury - This is a fantastic group which both my 2 year olds enjoy, (me too). Melanie is great at engaging the children with games & props so they are picking up songs, rhymes & beats in a fun & friendly atmosphere.



I also love going to "Sing it Out". A lovely informal group of singers led expertly by Melanie. Would highly recommend.

Used to do Sing It Out Juniors and I Loved it! Unfortunatly, She Shut it down due to lack of Interest. Well done for Great lessons.

Sing it out (for adults) is fab - such an enjoyable, friendly group and a great mix of singing lovely songs and having a lot of fun! It doesn't matter what your level of singing talent or experience, this group is for everyone - highly recommended!

My nearly 3 year old son loves coming every week and sings the songs back at home unprompted, which proves to me how much he is enjoying and learning. I appreciate Melanie's warmth and friendliness and am also impressed at the range of resources she uses to engage the children with - a completely interactive, fun and educational class which I highly recommend.

My daughter has been having 1 to 1 ukulele lessons with Mel since Jan and she loves it! Always looks forward to her lessons and comes out beaming telling me all about what she's learnt �

My little girl can be unsure at first when she starts something new but Mel made her feel right at home and she soon came round with ease.

Highly recommended!!

My daughter first began attending the early years classes and loved them from day one. Melanie is so friendly and welcoming, ensuring everyone is at ease and involved in the class. Her use of hand puppets, scarves and percussion instruments make learning the songs fun and we will often sing them at home or in the car. As well as fostering a love of music/movement I also believe my daughter (who is now 2yrs) has gained confidence in her speech and counting plus valuable life skills such as improved concentration, the ability to share and self confidence.

Maisie has been enjoying her Monday music club at St James. Thank you so much she loves music and therefore she is in her element doing the class x

I would personally recommend Cossins Music School to anyone. My son, who is four, attended the classes for about six months whilst I was on maternity leave with baby number two. I was able to bring baby along to the classes, and my son's confidence and musical interest and ability improved massively within that time. The classes were well structured, fun and friendly. We both enjoyed it and I think it's a great way to inspire intonation and rhythm.

I take my grandson to a morning music session with Melanie that is fabulous! He loves the interactive singing, instruments and visual aids that Mel whisks out of her bag to bring the music and rhythm alive. It's a really fun time for us to spend together. Thanks :)

While there, I learned about the adult Sing it Out choir, so I joined that and that's fab too!! Informal, yet working together to create good quality music, not too highbrow, just likeminded people enjoying a good sing, lead by Melanie, who clearly knows her stuff and shares her skill with enthusiasm. Love it!

I love your website and all the fun things you are doing with smaller children!

I have watched Melanie in awe for the last few years. She has a lovely aura which children just seem to pick up on and instantly fall in love with her. Her classes are active, fun and educational and I don’t just mean in a musical way. In her lessons my daughter has learnt to sing in tune (something neither of her parents can do), beat out rhythms, play a huge array of instruments, not only take turns but recognise when another child has been left out. The songs and music that Melanie chooses are all age appropriate but unusual and fun. We have sung in different languages and played with some amazing props including fire buckets and cobbler shoe moulds.

Throughout the class the children are constantly being creative, contributing ideas and are trying to work out how things can be done differently and better. Some of the ideas that come out of the minds of 3 and 4 year olds are somewhat wacky but every idea is cherished and valued. I have watched my daughter’s self-confidence and that of other children grow and grow. I can’t speak for every parent but my daughter leaves with more energy than she came in with.

I have taken both my children to Melanies music classes since they were 4 months old. Melanie is clearly passionate about music and the importance of introducing it to children from a young age. Both my children enjoyed the interactive classes which makes music fun by using puppets, props, instruments etc. The classes also help with childrens language and social skills as they learn to share, sit down, listen and tidy away. Definatley recommend Melanies classes.

I have been taking my 18 month old little boy since January. He absolutely loves the classes and Melanie engages with all the children so well. She keeps them entertained with a variety of activities from singing to playing instruments and getting them moving, which is great. I love watching all the children's smiling faces throughout the class, its priceless. There isn't a day that goes by that we dont sing the songs or listen to the CDs, this has really helped my sons speech and language development too. I cannot recommend these classes enough and I tell everyone about them. Definitely a must!!

I cannot thank Mel enough for everything she has done for my two daughters (and for me!). Both my daughters had ukulele lessons with Mel. They also attended music workshops and activities organised and delivered by Mel.



While the workshops opened up a whole new world of music making for the girls and introduced them to a variety of different instruments, their private lessons worked wonders for their confidence, in particular helping to give my shy daughter a voice through lyric writing and singing, during what was a very difficult time in her little life.



Mel's approach to teaching and learning is so relaxed and fun, both my girls were ALWAYS excited to get to a lesson and ALWAYS full of smiles when I came to collect them. I would highly recommend Cossins Music School - so so much more than learning to play an instrument or how to sing!

I cannot recommend Mel's music classes enough. Ever since my eldest duaghter (who is now 4 and a half) started the class when she was 18 months we have been every week!! My youngest daughter who is now 2 and half benefited from the sessions before she was born, when she was in my tummy!! As a new-born she came to class with her older sister and as soon as she could she was joining in. I believe very strongly that the classes have developed both their speech, language, confidence, and of course singing ability. Not only can they sing in tune but they know about pulse and rhythm and this has all been learnt through an amazing music system that really works. The kids do not realise they they are learning all this as the sessions are exciting and fun and Mel is so passionate about what she does. In the words of my daughter Mel's class 'is my favourite part of the week'!

I attend Melanie's Thursday sing it out, Mel is a really good teacher and makes the sessions fun and relaxing. Its a great way to spend an evening out. My daughter also attends her Friday morning toddlers music class, she loves it. Mel is fantastic with the children and even when there are toddlers running everywhere nothing seems to phase her!!!!!

melanie is fantastic at her vocation , my son has had a few lessons with her and has seen a vast improvement in his vocal range and is so happy to be hitting those notes.i would highly recommend .

We attend a children's session on Wednesdays in Horbury - This is a fantastic group which both my 2 year olds enjoy, (me too). Melanie is great at engaging the children with games & props so they are picking up songs, rhymes & beats in a fun & friendly atmosphere.



I also love going to "Sing it Out". A lovely informal group of singers led expertly by Melanie. Would highly recommend.

Used to do Sing It Out Juniors and I Loved it! Unfortunatly, She Shut it down due to lack of Interest. Well done for Great lessons.

Sing it out (for adults) is fab - such an enjoyable, friendly group and a great mix of singing lovely songs and having a lot of fun! It doesn't matter what your level of singing talent or experience, this group is for everyone - highly recommended!

My nearly 3 year old son loves coming every week and sings the songs back at home unprompted, which proves to me how much he is enjoying and learning. I appreciate Melanie's warmth and friendliness and am also impressed at the range of resources she uses to engage the children with - a completely interactive, fun and educational class which I highly recommend.

My daughter has been having 1 to 1 ukulele lessons with Mel since Jan and she loves it! Always looks forward to her lessons and comes out beaming telling me all about what she's learnt �

My little girl can be unsure at first when she starts something new but Mel made her feel right at home and she soon came round with ease.

Highly recommended!!

My daughter first began attending the early years classes and loved them from day one. Melanie is so friendly and welcoming, ensuring everyone is at ease and involved in the class. Her use of hand puppets, scarves and percussion instruments make learning the songs fun and we will often sing them at home or in the car. As well as fostering a love of music/movement I also believe my daughter (who is now 2yrs) has gained confidence in her speech and counting plus valuable life skills such as improved concentration, the ability to share and self confidence.

Maisie has been enjoying her Monday music club at St James. Thank you so much she loves music and therefore she is in her element doing the class x

I would personally recommend Cossins Music School to anyone. My son, who is four, attended the classes for about six months whilst I was on maternity leave with baby number two. I was able to bring baby along to the classes, and my son's confidence and musical interest and ability improved massively within that time. The classes were well structured, fun and friendly. We both enjoyed it and I think it's a great way to inspire intonation and rhythm.

I take my grandson to a morning music session with Melanie that is fabulous! He loves the interactive singing, instruments and visual aids that Mel whisks out of her bag to bring the music and rhythm alive. It's a really fun time for us to spend together. Thanks :)

While there, I learned about the adult Sing it Out choir, so I joined that and that's fab too!! Informal, yet working together to create good quality music, not too highbrow, just likeminded people enjoying a good sing, lead by Melanie, who clearly knows her stuff and shares her skill with enthusiasm. Love it!

I love your website and all the fun things you are doing with smaller children!

I have watched Melanie in awe for the last few years. She has a lovely aura which children just seem to pick up on and instantly fall in love with her. Her classes are active, fun and educational and I don’t just mean in a musical way. In her lessons my daughter has learnt to sing in tune (something neither of her parents can do), beat out rhythms, play a huge array of instruments, not only take turns but recognise when another child has been left out. The songs and music that Melanie chooses are all age appropriate but unusual and fun. We have sung in different languages and played with some amazing props including fire buckets and cobbler shoe moulds.

Throughout the class the children are constantly being creative, contributing ideas and are trying to work out how things can be done differently and better. Some of the ideas that come out of the minds of 3 and 4 year olds are somewhat wacky but every idea is cherished and valued. I have watched my daughter’s self-confidence and that of other children grow and grow. I can’t speak for every parent but my daughter leaves with more energy than she came in with.

I have taken both my children to Melanies music classes since they were 4 months old. Melanie is clearly passionate about music and the importance of introducing it to children from a young age. Both my children enjoyed the interactive classes which makes music fun by using puppets, props, instruments etc. The classes also help with childrens language and social skills as they learn to share, sit down, listen and tidy away. Definatley recommend Melanies classes.

I have been taking my 18 month old little boy since January. He absolutely loves the classes and Melanie engages with all the children so well. She keeps them entertained with a variety of activities from singing to playing instruments and getting them moving, which is great. I love watching all the children's smiling faces throughout the class, its priceless. There isn't a day that goes by that we dont sing the songs or listen to the CDs, this has really helped my sons speech and language development too. I cannot recommend these classes enough and I tell everyone about them. Definitely a must!!

I cannot thank Mel enough for everything she has done for my two daughters (and for me!). Both my daughters had ukulele lessons with Mel. They also attended music workshops and activities organised and delivered by Mel.



While the workshops opened up a whole new world of music making for the girls and introduced them to a variety of different instruments, their private lessons worked wonders for their confidence, in particular helping to give my shy daughter a voice through lyric writing and singing, during what was a very difficult time in her little life.



Mel's approach to teaching and learning is so relaxed and fun, both my girls were ALWAYS excited to get to a lesson and ALWAYS full of smiles when I came to collect them. I would highly recommend Cossins Music School - so so much more than learning to play an instrument or how to sing!

I cannot recommend Mel's music classes enough. Ever since my eldest duaghter (who is now 4 and a half) started the class when she was 18 months we have been every week!! My youngest daughter who is now 2 and half benefited from the sessions before she was born, when she was in my tummy!! As a new-born she came to class with her older sister and as soon as she could she was joining in. I believe very strongly that the classes have developed both their speech, language, confidence, and of course singing ability. Not only can they sing in tune but they know about pulse and rhythm and this has all been learnt through an amazing music system that really works. The kids do not realise they they are learning all this as the sessions are exciting and fun and Mel is so passionate about what she does. In the words of my daughter Mel's class 'is my favourite part of the week'!

I attend Melanie's Thursday sing it out, Mel is a really good teacher and makes the sessions fun and relaxing. Its a great way to spend an evening out. My daughter also attends her Friday morning toddlers music class, she loves it. Mel is fantastic with the children and even when there are toddlers running everywhere nothing seems to phase her!!!!!