Early Years Music-Making
"One session was observed by an Ofsted Inspector who commented on the fact that the children were given so much creative freedom by the musicians and how impressive it was."
Staff member, Everton Children’s Centre
Tuning into Children is our early years programme that works through Children’s Centres, childminding networks and early years settings. This flexible model combines singing, instrumental music making and child-led creative learning. The programme links to all Areas of Learning and Development in the Early Years Foundation Stage, bringing children, their parents/carers, professional musicians and early years practitioners together to make music.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic musicians are currently working regularly in Children’s Centres in Everton, Kirkdale (County), Norris Green (Ellergreen), Wavertree, Halewood and Huyton (Hilltop). Our programmes in Liverpool centres are through an excellent partnership with the Senior School Improvement Officer (Early Years) in the City Council’s Children’s Services.
The sessions have 3 main elements: listening, singing and playing, linking with the Early Years Foundation Stage and developing children’s skills in the following areas:
- Attentive listening and concentration
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Turn taking and sharing
- A positive sense of self and others
- Communication and expression of emotions and ideas
- Creativity
Sessions are individually tailored in discussion with centre staff but can include:
- Hello song welcoming each child by name to the group
- Nursery rhymes – with accompanying actions for parent and child to do together
- Song bag – children choose object from the bag and the group sings a song
- Instrument work – appropriate to age of child – using child-led improvisation
- Chill-out – an opportunity for parent/carer and child to relax together and listen to live music
- Goodbye song saying goodbye to every child by name
Liverpool Philharmonic is proud to be involved in Merseyside Children First Forum, a network of early years practitioners and artists managed by National Museums Liverpool with the aim of improving partnerships between the early years and cultural sectors.
‘The thing I enjoyed most is the effect it had on the children – they enjoyed the experience of a different type of music and being empowered to join in with the musicians. One child in particular has behavioural problems and the effect of the music on his behaviour has been phenomenal.’
Staff member, Anfield Childminding Network
