It is a proven fact that exposure to and participation in musical activities greatly benefits the development of a child. It is well known that babies can hear and respond to sound and music in the womb. From birth onwards CMA is able to take children on the great adventure into the world of music. Not only is this adventure fun, engaging, emotive and exciting it also offers a whole range of benefits for each and every child.

Whether as a one off workshop or a more regular activity, interaction with music aids a child’s
development both physiologically and psychologically in the following areas

• Development of imagination
• Improvement in Social Skills and teamwork
• Healthy development between children and their caregivers
• Development of literacy skills
• Development of self esteem and self confidence
• Development of communication skills, both speaking and listening
• Development of concentration and creative thinking

CMA works throughout the UK and is able to offer bespoke musical workshops using any instruments. However, the company specialises in inclusive and interactive percussion workshops. Below is an illustration of a sample ‘Samba’ experience and an outline plan for a full day of workshops.

SAMBA WORKSHOP EXAMPLE
Generally the workshop runs for approximately one hour.

Opening
Performance / demo by workshop leader and fellow performers on percussion instruments. Usually samba inspired, although this performance will always be tailored to the workshop theme.

Warm up
A mixture of clapping and rhythm games. Teaching the students the different common rhythms of samba, and also various ‘calls’ that form the piece.

Instruments
Each student is handed an instrument and the workshop class is usually split into four groups. Shakers, cowbells, claves and drums. The workshop leader then teaches the correct playing style for each instrument and each rhythm.

Piece
Then with instruments we use the previously taught rhythms and calls from the warm up and create our own samba inspired piece of music. Depending on age and ability this can be as difficult or easy as needed, but there is always a full piece to perform by the end of the workshop, either just to themselves, the next class coming in or in an assembly to the whole school.

Aim
By the end of the workshop every individual will have taken part. In just one hour everyone will have learnt the whole samba composition by heart, ready for a final performance. It is always such a fantastic experience to see the team work and enjoyment of the participants. CMA’s workshops also bring together the concept of music and a healthy active lifestyle, often incorporating
dance and movement into performances. It may be that a workshop day would work better for your particular institution. Above (right) is a sample outline of a workshop day.

Performances
CMA also specialises in family concerts bringing together the finest classical musicians in a fun and engaging way for
the whole family. CMA Family concerts take their audiences on a journey through the world of music, using different instruments and stories to create exciting adventures.