We're mad about MAD (MAD Academy)

Member Name: azana

Product:	MAD Academy
Date:	04/03/09 (161 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Varied, fun and children enjoy it!

Disadvantages: Not free, stops for school hols

MAD Academy might sound like a school for slightly nutty toddlers, but it is actually "Music and Dance" lessons for children from babies up to age 4.
The company is based in Berkshire but offers classes across Britain, details to be found on the company's website at www.madacademy.com .

I have been going to classes for about 6 months now with my daughter in the 2-4 years class. I would have to say that it is one of the best classes, if not the best class that I have tried.

What is a class like?

Classes are organised in different stages; babies to crawlers, walkers to 2 years and 2-4. The older group have a 45 minute class whilst the younger kids have a 35 minute session. Classes run in school term time only.
The class that I attend is really very varied. There is always a dance session to warm up with different music (recently to Abba which was fun!), and then more traditional singing. Some of the singing is done with actions, but often the children are encouraged to move around and have fun.
Having taught older children I know that listening is a skill that children are getting poor at, in these classes there is an excellent listening skills section. Children are helped to recognise various common sounds or might listen to an instrument with a flashcard illustration and then have to run to the correct card when they hear the instrument again.
There is also a play section of the class where the teacher will give each child an object to interact with and explore, something different every week. Recent toys have included flashing balls, a giant parachute, a skipping rope and mini cars - it is always great fun and the children get very excited waiting to see what they will be playing with each week.
For the older children various musical elements such as rhythm and beat are explored and the children do get to play with instruments too.
I have seen a number of the teachers in action and they have all been excellent, though I think they must be exhausted at the end of the day as it is a very dynamic class and they keep up the pace for the whole lesson.
The lessons are very varied and are great fun - I haven't been bored once yet and neither has my child and the 45 minutes seem to fly by!

How much does it cost?

Prices may vary but we pay £4.50 per week as we sign up for the term, which I think is very good value for money. They will let you do a trial lesson to see if it is for you for which you pay £5. I think pricing is fair, recently I was impressed that the service was good too - when it snowed the teacher phoned every single parent to say that the lesson had been cancelled and we were sent a voucher to reclaim the money paid very quickly.

What else do they offer?

As well as classes there are a range of CD's that can be purchased and the normal t-shirt and other merchandise, details to be found on the website. The company will also come to a party and do a party session, when they came to our toddler group Christmas party they did a fantastic job of keeping all the children entertained and busy.

Would you recommend?

Since starting the classes I have recommended it to a couple of friends, we are now gradually taking over one of the classes I think! I can't speak highly enough of the MAD classes and would totally recommend them. I like the approach of MAD academy, you really do get the impression that they are doing it as it is fun and I think this rubs off on the children. The atmosphere is not too rigid, they do not make children sit in one place as some classes do but generally the children are so engaged that behaviour is good. If there is a class in your area I would say it is worth checking out, music and dance MAD academy style is great fun!

Summary: A music and dance class that my child and I enjoy.