Training
Making music with the very young is a rewarding activity. Doing it well and with confidence takes some planning and time. Music for Starters has a reputation for running excellent, very practical one-day courses for anyone working with (or who would like to work with) young children.
Courses are held in London and Birmingham about three times a term (see below). We are also delighted to visit your setting, local authority or music service to deliver bespoke courses. Our rates are very good value and feedback is, without exception, very positive!
Topics covered can include:
Music for very small babies - how to get parents and carers involved and engaged.
Inventing your own musical activities - make music fit your topics!
Developing confidence in running a music session Action songs - motor skills and sequencing feature strongly!
Learning through music – how music supports the whole EYFS curriculum
Music to accompany care-giving routines - nappy changing (etc.) made easy!
Working with props and puppets - bring your music sessions to life!
Introducing musical concepts - what goes on behind the play.
Helping children to find their singing voices and to get them singing!
Involving children for whom English is a new or second language
Inclusion issues for children with speech and language special needs
Using percussion in the classroom and outside
Establishing a shared repertoire of core songs and games within your setting
All courses consider the issue of progression (children learn so much and so quickly at this age) and link to the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
See also our training brochure for more details
You can download a booking form with details of our courses for Autumn 2008
courses for 2009 will be announced shortly!
Over the past year we have provided training for many local authorities, schools and nurseries, as well as individual practitioners. Feedback from past courses is overwhelmingly positive. Don’t take our word for it, here are some comments from the past year:
“Excellent and versatile materials, very useful, found repertoire and pace and CD examples most helpful” – Adam Baum, St Cedds School, Essex
“Lots of information and great ideas…Found the use of puppets useful.” – Klio Papadopoulou, teacher, Blackheath
“Loads of ideas to implement immediately and will totally enhance teaching” – Wendy Hughes, Durham Music Service
“Wonderful to share experience and ideas with such an experienced practitioner. Found access to songs and resources helpful” – Linda Napier-Burrows, Redbridge Early Years Team
“Lovely relaxed but strategic presentation – practical too! Found the themes and how they progress most helpful” – Colette Shrubsole, Waltham Forest Music Service
“Fantastic – everything was relevant and to the point. Very inspiring” – Penny Crisp, Pre-School/Toddler Group
“Fantastic! I will use ideas straight away. I have got all three singing games books which have become bibles” – Alice Butterton, Westminster Cathedral Primary School
“Great ideas for teaching rhythm and using puppets”
“Great musical skills/concepts underpinning fun activities” – Emily Keeler, Wandsworth Schools Music Service | 
