May Music Notes: Storytelling, Sound Healing & Sweet Skills at Layston Music [May 2025 Newsletter]

Dear Layston Music Families,

Spring is here! The longer days and warmer sunshine are bringing a fresh burst of energy to our lessons, and we’re loving the creative buzz in the studio. As we head towards summer, it’s a great time to refocus, set small goals, and enjoy every step of your child’s musical journey.

Telling Stories Through Song: Celebrating National Share-A-Story Month

May is National Share-A-Story Month, and here at Layston Music, we believe every musician is a storyteller. Whether it's through lyrics, melodies, or instrumental pieces, music has the power to tell stories that words alone cannot.

In this month’s blog post, we explore:🎶 How songwriting helps children express emotions and build confidence🎶 The link between musical storytelling and literacy skills🎶 Simple ways you can encourage your child to create their own musical stories at home

👉 Read the full blog here: [https://www.laystonmusic.co.uk/post/telling-stories-through-song-celebrating-national-share-a-story-month-at-layston-music]

Summer Term Dates for Your Diary

Please make a note of our upcoming term dates:

📅 Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April – Monday 4th August (inclusive)⏸ Talena is away: Friday 23rd May & Wednesday 28th May⏸ Talena & Paul are away: Saturday 31st May

Remember, you can always check your lesson dates, invoices, payments, and notes through your MyMusicStaff portal. 

Lost your login? Just reply to this email, and we’ll send you a reset link.

Upcoming Event: Sound & Song Healing Workshop 🎵✨

Reconnect, relax, and recharge with our next Sound Healing Workshop:

📅 Date: Sunday 22nd June 2025📍 Location: [Buntingford Community Centre]🎟 Booking Link: [https://www.songandsound.co.uk/event-list]

Join us for a peaceful afternoon of sound and song designed to support well-being and inner calm. Everyone is welcome — no musical experience needed!

Practical Tip: Sweeten Your Scales for Better Technique 🎹🍩

In honour of National Doughnut Week, let’s talk about making scales a “treat” rather than a chore!

🎵 Piano & Keyboard: Challenge your child to play their favourite scale while imagining each note is a different doughnut flavour. 

This fun visualisation encourages focus on tone and evenness across the keys.

🎸 Guitar: Try turning scale practice into a “doughnut round” — play slowly and sweetly (like enjoying a doughnut!) to refine finger placement and smooth transitions between notes.

Small, playful tweaks like this can help make technical exercises more enjoyable — and more effective!

Meet Your Mentor: Talena Cuthbert

With over 20 years’ experience, I am passionate about nurturing young musicians in a positive, supportive way. As a BA-qualified Music and Health Practitioner, Piano Teacher, Music Mentor, Song and Sound Therapist, and Vocal Coach, I bring a holistic approach to music learning. My qualifications in Sound Therapy, Music Therapy, ASD, and Children & Young People’s Mental Health ensure every student feels seen, heard, and encouraged.

Thank you for being part of the Layston Music Family!

​Your continued support means so much, and we love seeing your children grow in confidence and creativity through music.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your child’s progress, please feel free to get in touch.

Wishing you a joyful May filled with music and stories!

Warmest wishes,

Talena Cuthbert | Layston Music