My name is Chantelle Rothmann, and I have been dedicated to teaching music since 2007. My career began at Pinetown Junior Primary, where I served as choir master, concert pianist, and music instructor, and continued at Highway College.

Throughout my years in music education, I have observed a significant need for qualified music teachers, especially for preschool-aged children. While schoolchildren often receive consistent vocal instruction, younger children—between the ages of three and six—are often overlooked. Renowned educator Zoltán Kodály emphasized that this age range is critical for musical sensitivity; with proper guidance, young children can develop a lasting musical ear. As Kodály aptly stated, music should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few: it is "spiritual food for everybody." Like Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, Kodály prioritized cultivating the inner ear, believing that children should be immersed in music from their earliest years, actively engaging with it before beginning formal instrument training.

This is where Musical Bees makes a difference. Our program, structured for children aged 6 months to 6 years, incorporates both the Colourstrings approach and Kodály method to introduce rhythm, pitch, dynamics, tempo, and melody in a structured, engaging way. Through singing, rhythm games, movement, and percussion, children learn musical concepts in a joyful yet disciplined environment, setting a strong foundation for a lifelong appreciation and understanding of music.