With six weeks of teaching sessions already under their belts, our cohort of early years practitioners are now over halfway through the taught component of our Interactive Music-Making (IMM) programme.

Coming together each Friday afternoon, our 11 students have been exploring key theorists, and principles of music therapy relevant to the IMM approach. Together they have explored musical techniques to promote positive relationships with the young children they work with, from fostering non-verbal connections through music and adapting activities to suit differing stages of children’s development.

While getting to grips with the underlying theory, concepts have been brought to life through plenty of practical workshopping, musical play, and group discussions.

I found the idea of children choosing not to do something being equally as important as them choosing to do something helpful, and will be sharing that with my team.

Interactive Music-Making student

This year’s cohort represent 11 early years settings across London, from small independent nurseries, special education schools, to federated nursery schools. While the contexts our students are working in might be very different, their shared experiences and combined expertise brings the opportunity for rich peer discussions and space to reflect on their practice – a core part of the learning process.

It’s always great to hear everyone’s experience of different situations, which make you feel that although you are in different settings, you can all experience the same things.

Interactive Music-Making student

This year’s programme is delivered by IMM Course Leader Lucy Osborne, with guest teaching contributions from music therapists Emma Bailey (Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust), Alison Whittle (Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust), and Alexia Quin.

The musical session was fun and helped me to step out of my comfort zone. It allowed me to get in touch with my musical side in front of adults, rather than with children, who I am more comfortable with.

Interactive Music-Making student

Their teaching will continue in the new year, when our students will turn their focus to the practicalities of leading music sessions and building on their portfolio of musical activities. As they build their skills and confidence, they will soon be ready to begin their independent Interactive Music-Making sessions with the young children in their care.

Thank you to all our IMM Associate organisations for supporting this year’s delivery: Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, North London Music Therapy, Nordoff and Robbins, Primary Advantage, and Quaggy Development Trust.

Watch this space for the next exciting update!