About us

We provide a time and place where young children and their carers find delight in shared experiences through music and play, are accepted for who they are, and grow educationally. We recognise the importance of attachment theory, which contributes to children’s security and well-being. Each session provides education and development outcomes, an opportunity for children to enjoy an enhanced attachment experience with their family, and for carers to receive parenting tuition by example. There is a strong sense of ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. With guidance by volunteers from local churches, families are given the chance to think about the God-part of life in a loving, sharing environment that welcomes everyone.

mainly music started in 1990 in Aotearoa, New Zealand, but what families experience today is quite different to what the first group participated in!

The programs are for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers; one with a music focus and one with a play focus. Both contain a fun, interactive 30-minute structured session, where a passionate volunteer team bring out the best in the children and help them to gain the skills in readiness for school. The session is followed by an unstructured eat and play time, where your child can socialise and connect.

As parents, you can connect with adults. First time parents, well-versed ones, those who have grown up kids, Dads, Mums, Grandparents and carers – everyone who is part of the family is welcome. Connecting with adults is so important and we give you the opportunity to be able to finish a sentence or even a conversation! Know you’re not alone in your role and receive genuine encouragement during the journey.

mainly music and mainly play are part of a wider community which we invite you to access. We would love you to connect with the local church who make the session happen. Churches are a place of community, friendship and spiritual nurture. Many provide practical assistance – like marriage ceremonies and baby dedications as well as a place for you and your family to explore God. Churches also provide help through the tough times, by conducting funerals, providing counselling, or giving food parcels.

Each group is driven and guided by five core values - Creativity, Connection, Celebration, Generosity, and Honour.

Each week in the session, you’ll be presented with a parenting tip, an educational highlight, a meaningful quote, or a faith thought. Following a series of meaningful quotes and faith thoughts, one person spoke of these moments as ‘the thing that kept her going from week-to-week’ as she pondered on her life as a parent and life in general. 

Here's an interview with our founder, Jo, where you'll learn more about mainly music and mainly play. Thanks for dropping by.