History & press cuttings
Kay has developed the Cellobabies method, drawing on her extensive experience of teaching the cello over a number of years to students of all ages and abilities. When working with very young children she became aware of the need to find a way that would not just help them to play the instrument but also to acquire secure general musicianship and reading skills.
NB Cellobabies is part of Stringbabies [Cello, Violin & Viola]. Kay's main site for Stringbabies is located here - it has the Stringbabies teachers directory, latest news and information etc.
This [the Cellobabies] site is therefore no-longer being updated [as of Aug 2010], but is being kept on-line for those who may have bookmarked any pages
The results of her method have been exciting and encouraging, as you can see from the reactions of parents and children.
More recently Kay has written the violin version of 'cellobabies' - 'Violinbabies' and has seen teachers around the UK take up her method. Of particular interest is the use of both violin and cellobabies as the core teaching material for the Social Inclusion projects being run by Exeter Young Strings at Whipton and Beacon Heath.
Press cuttings
As time goes on we will add more press cutting to this page. For some there are pictures - if you want to see a larger version then simply click on the relevant image.
ESTA 'News & Views'
"Cellobabies is an all round musical training for very young children who show an interest in the cello. There is a clearly and simply laid out 'Pupils Workbook', accompanied by a 'Teachers and Parents Book' These include, among others, sol-fa, French time names and posture and bow games. The use of two separate books means that the pupil's page remains uncluttered and easy to read. The open strings of the cello are introduced as animal characters and each is given its own shape. The stave is then slowly introduced and each string's shape placed on it. There are some imaginative songs and familiar pieces which encourage the child to compose rhythms and tunes right from the start."
"I have used already these books with five pupils ranging from ages three to six, with productive and enthusiastic response. The older pupils find it quite easy and are always wanting to turn the page. The very young children enjoy the games and creativity, while slowly assimilating symbols and actions. For any string teacher working with young pupils, it is a highly valuable resource."
- article from spring 2008, by Simon Trentham [Teacher of Cello at Junior Guildhall, Center Leader for London ESTA]
Business Matters
"A Music teacher who designed a method for young children to learn the cello has seen her work attract attention in the UK and abroad."
"Kay Tucker from Horsham said schools in the South East were taking up the idea [now also the South West and abroad, in the USA and even New Zealand]."
"An Alumni of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Kay has recently designed a similar teaching method, [Violinbabies], for violins too."
"Kay said 'the strength of the methos lies in the fact that it helps children to be able to read and understand written music notation and a much earlier age than normal.'"
"'Children being able to read music at three and four years using the method is fairly typical.'"
"'Currently it is being taught in some Surry and London schools and the Exeter Young Strings project are applying for funding to set up two centers in underprivilaged area of the city, to provide free cello and violin tuition using my method.'"
- article from Winter 2007
West Sussex County Times
"Children as young as three are learning about music through a pilot project at Arundale School in Pulborough."
"Cellobabies allows the youngest pupils to try the instruments normally reserved for older children."
"The scheme is run by Horsham cellist Kay Tucker, who is thrilled by its early success."
"'Its going really well. They love it and its such a great opportunity for them to try the cello.'"
- article from Summer 2004
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