Children's music class teachers in Leeds go virtual in response to coronavirus lockdown

Music teachers who run classes for babies and young children across the city have had to think creatively when it comes to continuing during the coronavirus crisis.
By Joanna Wardill
Published 30th Mar 2020, 17:00 BST
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Class leaders at Rhythm Time - which holds sessions all over Leeds and Wakefield - are among those who have been forced to revamp their entire business model due to social distancing and the current lockdown.

The weekly classes, where musical instruments are provided for children and their carers to sing and play together, had to suddenly stop, causing major uncertainty over the future of the business.

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But within the space of a few days, Rhythm Time had transformed itself to deliver classes online, streaming into the homes of its babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers - using everyday household objects as instruments.

Lauren Lightfoot, who runs Rhythm Time classes for babies and young children in South Leeds and Wakefield.Lauren Lightfoot, who runs Rhythm Time classes for babies and young children in South Leeds and Wakefield.
Lauren Lightfoot, who runs Rhythm Time classes for babies and young children in South Leeds and Wakefield.

Lauren Lightfoot, who runs the franchise covering Wakefield and south Leeds, said: "There was a flurry of emails outlining the technical side and we were off. Our sessions are very hands on and interactive so I was a bit sceptical that this wouldn’t transfer on the screen but nevertheless, Rhythm Time South Leeds/Wakefield went virtual on Thursday March 19.

"The response was immediate and support from customers, who had already committed to the term, was and is amazing."

Lauren has created a private online hub on Facebook for all her customers and is creating a schedule of weekly regular classes as well as extras such as story times, musical crafts, challenges and exercise.

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She said: "I’m trying to stay positive and know that many who don’t access the online service will be back when physical classes restart and In the meantime we have opened up a window to new possibilities for our business in the future."

One mum, Bethany Rose Gill, of Gildersome, said the fact Rhythm Time was able to continue has given her and her son, seven-month-old Reuben-Ray, something to look forward to each day.

"It was the main activity that kept us in a routine of having our bonding and learning time together. Now with the online programme and being cooped up it means I can dedicate more time to bond with him and focus on learning," she said.

For more information on Rhythm Time South Leeds/Wakefield phone Lauren on 07725574900 or Rhythm Time Leeds phone Philippa Gosper on 07426 869985.

All classes can be found on www.rhythmtime.net.

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