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THE Killarney School of Music is offering a unique opportunity for teachers of preschool and infant classes to explore how to bring more music into the classroom in a fun, creative, and educational way.

Under the guidance of Ruti Lachs, teachers can learn how to work musically with their groups, focussing on rhythm: body percussion and small instruments; songs: action songs and subject-specific songs; music appreciation: listening and responding to music; composing: using voice and simple instruments to create new music.

During the training, other benefits of music activities will be discussed, including turn-taking; socialising and interaction; creativity; whole group dynamic; counting, spelling, and using new words.

No music or singing experience is needed to take part in this training. Parents who wish to gain ideas about how to introduce their child to music are also welcome to attend. There will be two evening workshops of two hours each, and trainees attend both sessions.

The facilitator, Ruti Lachs, MA, is an experienced musician, piano teacher, and early years music educator. She has presented her research on the benefits of early years music education at the Society of Music Education conference in 2013 and 2014. She also has a critically acclaimed CD of original songs for children, Stomping In The Woods, which has been used in preschools and schools across Ireland and abroad.

The training will take place at the Killarney School of Music on Monday, February 27, and Monday, March 6, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. To book, contact Killarney School of Music on 064-6637598.