Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals
I have to admit that, as a music lover, children’s songs tend to grate on me, yet every Friday morning, Alfie and I trot off to an amazing class called Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals. Over the next hour we sing, recite poetry, dance and play percussion instruments and I’m never annoyed by a single note. Why? Because all the music is written by New York based musician David Weinstone, who draws on rock, pop, indie, folk and blues influences to create cool tunes for kids.
Unfortunately, the classes are currently only available in and around Brighton, but you can buy Music for Aardvarks CDs or download individual tunes online – get the whole series from the website or a selected range from Amazon. Alfie’s favourites are Splashing in the Tub, which we sing every night at bathtime, Subway, which features a distinctive ‘bing bong’ and ‘clickety clickety clack’ noises and Run Around Kid, which… well, you can imagine. I love the sentiments behind the music – being kind, sharing, friendship, playing – and also the realism (see Meltdown, Grumpy and I Want It).
My top three are the Hello song, which can easily be customised to feature your child’s friends and family members, dancing to Tango, and the lullaby I Love You is adorable. Yes, a few of the songs have US references (think bagels, New York sights and Joe for coffee), but it’s so refreshing to find honest, witty music for kids that I cannot recommend enough. All I Want, the latest CD, is available for download now.
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Category: Books and Music
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Mum to Alfie (3), soon-to-be mama again and word nerd Lucy is a glossy magazine journalist who has substituted a serious shoe habit for an obsession with beautiful buys for little people.Subscribe
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Nice article.
I took my boy along to Music for Aardvarks classes when he was younger, and agree that they’re brilliant.
Good as the songs and source CDs are, however, I think a big nod should be given to Emily Hilson who runs and organises the classes in the Brighton area. At the time that my boy was going along, she was the lone ranger behind Aardvaarks on these shores. She’s got an immense passion for music, and makes the sessions immense fun – as much for the grown-ups as the kids if they’re willing to loosen up and join in!
Totally agree about Emily – she is fab and we’re very lucky she’s based in Sussex. Just thought the CDs were more relevant to our readers, who are spread across the UK.