Mini Minstrels was originally created by two mums, Juliette Richards and Juliet Phillipson, and was first born in Zurich, Switzerland in 2007. Looking for ways to help our children develop as pre-schoolers we attended other music classes, but felt they didn't quite meet our expectations. Over coffee at playgroup Mini Minstrels was born. Both Juliette and Juliet have a background in music and a huge passion for early childhood development. Mini Minstrels ran successfully for six years in Switzerland until both families left for pastures new - Juliet back to the UK and Juliette on to Singapore and now New Zealand.
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During her time in Singapore, Juliette studied to be a primary teacher and worked with children from 3-11yrs old. Throughout her studies, while learning more and more about the importance of early childhood development, the same thought prevailed - 'Wow......... we really did have a fantastic programme with Mini Minstrels'.
Behind the scenes
Mini Minstrels music was created with the help of Purple Marmalade, specialists in early childhood music. Children love our fun and creative songs. We also use a number of well known nursery rhymes in our sessions.
And Minstrel himself - well he was created by a book illustrator to a very tight brief. He's so cute and cuddly all our children love him (even though he's a monster).
In New Zealand...
Arriving in New Zealand in January 2015 Juliette has been working as a relief teacher in local primary schools on the North Shore, teaching children from Year 0 - 6. More and more she has been thinking about re-starting Mini Minstrels. Our first class in New Zealand started in June 2016.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Mini Minstrels is not about teaching pre-schoolers music. Rather, we use music as a tool to help your child develop in all aspects of early childhood, social, motor skills, literacy and mathematic skills, preparing them for the long learning journey ahead. And all the time having so much fun.......
Why Us?
Created and run by a mum and qualified primary school teacher, we understand the needs of young children. Our sessions focus on keeping young children engaged throughout, with regular changes in pace, the use of percussion instruments and lots of fun props. And of course Minstrel joins in every activity with the children..
But don't take our word for it.... here is what some of our customers say....
The research
There is a tonne of research into how attending a regular and structured music session can help improve the development of young children (0-5yrs) in language and communication skills (speech development, vocabularly and rhyming) and some basic mathematical skills (number sequences, counting to 10 for example). Did you know that a recent study even links rhythm to enhancing early reading? And that's before we start on social skills or motor skills....