Free Music-Making Course for Early Years Practitioners
Is music the key to unlocking young minds?
A London-based charity, Music as Therapy International, is offering seven free spots on its Interactive Music-Making Course for early years practitioners. This course, running every Friday afternoon from September 2024 to May 2025, aims to enhance young children’s communication, expression, and social development through music. Participants will learn to independently conduct music sessions and receive instruments, staff cover, and travel contributions. Applications are open to settings, with a deadline of 6 September 2024.
Can music truly transform early childhood development? Music as Therapy International certainly believes so, and they are putting their belief into action by offering seven free places on their esteemed Interactive Music-Making Course. This initiative is aimed squarely at early years practitioners who are eager to harness the power of music to foster communication, expression, and social development in young children.
Running from September 2024 until May 2025, this course is meticulously designed to equip practitioners with the skills needed to conduct regular music sessions independently. What makes this offer even more appealing is that it comes with a set of instruments and contributions towards staff cover and travel costs, making it a comprehensive support package for those dedicated to early years education.
Music as Therapy International, established in collaboration with prominent partners such as Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, North London Music Therapy, and Nordoff and Robbins, has been running this transformative course since 2010. Their mission is clear: to ensure that all early years settings, regardless of budget, have access to high-quality music training.
The Power of Music in Early Years
Music is not just an art form; it’s a powerful tool for development, especially in the early years. It offers children a unique, inclusive language through which they can communicate and express themselves. For practitioners, the challenge lies in integrating this tool into their daily routines in a way that is both effective and enjoyable.
Course Structure and Content
The Interactive Music-Making Course is a robust program designed to teach practitioners how to use music to boost various aspects of a child’s development. Running every Friday afternoon, the course covers a wide array of topics, including:
- Communication Skills: Using music to improve verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Expression: Encouraging children to express their emotions through musical activities.
- Social Development: Fostering social skills like sharing, negotiation, and cooperation through group music sessions.
By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence and knowledge to run their own music sessions, helping children to explore and develop their musical abilities.
Application Process
Applying for the course is straightforward but requires early action. Interested settings must submit their applications by 6 September 2024. The charity emphasises that applications should come from settings rather than individuals, ensuring that the benefits of the training can be spread across entire teams of practitioners.
Supporting Practitioners
One of the standout features of this offer is the comprehensive support provided. Not only do participants receive a fully funded course place, but they are also given a set of musical instruments to use in their sessions. Additionally, the charity offers a contribution towards staff cover and travel costs, recognising the financial barriers that often prevent practitioners from accessing such training.
Long-Term Benefits
The long-term benefits of the Interactive Music-Making Course extend far beyond the immediate classroom. By empowering practitioners with the skills to use music effectively, the charity aims to create a ripple effect that will benefit countless children. Music can motivate reluctant children to participate, build their confidence, and provide a fun, engaging way to strengthen language skills.
Testimonials and Impact
Alexia Quin, director of Music as Therapy International, highlights the transformative power of music:
“Music is inherently inclusive and offers children an alternative, but shared, language to communicate with. Music can motivate reluctant children to participate, building their confidence. Singing can be an accessible and fun way to explore vocal sounds and strengthen language skills.”
Participants from previous years have echoed these sentiments, noting significant improvements in the children they work with. The combination of professional training and practical resources makes this course a standout opportunity for early years practitioners.
Music as Therapy International’s offer of free places on their Interactive Music-Making Course represents a fantastic opportunity for early years practitioners. By providing comprehensive training, resources, and financial support, the charity is ensuring that more children can benefit from the developmental power of music. The deadline for applications is 6 September 2024, so early years settings should act quickly to take advantage of this invaluable offer.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your early years practice with the power of music. Apply for the Interactive Music-Making Course today and transform the lives of the children in your care!