Building A Musical Community For Little Ones: The Story Behind Music Bus South Liverpool

Liz Hare, the passionate owner of Music Bus Liverpool South, combines her love for music and working with kids through her fun, multi-sensory music classes for babies, toddlers, and little ones up to four years old. These sessions aren’t just about the kids having a blast—they’re a great way for families to connect too. 

Liz’s journey from working in events to becoming a finalist for ‘Most Loved Activity Leader In The North’ at the What’s On 4 Kids Awards shows her passion for making a positive impact on both children and their parents.

Liz shares her inspiring story, her thoughts on being nominated for a national award, and the amazing benefits she’s seen from running Music Bus classes in our interview below.

Liverpool Noise: Can you tell us a bit about what motivated you to start the Music Bus classes in Liverpool?

Liz: So at the end of October 2020 was when I made the big decision to change my life. Basically, before that, I was working in events, and it was during the Covid pandemic when it forced me to reflect on my purpose. I felt like I was just plodding along and not knowing what direction to take, but I’d always been doing creative things like theatre and music, and people always said to me “you need to be working with kids”, “you’re so good with kids”, etc. So one day I literally just quit my job. 

I’ve always had a musical background and I play piano, so it wasn’t completely out of nowhere, but I decided that is what I needed to be doing in life. Then I found the Music Bus franchise, signed up and I’ve not looked back. 

Another motivator for me as well was my own experience of motherhood. I think maternity can be really isolating, especially if you’ve not got a good network around you. And I really wanted to create a space where parents could connect and feel supported. And I wanted to be like that friendly smiley face for a mum who might be having a tough day. So it’s not only good for the kids because they’re having a lovely time, I wanted it to be a place where parents can feel welcome as well. 

Liverpool Noise: You’ve been named a finalist for the ‘Most Loved Activity Leader In The North’ by What’s On For Kids National Children’s Activity Awards. Congratulations! How does that feel?

Liz: It feels incredible, knowing that people had to vote for this award. Knowing that people have taken the time to vote for you and it’ll be all parents voting who have got busy days. And I’m relatively small compared to some of the other groups around, so I just wasn’t expecting to get through to the finals. So it’s amazing that everybody’s voted for me. It kind of confirmed that this is what I should be doing, what I’m good at, and what I love. The awards are on the 21st November so I’m looking forward to that. But I think, to be honest, just getting through to the finals is absolutely amazing.

Liverpool Noise: Good luck, we’ve got our fingers crossed for you! Could you share some examples of the positive changes you’ve witnessed in the children who attend your classes?

Liz: So, gosh, there’s so many benefits to doing music for young kids. One big thing is their language development, using different sounds and rhythms and lyrics, it really helps kids with their vocabulary and also their communication skills as well. 

Confidence is a big thing. You often notice some of the shy children the first few weeks of the term, they might just sit, but then as the time goes on, they’re up with their instruments, dancing around, wanting to take over the class with you. So it’s massive for confidence. 

Also, music’s really good for kids to be able to express themselves and help build up their emotional awareness as well. In terms of social skills, it’s really good for their listening skills too., And like I said before it’s really nice for parents as well. It’s great to see relationships evolve with mums and dads that come to my class who have built up a little bit of a support network.

Liverpool Noise: Looking back on the past three years, what has been the most rewarding part of your journey with The Music Bus?

Liz: I think the most rewarding part for me is knowing that I can do something if I set my mind to it. Now, looking back over the past three years I started my own business, I’ve been nominated for national awards. And aside from that, just seeing how kids are developing over time. The nice messages you get from parents saying their kids come home singing the songs and they’re learning to count, just all the development you see in the children and all the hugs you get at the end of class as well. They’re an added bonus!

Liverpool Noise: Tell us a bit about the classes you run and where you run them from. 

Liz: So, I run classes at So Curious, the children’s play cafe on Smithdown Road every Tuesday and Friday. Once a month I do a weekend class on a Sunday. During the holidays Halloween specials and Christmas specials. The rest of my time during the week, I go into nurseries and preschools, and I deliver music sessions there. 

I’ve also just signed up to do a degree for music for 0 – 5 year olds. So I started my studying this week, actually, just because I want to be the best version of myself, not just for me, but also for all my families as well.

Liverpool Noise: That’s incredible! So what does the future hold for you?

Liz: I’d really like to start working with some local businesses. I think it’s really important that we support each other and running your own business can be quite a lonely place so I’m looking for ways to collaborate with local businesses that are meaningful for everyone involved, and just a way to be able to give back to the community and create connections. If anyone would like to get in touch with me please feel free to contact me via @musicbusliverpoolsouth Instagram page or email me at [email protected].