Concert pianist calls the tune at nurseries
Katy Morton
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A concert pianist is to tour nurseries across the country next year to teach children about playing the piano.
The five-month tour, starting in January, will see pianist Hayley Elton visit nurseries in London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, South Wales and Liverpool.
The aim of the tour is to introduce young children, parents and early years practitioners to classical piano music and help them discover the enjoyment of playing an instrument.
Ms Elton said, 'It's been a dream of mine to introduce young children to music as early as possible in their lives. I want to show them that classical music doesn't have to be boring.
'I am delighted to be embarking on this tour. These events will also provide a real eye-opener for parents to see the great benefits of introducing their children to music-making at such an early age.'
Ms Elton and her son Curtis, who at only seven is studying for his Grade 8 in piano, are to visit six nurseries, where they will perform music from her CD collection 'Sleep Baby Sleep' and teach children how to play a simple tune, such as 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' or 'Yankee Doodle' on the piano in five minutes.
Some of the nurseries involved in the tour, which is supported by music store Chappells of London and Yamaha, will receive a digital piano and help to enable children to continue learning the piano.
Ms Elton said that she hoped to expand the tour to other nurseries and children's centres in the near future.
