My name is Andrea Ince and I am The Original Musical Monster! I have a daughter Chloe who is 9 years and a son Davis who is 7 years. I have been playing the flute and piano for years and years and teach them both privately. When I had Chloe, I tried to find a Baby/Toddler Group in Thurrock with a music theme. I could not find one and therefore decided to have a go myself!

Musical Monsters provides a fun introduction to music through playing instruments, singing and motion. The sessions are varied to encourage learning but are also informal, educational and fun. I have found that making music lessons fun means that a child enjoys it and wants to come back the following week, rather than having to be dragged kicking and screaming.

Music whether it is the Tweenies or Mozart, provides children with the facility to recognise and express their emotions. Language and social skills can be developed at an early age through music. Children as young as 6 months can gain confidence, independence and physical co-ordination, as well as the ability to interact. Musical activities encourage children to listen closely and respond to what they hear - all children love singing nursery rhymes.

The very little ones at 6 months are introduced to small instruments and soon get the hang of banging to get a noise. From then they can learn songs and actions and eventually begin to understand how the instruments work and that they can be played in different ways.

We use instruments from Toys R Us and Early Learning Centre, so that parents have the option of purchasing the same ones for practicing at home. There are currently just over 200 children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years attending Musical Monsters classes and I can confidently say that they all enjoy themselves and have fun every week.