A young child playing a drum set, with an adult standing behind them. The child is wearing a yellow sweater and checkered shoes, concentrating on playing with the drumsticks.

THE MUSIC BOX

for children and parents ages 1 to 4
explore and develop music making

Colorful illustration of a kangaroo playing a guitar and holding a tambourine, with the text 'The Music Box' in bold letters.

The Music Box enables young children to explore basic rhythms and melodies, experience different instruments, develop their listening and communication skills, and helps parents gain the confidence to experiment and enjoy music making with their children. 

Sessions feature live guest musicians from a variety of cultural and musical traditions introducing a wealth of sound and visual spectacle including Klezmer duo, Cuban flute and percussion, Brass Quintet, Chinese dance, African drums, jazz Saxophone, Santouri and a host of classical instruments.

The Sessions

  • Sessions introduce families to a variety of different songs, from nursery rhymes to musicals, including some from HMDT’s own songbooks.

  • Dance and songs with actions play an important role, from learning simple dance steps in different rhythmic styles to animal role play.

  • Musical concepts such as pitch, rhythm and tempo are introduced through percussion instruments, focusing on developing listening skills and concentration in a group environment.

  • Sessions prepare children for nursery and school by introducing teamwork and instilling structured discipline whilst still having fun, alongside activities designed to help them develop their speech, vocabulary, listening and simple numeracy skills.

A young boy looking closely at a harpsichord, examining its strings and bridge in a museum or music store setting.
“My child loves the routine of singing the familiar songs each week and learning new ones as well as developing skills in rhythm with the percussion instruments.”
— PARENT
A young child with curly hair playing a drum set, wearing a yellow knitted sweater, with an adult standing nearby.
“She really enjoys these classes and Imogen does an excellent job in getting the children engaged with the music & songs. ”
— PARENT
Multiple children playing a piano together, with their hands on the keys.
A young boy holding a blue toy near his ear, standing and smiling at a woman holding a gold trumpet, with a woman sitting nearby, all indoors with a black background and a window.
“He spent the first half of term with his head in my lap and then one day began to join in everything and now there’s no holding him back! It’s been brilliant for his confidence!”
— PARENT
Young boy practicing trombone in front of an audience of children and adults.
Apply for the Music Box

After Music Box…

The Music Box prepares children for entry to the Fledglings Foundation Course, from where they will embark upon their further independent learning at The Saturday Programme.

Group of colorful cartoon birds hanging from a wire, with a purple background and the word 'FLEDGLINGS' at the top.
CYMH
Jena and The Stem Sisters
Trenchbrothers
Music Treehouse
ICS - Music Theatre
JJJA
ICS Minis
ICS
Music Treehouse
One SPirit
Young child playing drums, wearing a mustard colored sweater, with an adult standing nearby, in a room with a gray wall and wooden floor.

Enabling under 4s to explore basic rhythms and melodies and helps parents gain the confidence to experiment and enjoy music making with their children.

A group of children on stage singing or performing with enthusiasm, with blue curtains in the background.

A one year Foundation Course for reception class children, an introduction to music through singing and movement, leading up to performances at the end of each term.

Children performing on stage, singing or acting, with some standing and others sitting, during a school or community event.

The Minis prepares Year 1 and Year 2 children for both music theatre and instrumental studies through a fun, structured 2-year programme.

Group of children performing on stage, singing with some raising their hands.

Music Theatre School for students in Years 3 – 13 offering students the opportunity to experience the excitement of musical theatre training and performance.

Orchestra rehearsing on stage with conductor in front, various string and wind instruments, in a dimly lit theater.

HMDT’s Instrumental School offers students ages 5 upwards an extensive curriculum including group and individual instrumental tuition, singing, musicianship and ensembles

A jazz band performing on stage, including a saxophonist, trumpet player, double bassist, and drummer.

Offering talented young instrumentalists and vocalists an amazing opportunity to work with some of the world’s top jazz musicians

A diverse group of people playing musical instruments and singing in a classroom or rehearsal space, with some standing, some sitting, and a few in the back observing.

A new method of integrating music therapy into regular activity for Students with SEN/D needs

APPLY FOR THE SATURDAY PROGRAMME
APPLY FOR THE MUSIC TREEHOUSE
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Home of The Saturday Programme

Logo with the words 'HMDT Music' in large white and red letters, and the tagline 'Ensuring a musical future' in smaller white text.

HMDT Music, twice winner of the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Education and winner of the Excellence in Music Theatre Award is a leader in creating inspiring projects for young people, particularly those facing challenging experiences, through which it aims to enrich learning, broaden awareness of and help fight inequity and transform lives.

> Read more about HMDT Music here

Awards badges for RPS Music & Drama Education Awards 2008, winner; London Youth Quality Mark bronze accreditation August 2022.