sure, but there is a bit a limit to this. We ask that carers limit those children to a maximum of two. This is because the session is primarily for parents and children. If you care for more than two children, we encourage you to purchase a CD or two and run music at your home. Each mainly music is autonomous so we suggest you make contact, by phone, to ascertain whether they have an alternative policy or run with this limit.

Yes. mainly music is a fun interactive music session - not music classes. So you're not coming in part way into a curriculum. You can join at any time.

No, everything is provided for you at the session. However, sometimes a group will stage a theme day when you might be asked to bring your child in gumboots or dressed up. Your local group will give you plenty of notice about this.

No, the mainly music group has a network of volunteers from the local church where they are based. If you want to help in the kitchen, then we are sure the local group will be pleased to have your help!

Have a look for this certificate. You'll find every mainly music belonging to this organisation displays a genuine mainly music certificate each week.

Each mainly music operates independently with a group of dedicated volunteers bringing fun for your family. However, most mainly music sessions cost about the same as ONE Happy Meal for ONE family. Try feeding your family on one Happy Meal! mainly music is good value.

Each mainly music session includes an eat/chat/play section morning tea and play. This is the chance you can have to recharge your batteries while your child plays.

We've asked all groups to ensure they don't serve peanuts or use peanuts in take home gifts. If your child has an allergy to dairy, wheat or eggs, we'd suggest you check whether the local group already caters for children in this situation. If not, then it's best you take an alternative snack. We know it’s difficult for children to see others with food they're not allowed – help your child overcome this in preparation for social situations and school. Allergies, as with disabilities, are just one of those things our children have to learn about – life isn't always fair and isn't always going to be fair.

Yes within reason! We know everyone loves to get those special shots of their child enjoying mainly music. If you have a video camera, please note that music is copyright and therefore filming more than a small portion of a song or rhyme could constitute a breach of copyright – you’re allowed to film 10% of a song which amounts to around 20 seconds. If you are using a video camera or still camera, please make sure you concentrate on your child. And in both cases, please check with the session leader before you start [if the session has started, you'll need to wait until the next week]. Thanks for helping us in this situation.

You can start your child from birth! Seriously, if you need to get out of the house – come!!! Once your baby becomes more interested [or even is awake!] during the sessions, bounce your child, swing and sway your child, move their hands to the movements. Bring a blanket so your baby can lie down on the floor while you move props above their head or while on their tummy, in front of them. And once the baby becomes a toddler, they'll be keen to participate. 

Fun! mainly music is a fun, interactive music session where a child and their parent or caregiver can enjoy music, movement, interaction, rhymes, puppets and more. mainly music is a structured session but the focus is on the interaction between ‘big person’ and child. The amazing outcome is learning and development – numbers, alphabet, colours, direction, using fine motor skills, practicing jumping and skipping and hopping and more!

The majority of mainly music groups are not led by qualified music teachers. That’s because we’ve found ways to deliver the music so that the ‘big person’ and their child are connecting and learning. 

food! Each session is followed by an eat/play/chat time. This is a chance for mums, dads, and caregivers to recharge their batteries and for children to socialize and play.

Here’s our usual ‘blurb’ about mainly music is: 

Started in 1990, mainly music is a fun music group for parents or caregivers to enjoy together with their young child. Throughout the session, children develop gross and fine motor skills, language, imagination, mathematics and pre-reading skills as well as socialize with others. Each mainly music is associated with and is run by volunteers from a local church. Children are introduced to music, creativity and more, plus families given a chance to think about the God-part of life. Amazing to think that all this can be achieved in a loving, shared family environment.

That's okay - you have a young child! Routines go upside down, children get sick, mornings just don't happen the way you expected ... so stay at home and don't fret. If you are part of a group who has a closed roll, you will need to phone the contact person if you miss two weeks or more.

If you’ve pre-paid for sessions, some groups will move your ‘missed weeks’ into another time frame. Some groups take this as a donation to the overall group funds. After all, sessions are convened by volunteers who are keen to provide you with the most fun at all times.