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 strong 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,Birmingham and now in Leeds throughout the year (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 - a look at how babies develope in the first twelve months with songs and activities to support them along the way..

• 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.

You can book up to attend one of our training days (in London, Leeds and Birmingham) or we can come and visit your organisation. Why not team up with other local nurseries or pre-school groups to make an event of it?

See also our training brochure for more details

You can download a booking form with details of our courses for Autumn 2010 and Spring 2011

You can download more information about each course(including our new courses for supporting Numeracy and Literacy through music!).

Our very practical sessions are highly acclaimed by advisory teachers (of Music and in the EYFS), EYFS practitioners, musicians wishing to extend their work into the early years and by Music teachers looking for new material and ideas. But don’t take our word for it, here are some comments from past delegates:

“Just to let you know that the staff I sent on the training on Monday found it an amazing experience! They were positively glowing with positivity on their return, all of them learned so much and were very impressed by the skill of the trainer, so thank you for such a wonderful experience. The group who attended the training will be using the experience to influence practice across our neighbourhood and to inform our early communication strategy” - Geraldine Connor, Children's Centre Leader

“Excellent training, very interactive, full of fun and silliness we all thoroughly enjoyed….best training yet!” – Faye McMahon – Gravesham Children’s Centre

“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