Wendy Harrisson: Music Box

Music Box introduces music to babies, children and their parents. Read how Wendy Harrisson turned her musical talents into a business...

A mum-of-two who has returned to Coventry, launched two pre-school music classes in September 2007. 

Wendy Harrisson, who was a member of the Coventry Youth Orchestra for five years, studied music at Leeds University and worked in academic, music and special libraries for seven years.

The former Bablake School pupil and classically-trained soprano and singing teacher has now established Music Box to introduce babies and children as well as their parents and carers to music in a fun and friendly environment thanks to business support from the Coventry-based Women’s Business Development Agency.

Thirty-one-year-old Wendy, who is mum to three-year-old Benjamin and nine-month-old Leah, gives children the chance to listen to her playing the cello, experiment with a range of percussion instruments and sing original and well-known action songs and nursery rhymes.

The lullababies class is aimed for babies from birth up to walking and the music box tots session is for older youngsters or parents with more than one child of different ages.

“I have run or attended music classes in Coventry, Leeds and Buckinghamshire which gave me the idea of setting up my own business,” said Wendy, who lives in Cheylesmore.

“I started to write my own songs to sing with my son which he loved and he began singing them round the house. Listening to music helps children’s early language development and parents can sing the songs at home in between classes.

“I wanted to work for myself to maintain control over how the classes are run and respond to parents’ needs. After the music, we will be serving tea and coffee to make the classes more sociable.

“It will also give me the opportunity to meet other local mums and I can’t wait for the classes to start.”

Business adviser Dawn Horne, from the Women’s Business Development Agency, said the organisation had provided Wendy with regular one-to-one advice meetings and telephone support to set up her business.

“It can be daunting for women to start their own business even if they know they have a great idea and are confident it will be a success,” she said.

Dawn is a member of the West Midlands Woman team who are providing comprehensive virtual and face-to-face regionwide business support, help, advice, mentoring and training for women wanting to start and grow their businesses.

For further information contact Wendy on 024 7650 3276 or email musicboxclasses@orange.net

PICTURE CAPTION: Dawn Horne (left) from the Women’s Business Development Agency, with Wendy Harrison from Music Box.