mainly music makes a social difference

mainly music makes a social difference

mainly music is about much more than catchy tunes; it’s also about helping mothers and young children in need.

And, an increasing number of New Zealand’s less fortunate families are benefiting as the mainly music team expands its reach into needy parts of the community.

mainly music has been up and running in New Zealand since 1990 when it was established to help mums and their pre-school children connect in a fun environment through music. In recent years their endeavours have struck a greater humanitarian chord.

Since late 2008, mobile mainly music leaders have been introduced specifically to mentor and help guide mothers with parenting needs. These mothers are most often at centres as ordered by the NZ courts, or at the Salvation Army’s Bethany Centre for pregnant single women, and mothers and babies in need. 

mainly music international director Jo Hood says feedback from various sources indicates the mobile music leaders are having a positive social impact.

“A re-occurring theme is that mainly music is a great tool in helping troubled mothers and their little ones. It is helping with the connection between mother and child and we are seeing some precious bonding moments.

“We have cases of mothers who have not bonded with their babies, and have found a way to do so through the joy of music and gentle touching and tickling that accompanies these happy songs.”

mainly music also assists the mothers in connecting with other mothers,” she says.

The women targeted by the mobile leaders don’t normally feel immediately comfortable attending community mainly music classes, so the leaders initially take the songs and the dance to them. Through this introduction it is hoped they will feel comfortable attending local mainly music sessions in the community when they leave the centres.

Jo says this is being achieved, with a pleasing number of these women continuing their involvement with mainly music.

“We feel that what we offer is helping mums, children and society.  It is about community development as it is helping to grow healthy families and establish support networks.”

mainly music leaders work as volunteers, although those involved in the mobile sessions – there are currently five mobile music leaders in New Zealand – are paid.  This number will increase if the organisation is successful in attaining more funding and donations.

In New Zealand alone, there are about 450 mainly music groups involving as many as 17,000 families who meet once a week. The organisation’s value is being recognised overseas where 10 other countries have already established classes.

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