When I’m happy my mouth smiles all by itself!
If you’re in London on Saturday 8 February then be sure to come to the Music Education Expo to see a fascinating presentation on Early Years music-making brought to you by Youth Music, Sightlines, and Trimdon Grange Infant and Nursery School. I guarantee that you will go away smiling!
Why Early Years?
Why should you be interested in Early Years music-making? A 2010 review of the outcomes of music-making for children under 5 (by our very own Dr Douglas Lonie) presented published evidence linking music-making to improved musical understanding and communication. It also reported research showing that musical tastes, preferences and behaviours develop from birth and can be supported throughout the pre-school years. There is also some evidence linking music-making in the early years to improved parent-child communication and the development of phonological awareness which can help language and reading skills.
What’s on offer at the Expo?
The session we’re running at the Expo will feature a short introduction by me, followed by a presentation by Catherine Reding from Sightlines and Catherine Worton, Headteacher at Trimdon Grange Infant and Nursery School. Sightlines is an early years charity that promotes a creative and reflective approach to early childhood education. Trimdon Grange Nursery and Infant School is an Outstanding School based in County Durham. The organisations have been working together on the Drama of Sound project since 2009.
How to design music-making programmes that build on the natural musicality of children
The Drama of Sound project is designed and delivered in such a way as to build on children’s innate creativity and their own musical ideas. There are already some resources developed through the project on the Youth Music Network, but Catherine and Catherine will bring these to life as part of their presentation, talking through the project in a very practical way. The presentation is underpinned by lots of pictures and video footage of children’s musical ideas and thoughts (from where I stole the lovely quote that forms the title of this blog)! There will be time for questions and answers too.
Early Years research findings and Youth Music funding
If you haven’t yet had a chance to read our latest research into engaging parents in Early Years music-making then you will be able to hear about the headline findings as part of my introduction. In addition, if you thinking of applying for funding from Youth Music for an Early Years music-making project, there will also be a short overview about the opportunities and application process.
So – all that remains is to say that I really hope to see you all at 3.15 in the Rhinegold Theatre (at the Barbican Centre) on Saturday 8 February. It’s free entry so unless you’re busy you’ve got no excuse for not attending!
‘Hard to reach’ panel
If this is not enough to whet your appetite - or Early Years really isn’t your thing - then perhaps you should attend the Expo at 12.30 on Friday instead, where Dr Douglas Lonie (Research and Evaluation Manager at Youth Music) will be sitting on an expert panel, discussing music education with ‘hard to reach’ young people.
More information
For more information and to register for a free place, please visit the Music Education Expo website.