A music programme has produced inspiring results from babies and children. Karen Faux tunes into the band
Momentum is growing for an innovative music programme that was launched two years ago by the National Foundation For Youth Music. Called First Steps, the project targets babies and children up to the age of five across a range of early years settings including nurseries, pre-school playgroups and mother and toddler groups.
So far Youth Music has awarded grants to 80 UK organisations and involved more than 26,000 children in sessions led by music specialists. The beauty of the scheme, say nursery staff and carers, is that musical activities are easy to pick up on and can be continued effectively after the initial programme.
Singing, music-making, musical movement and puppetry all feature as part of classes which are designed to encourage children's participation and enjoyment. Although the effects of music on young children have still to be quantified, Youth Music says its activities enhance confidence, language, learning and social skills. Noisy activities such as banging a drum provide a powerful medium for self-expression, while exercises in identifying musical sounds or learning songs encourage listening and concentration. Children become aware of their bodies, their voices and their physical space when participating in group musical activities and are carried along by the sheer fun of it.
One of the first organisations to implement First Steps was Bristol Music Space, which was awarded a grant of 10,604 last year. It took creative music sessions to seven community day nurseries in the Bristol area, working with two- to five-year-olds, including those with special needs. At Southmead Day Nursery, the commitment to music-making has continued beyond the 12-week programme and deputy unit manager Lynda Payne testifies to its ongoing benefits.
'I'm no musician but the sessions provided by the therapist were inspiring,' she says. 'She showed us how to engage the children's attention with a range of percussion and wind instruments and tailor the activities to their particular needs. By allowing the children to take the lead in singing and playing we have seen them become more confident.'
Lynda and other members of staff work twice-weekly with children in small groups and on a one-to-one basis with those who have learning and behavioural problems. One of her most successful props is her 'music box' - a decorated cardboard box that contains a range of objects such as keys, spoons and rattles that can be used as instruments. 'I play the objects inside the box and ask the children to guess what they are,' she says. 'Even children who generally find it hard to concentrate become focused in this kind of exercise.'
The First Steps experience has been similarly positive for community worker Diane Sewell, who leads a parent and toddler group at St Martin's Church Hall in Shepway, Kent. Earlier this year Diane attended a series of First Steps lunch-time training sessions as part of the Kent Music School's initiative to encourage music-making in communities. She reports that an emphasis on singing and the use of percussion instruments is boosting children's social skills and enhancing self-esteem.
'Some of our games centre on pulses and beats, and we've introduced themes such as "high and low",' she says. 'The exploration of instruments has been particularly useful for encouraging sharing, with children learning to take turns on instruments.'
For Diane the most rewarding aspect of music-making is that it provides an opportunity to praise children and encourage their co-operation: 'Many parents who felt their children were difficult to control now report they are more relaxed at home and will sit and listen to music or be soothed by it at bedtime,' she says. 'We are delighted to see parents becoming attuned to the power of music and continuing with the good work at home.'
How to apply for grants
Grants of 1,000 to 20,000 are available for programmes of between three and 18 months. Due to the high demand for funding, Youth Music says that those organisations working in collaboration with Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships and Sure Start Agencies will take priority, along with settings that can demonstrate a commitment to musical practice.
an Applications can be made on-line at www.youthmusic.org.uk or by telephoning 0207 902 1086.