Kodály-inspired music education for children aged 0–7 and their families
Every child is musical. Through singing, movement and play, we create a rich musical environment where children and their grown-ups learn together — nurturing connection, confidence and a deep understanding of music from the very beginning.
Our vision
Music at Heart is an award-winning, non-profit music school based in between Chapeltown and Harehills, North Leeds. We nurture a child’s lifelong love of music through high-quality, accessible musical experiences in the early years. Using the Kodály approach, we create community through singing, movement and playful musicianship in our gentle and inclusive classes.
Cost should never be a barrier to music.
Kodály believed that “music belongs to everybody.” Thanks to donations and charitable funding, we offer free and subsidised places for families, nurseries and schools who might otherwise find it difficult to attend.
We actively seek funding to support this work and welcome donations, partnerships and sponsorship.
What we offer
Kodály Music (0-4s)
Our signature, award-winning class for babies, toddlers and pre-school children and their grown-ups. Singing, movement and instruments in a calm, nurturing environment.
(Tuesday, Thursday & Friday mornings)
Kodály Music (3-5s)
A musicianship class where children are encouraged to play instruments, sing simple pitches, move to the pulse and rhythm and develop confidence.
(Friday afternoons)
Ringató Baby Circle (0-12 months)
A gentle, welcoming space for mums, birthing parents and babies to sing folk songs, bond, and connect with others over tea and cake.
(Tuesday mornings – also Thursdays from September)
Kodály Music (4-7s)
A fun, movement-based class for children attending independently. We explore instruments, singing, listening and early musical understanding.
(Tuesdays after school – also Fridays from September)
Why Music at Heart is different
- Led by professional musicians
- Based on the Kodály approach
- Live singing (no backing tracks)
- Calm, nurturing classes (not overwhelming or chaotic)
- Focus on deep musical development, not just entertainment
- A space for both children and parents to feel held and supported
What our parents say…
Confidence & development
My daughter’s confidence has noticeably increased. She happily joins in playing all the wonderful instruments, and she absolutely loves singing, both in class and at home. I’m so grateful that this class exists. – Linda
Bonding & shared experience
It’s lovely to have a class that is for both me and my baby. The songs are so special and I find myself singing them all the time, a nice break from the usual nursery rhymes. – Cath
Parent wellbeing & support
Having struggled with my mental health as a new mother, the classes were very welcoming. I got to meet other parents and have conversations that helped my mental wellbeing. – June
Speech & communication
Our little boy has speech delay and has been attending Music at Heart for a couple of months. We have been really grateful and happy to see how much his speech has developed and improved since he has been going to the classes every week. – Bori
Calm & high-quality environment
It’s so refreshing to find a good quality music class that isn’t totally manic! It’s such a lovely environment and the ethos is fantastic. – Catherine and Jon
Nothing else compares
I’ve been to another music class with my other granddaughter, and it was good, but not a patch on this. – Grandma
See a class in action
Watch a short clip of our Kodály Music class for 0–4s and get a feel for what we do.
Join our community
Connect with other Leeds parents who share your interest in music.
We also run a ‘Gift-a-Session’ group, where families offer unused class places to others.
(You can leave at any time)
Free workshop for parents
Watch our free 1-hour workshop:
“Folk Songs & Rhymes to Sing to Your Baby”
Enter your email to access the recording.
Meet your teachers
Caitlin, Carolyn and Ellie form the small dedicated team who bring Kodály music-making to Leeds!
What is the Kodály approach?
A child-centred, holistic approach to music education. We use folk songs, singing games, movement and instruments to develop musical understanding in a natural and joyful way.
Our story
Music at Heart was founded by Caitlin’s godmother Heather in York in 2011, and brought to Leeds in 2022.
Our Leeds school won Best Music School (Yorkshire Prestige Awards, 2023/24 and 2025/26) and became a non-profit (CIC) again in 2023, committed to widening access to high-quality music education.
East Lodge, Potternewton Park
We are working to secure East Lodge as a permanent home for Music at Heart — a space for music, community and early years creativity.
Outreach & training
CPD Training
Kodály-based training for early years practitioners, including in person and online workshops and ongoing support.
Piano & Musicianship Lessons
Creative, one-to-one lessons combining piano and Kodály musicianship (age 4+)
Where to find us
📍 Harehills Lane Baptist Church
13 Hilton Place, Leeds LS8 4HE
Music at Heart 