{"id":3068,"date":"2023-09-20T15:38:55","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T14:38:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/gc\/glasgowcreate\/?page_id=3068"},"modified":"2025-10-24T13:49:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T12:49:40","slug":"baby-strings","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/gc\/glasgowcreate\/baby-strings\/","title":{"rendered":"Baby Strings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n


\ud83c\udfbb Baby Strings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Inspiring the youngest musicians across Glasgow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baby Strings<\/strong> is a pioneering music education programme run by CREATE, designed to give primary-aged pupils across Glasgow a joyful, high-quality introduction to string playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launched in 2017 with just four schools in the Eastbank Learning Community, Baby Strings now reaches over 2,000 children each week<\/strong> across 10 schools<\/strong>, with more joining each year. The programme employs a growing team of skilled string tutors who deliver weekly whole-class violin, viola and cello lessons\u2014laying the foundations for a lifelong love of music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf31 What Makes Baby Strings Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfb5 Start Early, Start Strong<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Primary 1, children are introduced to key musical concepts through Kod\u00e1ly-based learning<\/strong>, using singing, rhythm and movement. From Primary 2 onwards, pupils begin learning real instruments<\/strong>\u2014violins, violas and cellos\u2014in a nurturing whole-class setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udc67\u200d\ud83d\udc66 Family Involvement is Key<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Parents and carers play an active role in the journey. From making cardboard instruments together to attending \u201cMeet the Teacher\u201d sessions, \u201cShow and Tell\u201d lessons and school performances, families build confidence and connection through shared musical experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

“I love to see my child learn musical instruments and learn new skills”<\/p>\nParent<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n

“It’s an incredible opportunity and we are grateful for that”.<\/em><\/p>\nParent<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfeb Whole-School Impact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Classroom teachers receive ongoing professional development (CPD)<\/strong> and use co-developed lesson plans to support musical learning even when the string instructor isn\u2019t present\u2014making the project sustainable and embedded in school culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201c<\/em>The introduction of Baby Strings has been a very important addition to our school community. The benefits are tremendous and has provided children and staff with so many new skills and confidence\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\nHeadteacher<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n

“Baby Strings has had a significant impact on our school. Children from our area
have very few opportunities to be involved in projects like this and it is quite literally
changing lives through these opportunities.”<\/p>\nHeadteacher<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>
\"\"<\/figure>
\"\"<\/figure><\/div><\/div>
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>
\"\"<\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\ude80 Pathways and Progression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As pupils move beyond P3, many continue their musical development by joining CREATE\u2019s city-wide ensembles<\/strong> such as the Saturday morning City Music Groups at City Halls<\/strong>, ensuring strong progression into Glasgow\u2019s wider Instrumental Music Service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcc8 Proven Impact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The schools involved in CREATE Baby Strings initiatives have clear procedures in place to evaluate the impact of the programme on wider attainment, achievement and wellbeing. In a recent survey, 79% of classroom teachers involved in the Baby Strings project had observed positive effects on learning and engagement in other areas of the curriculum, such as; Numeracy & Mathematics, Literacy & English, Health & Wellbeing, Social Studies, Technologies, Sciences, Modern Languages & Expressive Arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfbc In Partnership With The Glasgow Barons<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We are proud to have The Glasgow Barons<\/strong>\u2014a celebrated community orchestra based in Govan\u2014as the Official Orchestra in Residence<\/strong> for Baby Strings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known for their inclusive and boundary-breaking approach to community music, The Glasgow Barons regularly visit our Baby Strings schools, bringing professional musicianship and inspiring live performance into classrooms. Their involvement helps young learners see the wider world of music and performance, and brings communities together in celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u27a1\ufe0f Learn more about their work: glasgowbarons.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 For Headteachers: Why Join Baby Strings?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Baby Strings offers a unique opportunity to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n