Toddlers + Zoom = Mayhem or Musical Magic?

Pre-lockdown, the idea of scheduling an online meeting for 45 toddlers might have seemed questionable (to say the least)… But when it became clear in March that LSO Discovery would have to cut short their series of Shake, Rattle and Roll music sessions at LSO St Luke's, there was only one thing for it: jump feet first into the madness and find a way to bring the music into people's homes!

What is Shake, Rattle and Roll?

In normal times, Shake, Rattle and Roll is a 10-week series of interactive, child-led music sessions, held at LSO St Luke's. The sessions are divided into age groups, and once a week they introduce music-making through fun, creative activities, from singing and percussion playing to movement and storytelling.

The needs of each group vary: in the newborn–6 months group the emphasis is on enhancing the connection between parent and baby, so we learn songs that invigorate and stimulate, or relax and soothe, supporting the emotions of both parent and child.

But in the older groups, there's more sharing of instruments and props, and turn-taking to develop confidence. We sing songs, adapting the lyrics based on suggestions from participants on the day, and there's lots of repetition to encourage language development. Plus there's always an opportunity to 'play in the LSO band' on instruments we provide.

Early years animateur Vanessa King leads the sessions and LSO musicians are always involved, playing music, accompanying group singing and demonstrating their instruments up close!

'It gave us all ( audience and performers) the sense of community we may currently be missing.'

^{David Elton (pictured)}

David Elton with his trumpet waves at the laptop

Not to be put off by a global pandemic, in March we set to work thinking about how to continue offering these sessions for under 5s and their parents/carers digitally. Early on we ran a staff test: there were various technical challenges to overcome, and we had to get clued up on Zoom sound settings.

Then attention turned to the practicalities of keeping a group of under 5s focused – something for Vanessa to consider…

'My initial reaction to the idea of online workshops was ‘wow, how wonderful' and 'ooh, how challenging!' I thought long and hard about my aims:

To keep connected musically and socially with all the families at this very lonely time
To remind everyone that music is free and around us all the time and can really support our emotions
To sing songs that could be sung at home during the week (but how given the time delay of Zoom?)
To listen to LSO musicians and find out about them
To try to give each family a real heard voice.'

But how could we encourage interaction in the sessions without causing chaos in homes up and down the country? What creative way could we find to bring in musicians? The solution: magically reveal each musician from behind a beautiful rainbow!

'Revealing the instrument and musician behind the rainbow was a lot of fun. My child started to wait excitedly each week for this to happen!'
Summer 2020 online participant

How did it all work online?

Just like in our 'usual' Shake, Rattle and Roll sessions, Vanessa taught songs for the families to sing between sessions, and LSO musicians played their favourite repertoire, this time accompanying children soaking up the sunshine, splashing in the rock pools or rocking their teddies to sleep!

There were even some benefits to running sessions online. Having the space and time to talk to players about where they're from, their interests, and what they were up to during isolation led to quirky revelations with the group. We found out that Juliana and Little Red Riding Hood come from the same German town! And Rebecca's dogs try and sing with her when she plays her cello…

'This was the first time in three months that I'd connected with anyone using music – quite a shock! But very reassuring to see an audience visibly responding to our way of expressing ourselves.'
Rachel Gough (pictured)

At the LSO, we want to bring music to and make music with everyone at any stage of their life. We know there’s a huge evidence base around the impact of early engagement with music on a child’s attachment building, speech and language, development of memory and social skills. Particularly given the current situation, we have also seen the wellbeing benefits for both children and their families.

'It’s the only thing that has been a reliable recurring activity for us, which, during this period more than any other, has been a real life saver. It helped us through a really stressful time.'
Summer 2020 online participant

So while we're sad not to share this music together in the same room, we're delighted to have been able to run all ten of our summer Shake, Rattle and Roll sessions online, even during lockdown! And we think Vanessa sums it up perfectly:

'With much support and the energy and versatility of every family, we made it! It was an enriching experience that fed the soul during a very unsettled time.'

'It was lovely to see other children and their parents as I know how it is day-to-day being locked-down with a little one. The interaction that the parents seemed to be encouraging their children to have with other children was something that I think has been really hard for this age group.'

^{Anna Bastow (pictured)}

'It was so nice to see some familiar faces and do an activity we love. My child wasn't getting any real life interaction with other children – because of that, things like this are really valuable!'

^{Summer 2020 online participant}

We would like to thank all the families that joined us this term, and a special thanks to Vanessa and our wonderful LSO players: David Elton, Paul Milner, Ben Thomson, Juliana Koch, Gareth Davies, Rachel Gough, Anna Bastow, Joe Melvin, Rebecca Gilliver and David Jackson. Click below to see what they had to say…

'Vanessa came across brilliantly as usual and effortlessly holds the attention. Dropping in a washing the hands song was also educational and helpful. The parents obviously loved it!' Rebecca Gilliver

David Jackson hides his face while playing percussion

'The children’s responses were lovely, and it’s great to see music having an impact and lighting faces up.' David Jackson

'It’s very important to keep up with activities such as these at this time … Obviously there’s no substitute to being there and interacting with people in person, but I’m sure this is the next best thing.' Joe Melvin

'As soon as I started playing, I could see a whole load of little faces stop what they were doing and come right up to the screen. It was lovely!' Gareth Davies

'It was very touching to see everyone interact so well, and see the parents smile, too. I am certainly grateful to be able to share some music from my home.' Juliana Koch

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Find out more about LSO Discovery and future Shake, Rattle and Roll sessions on our website
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