Let's Sing

31/08/2026

There’s a difference between getting children to sing and helping children love singing. 💜

When we take away the pressure to perform, children have the freedom to discover music for themselves.

They can join in, listen, experiment, make up their own sounds, move, be silly, or simply take it all in.

There’s no “right” way to participate.

And maybe that’s where a lifelong love of music begins. 🎶

What do you think? Do we put too much emphasis on children performing, rather than simply experiencing music?

28/07/2026

What if a theatre experience for babies wasn't about keeping them entertained, but about creating moments of wonder, connection and shared joy?

Sing Hello to the Sun 🌞 was created especially for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups—bringing together live singing, original music, gentle storytelling and play in an immersive theatrical experience.

Creating this work has deepened my belief in the power of live singing and early years arts to create meaningful shared experiences for families. Watching young children engage with music in their own unique way has been one of the greatest joys of creating this show.

I'm incredibly grateful to the Civic Theatre and The Arts Council for supporting the development of Sing Hello to the Sun.

Sing Hello to the Sun continues to grow as I develop the work for future opportunities. 💜🎶

23/07/2026

In May 2026, The Civic was delighted to premiere Sing Hello to the Sun, a gentle and interactive musical experience for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups, created and performed by our Associate Artist, Rachel Drew. Produced as part of The Civic Education Programme and kindly supported by the Arts...

08/07/2026

I don't think we sing with babies and toddlers often enough.

And it's not because I want them all to become musicians.

It's because I only recently realised that singing has been helping me regulate my whole life.

I sing while I walk. I hum while I tidy. There's almost always a song somewhere in my head.

For years, I thought I was simply musical. Now I see that singing has also been a source of comfort, focus and grounding.

Looking back, I realise how lucky I was. I grew up believing I could sing, so I never lost access to something that has become such an important part of my life.

It makes me wonder how many people stopped singing because they were told they weren't good enough, or because they became self-conscious.

Perhaps that's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about giving babies and toddlers the experience of live singing.

Not because I expect them all to become musicians.

But because I hope they grow up believing that singing belongs to them. 💜

I'd love to know... do you sing throughout your day, or is singing something you left behind?

25/06/2026

This might be my most controversial early years music opinion...

When we're singing, I'd rather parents weren't chatting to each other.

Not because I want silence.

Not because I expect children to sit perfectly still.

And definitely not because I think parents should spend an hour without speaking.

It's because songs are often where the most interesting things happen.

Young children are listening, watching, processing, anticipating and experimenting.

Sometimes the signs are obvious.

More often they're tiny.

A sway.

A smile.

A gesture.

A child joining in with a single word.

A moment of connection between parent and child.

I've lost count of the number of times I've watched a child do something wonderful while the grown-up beside them was busy talking to another parent.

And I always think: "I wish they'd seen that."

Music classes aren't just for children.

They're an opportunity to experience something together.

So yes, you're welcome to disagree with me...

But I think those few minutes of shared attention are worth protecting.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree, or do you think parent conversations are part of the experience too? 💜🎶

12/06/2026

When it comes to singing and making music with young children, I think we sometimes focus too much on outcomes.

Did they sing the words?
Did they do the actions?
Did they join in?

But before all of that comes something even more important...

Connection.

Feeling safe.
Feeling curious.
Feeling joyful.
Feeling part of something shared.

In my experience, when children feel connected, the singing, learning and participation often follow naturally.

💜🎶

I'd love to know your thoughts.

08/06/2026

A little summer update 💛☀️

I've been getting lots of enquiries about classes and bookings for July and August, so I wanted to let you know that I'll be taking a break from classes over the summer.

I'll still be singing with lots of little ones throughout June, but after that I'll be taking some time to focus on family and take a bit of space for new ideas, new songs, and future artistic projects 🎶💜

Feeling grateful to be able to take the summer to slow down, spend time with family, and be creative ✨️

25/05/2026

SING HELLO TO THE SUN 🌞

Still taking it all in 💛

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came to Sing Hello to the Sun, all the babies, toddlers and grown-ups who sang, listened, moved, watched and shared such beautiful moments with us 🎶

Thank you to Donal Shiels and the incredible team at the Civic Theatre for giving me the opportunity to create the show and helping bring it to life.

To my producer Mary Sheehan, stage manager Ruby Collin, lighting and Tech Tara, Dan and the team Dermot and Paddy, Niamh and the marketing team, Sandra’s box office team, thank you for your care, support and belief in the work 💜

Thanks to
for providing the star of the show, the log 😊

This project was made possible through funding support from the Arts Council 💛, thank you.

Creating this show has meant so much to me personally. To see families connecting through live music in this way felt really emotional and very special 💜🎶

It’s been so lovely to see this work continue to grow and evolve, and I’m really excited for what’s ahead ✨

Photo by

19/05/2026

18/05/2026

Delighted to announce that 'Sing Hello to the Sun' a BRAND NEW show for babies and toddlers is now

Running Tues 19 & Weds 20 May this show is an uplifting and interactive live musical experience.

Created by Rachel Drew Let's Sing and produced by The Civic, with support from