THREE nurseries in Burnley and Pendle are tuning up for a series of musical masterclasses in partnership with East Lancashire’s iconic Singing Ringing Tree.

An introduction to the lifelong delights of melody and rhythm are set to be shared by youngsters at Stoneyholme, Taywood and Woodfield nursery schools as part of a National Lottery-backed initiative.

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Under the umbrella of Youth Music following a pilot programme last year, professional musicians will be visiting the three venues over the next year to work with around 120 three and four-year-olds on music-making.

Not only will they work directly with youngsters, as part of the scheme being delivered by Mid Pennine Arts, but they are also set to train up nursery bosses with the skills required to continue making music fun for years to come.

Nick Hunt, MPA’s creative director, said: “Our pilot project confirmed how making music can transform the confidence and abilities of young children at this very formative stage.

“We are thrilled that Youth Music have recognised this with their investment in a year-long programme. We can’t wait to get back to work with our pre-school partners, and then to share the learning with colleagues across Lancashire.”

Part of the course will see little maestros taken out on field trips to the likes of the Singing Ringing Tree at Crown Point, one of East Lancashire’s landmark panopticon series unveiled for the Millennium.

Jane Imrie, head of Woodfield, said: “We are looking forward to the project because we know that working with a music leader has made a real difference to our children’s confidence, self-esteem and their achievement in speaking and listening.”

“Our children and parents are looking forward to working in partnership again with Mid Pennine Arts,” said Shamin Ashraf, Stoneyholme’s head.

And Gail Murphy, Taywood’s head, added: “We are looking forward to it.”