About us – Little Bear's Music

About Lara

Hello — I’m Lara, and I’m so excited to be bringing the joy of music to little ones and their families! 🎶

My love for music began before I could even speak. My mum would sing to me as a baby, and seeing how it soothed and connected us inspired her to start me with piano and singing lessons from a young age. By the time I was 11, I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger — an orchestra. So I picked up the clarinet, joined the school orchestra, and never looked back! Along the way, I also explored other instruments like the flute and had the pleasure of playing in a flute choir. 🎵

I went on to earn a BA (Hons) in Music Performance from the University of Chichester Conservatoire and today, you’ll find me playing clarinet with the Guildford Symphony Orchestra and singing with the Woking Choral Society — both wonderful communities of passionate musicians!

Alongside performing, I’ve always loved working with children. I have years of experience caring for and engaging with little ones, from babies through to teenagers, in nurseries, schools, church holiday clubs, and community settings. I’ve also been privileged to work with children with profound and multiple disabilities, many of whom are non-verbal. These experiences have deeply shaped how I connect with children through music — creating inclusive, engaging, and meaningful sessions where every child feels valued and can express themselves.🤍

I believe music is a powerful tool not just for entertainment, but for emotional, social, and cognitive development. I’ve experienced those benefits in my own life, and it’s a joy to pass them on through interactive, live music-making with children.

When I’m not making music, you’ll probably find me at the theatre with friends, exploring new places, or curled up with a good book. 📚

I can’t wait to meet you and your little ones soon and share the magic of music together!

Lara Horn

Little Bear’s Music 🧸🎶

About Little Bear’s Music

Little Bear’s Music is all about sparking joy, connection and confidence in children through live music. I am passionate about creating a space where little ones and their families can sing, play, and explore music together in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. 🧸

I am proud to be carrying on the baton from Holly Hitchen, an experienced music therapist. Her passion for music and over 20 years of professional expertise and advanced training in music therapy, inspired her to create ‘Little Bear’s Music’. Holly saw first hand the incredible developmental benefits of live music and built a place where children could thrive through sessions which were joyful, engaging and child focussed.

That vision is something I wholeheartedly share. My own experiences of music in my early years showed me how it can nurture a child’s sense of creativity and happiness. Those moments left a lasting impression on me, and they fuel my excitement to continue building this unique business – bringing families together and helping children flourish through the power of music.

Little Bear’s Music classes have been designed with the aim of providing an imaginative, exciting and supportive environment in which your child can:

Confidence, Self Expression & Creativity ✨

Through movement to live music your little one can become more confident and learn to express themselves.

Communicate ✨

Singing songs will help your little one learn new words and become confident with communication.

Learn ✨

Through playing instruments your little one can develop their listening, attention and coordination skills while having lots of fun.

Interact ✨

Your little one will have the chance to make new friends who also love music. You can also experience interacting with your child through live music in a supportive environment.

Why Music? 🎵

Music is like a turbo power for the brain. It is nonverbal which means that it can help people express themselves without the need for words. Playing music with your baby can activate the pathways in the brain responsible for many general skills such as creativity or more specific skills like spatial intelligence.

Some interesting music facts:

Newborn babies can remember melodies played to them while they were in the womb.
Three-month-old babies can use music to help them remember things they have learned. Scientists now believe that music gives significance to the learning process and helps remember it.

One-year-old babies who participate in interactive music classes with their parents smile more, communicate better and show earlier and more sophisticated brain responses to music.