Exciting news for the Dapto community. The Wollongong Conservatorium of Music – aka WollCon – is bringing its highly successful Early Childhood Music Education program (ChiME) to Dapto Library.
Aiming to spark a lifelong passion for music, the ChiME program engages children aged 1 to 5 years in a series of music lessons that involve singing, playing instruments, movement, listening and creative expression.
Two sessions are set to run at Dapto Library on Mondays in term 3 – the first session is already booked out and there is a waiting list for the second one.
Janet Andrews, ChiME coordinator and head of music therapy at WollCon, is thrilled to bring the joy of music to even more children in our community.
“Enrolling your child in the ChiME program offers numerous benefits for their overall development,” she said.
“Music has a profound impact on various parts of the brain, promoting cognitive abilities and making connections between different areas. Engaging in music is a physical experience that allows children to learn by doing, singing, moving, and taking turns. It also nurtures social skills and encourages self-expression.
“Children are naturally wired for music, as evidenced by their early connections to the sound of their parents' voices and the rhythm of their mother's heartbeat. ChiME provides a nurturing environment where these natural inclinations are further developed, fostering a love for music and a strong cultural connection through songs and movement.
“Parent involvement is highly encouraged, as it strengthens the bond between parent and child and provides an opportunity for one-on-one interaction. We even offer free child-minding services to support this connection.
“The ChiME program is suitable for children of all ages. It's never too late to join, and even children in Year 1 can benefit greatly. Trying out different musical activities helps develop motor skills and allows children to explore their interests and talents.”
The Dapto Library program consists of a free 8-week series. By booking a ticket, you are signing up for all 8 sessions throughout the term. Due to high demand, WollCon plans to host two sessions on Mondays: from 12:15-1pm and from 1-1:45pm. Each session will provide 45 minutes of engaging musical activities.
Here are the session dates for the 8-week series:
- Week 1 – Monday, 24 July 2023
- Week 2 – Monday, 31 July 2023
- Week 3 – Monday, 7 August 2023
- No session on Monday, 14 August 2023
- Week 4 – Monday, 21 August 2023
- Week 5 – Monday, 28 August 2023
- Week 6 – Monday, 4 September 2023
- Week 7 – Monday, 11 September 2023
- Week 8 – Monday, 18 September 2023
For more information on Dapto Library's ChiMe sessions click here and for general ChiMe information visit WollCon’s website
