Grensáskirkja runs music sessions for babies and parents

Grensáskirkja, a church in Iceland, is holding six-week music sessions for babies aged three months to one year and their parents. The programme, called Krílasálmar, combines singing, movement and play, mbl.is reports.

Mothers leave the church with their children on Tuesday mornings after the sessions. The programme is led by Laufey Brá Jónsdóttir, a priest at Grensáskirkja, and music teacher Ragnheiður Bjarnadóttir.

Now running for the fourth time, Krílasálmar has also led to a follow-up programme, Krakkasálmar, held on Sundays. The current course runs until November 17. It is free, but parents are asked to register through the Fossvogur parish website because the organisers want to limit each group to 12 children. They say this allows them to give individual attention to every child.

Sessions use coloured balls and cloths, as well as songs, dancing and movement between participants. The aim is to stimulate the babies’ senses and encourage closeness with their parents and others in a welcoming setting. The repertoire mixes hymns and other church music with familiar children’s songs and verses, accompanied by singing, piano, ukulele and chimes.

Bjarnadóttir said research indicates that music has positive effects on people of all ages. She added that babies may recognise songs their mothers sang during pregnancy.

Grensáskirkja also offers activities for children, teenagers and older people. Bjarnadóttir said sessions for parents and babies provide an opportunity to meet, particularly for mothers who may feel isolated at home. The church is also seeking to reach mothers from abroad who have limited support networks.