If you answered yes to either of these questions, then keep on reading...
What is the Lullaby Project?
The Lullaby Project is a unique opportunity for you to create a personal lullaby for your baby with the help of professional musicians. The project first started at Carnegie Hall in New York, and has previously run in the United States and in other places around the UK. We're really excited to be able to bring the project to Essex for the very first time!
How does the project work?
Each Lullaby Project is run by a dedicated musician from Live Music Now, who will guide you every step of the way. Projects run for 6 or 7 weeks (a mix of in-person groups and one-to-one online sessions), followed by a group event where you'll get to listen to and celebrate everyone's lullabies altogether.
- First off, the musician gets to know you - the mums, dads/partners and caregivers - at a group workshop.
- They'll then invite you to write a letter to your baby expressing personal hopes and dreams for your little one. You'll work with the musician, over a series of one-to-one sessions, to pull out key phrases and words that will form your lyrics, speaking the words out loud, thinking about rhythm and melody.
- Using that groundwork, the musician will then develop melodies and harmonies until you feel happy with the song, at which point the musician will arrange the piece, record it and share it with you as your own unique lullaby for your baby.
All the musicians involved in the project are fully trained to work on the Lullaby Project process and to pass on their learnings and skills from previous experience.
Why should I get involved?
Babies love to hear the sound of their mother's voice, and singing can really help to strengthen the bond you share with your little one. Singing is not only a good way to soothe your baby, but it can also help their brain development. It's also great for their communication skills as it helps them learn new words and phrases.
But it's not just the babies who benefit. Mums who have been involved in Lullaby Projects in the past, have said they feel more self-confident, more creative and have a better feeling of wellbeing after taking part in the project.
"Because I have anxiety, I didn’t think my ideas would be good enough, but then when I
actually got into it properly, it feels empowering, it feels strong."
Lullaby Project participant, Colette, on her experience of writing a lullaby for her baby
What we need from you
Please don't feel you need to be able to sing or play an instrument to take part in the Lullaby Project. We do not expect you to have any previous musical experience. That's what the musicians are there for, after all!
All we ask from you is that you come to the sessions with enthusiasm and a willingness to give the songwriting process a go. We also ask you to commit and come along to all music workshop sessions that are part of the project. This is a really exciting new project in Essex and spaces are limited, so - with your help and commitment - we want to make it a big success!
Lullaby Project participants Erin Acteson, Jordan Davies and daughter Avaleigh with musician Lowri Thomas, Port Talbot Lullaby Project, Spring 2022. © Live Music Now
