Top Early Years tips from Youth Music Network members

Last month toy distributor Marbel donated 100 vouchers for early years musical instruments to Youth Music Network members. All we asked in return was that you provided us with a top tip, piece of advice or link to a useful article on the web about music-making with early years children (under 5s). We've collated some of the best suggestions into a handy resource.

Youth Music Network users are experts on making music with children and young people. The responses to the competition really proved that to us: the response was huge, with tonnes of fantastic advice. We hope our winners are enjoying playing with their new instruments!

The resources you suggested were really varied. They included tried-and-testred practical tips, songs you've enjoyed singing with under 5s, methodologies which have worked well, and academic research reports on the impacts of music making.

We've broken down the advice into three main sections: practical tips, resources and research.

Thanks to everyone who contributed their ideas, you're all fantastic. If you missed out on the competition this time, we'd love to hear your early years music making suggestions too, so do add them into the comments box below.

Read the practical tips on early years music making Explore the resources for early years music making Study the research about early years music making