Last summer, Advisory Panel member Sarah Hadley facilitated a collaborative CPD session with a group of our Interactive Music-Makers, exploring how to involve and support parents in Interactive Music-Making (IMM) sessions. Their shared insights, experiences, and practical tips were brought together in a new resource booklet, “Involving Parents in Interactive Music-Making sessions: Opportunities and considerations.”

Last week, we were delighted to have the opportunity to champion this co-produced resource at the 2025 Music and Parental Wellbeing Symposium. Hosted at the Royal College of Music in London, the two-day event brought together interdisciplinary and international delegates to explore the ways music can support parental wellbeing.

Sarah’s poster presentation highlighted the inclusive Interactive Music-Making approach, and the scope for Interactive Music-Makers to meet parents wherever they are in their parenting journey. With hands-on exercises and practical tips, the free resource aims to equip practitioners to proactively identify and celebrate the parent’s achievements, encouraging their active involvement in their children’s musical journey.

With 200 delegates in attendance, both in person and online, the event was a great opportunity to share the adaptable Interactive Music-Making approach with new audiences – and the central role it can have in supporting parent-child and parent-practitioner relationships.

Take a closer look at Sarah’s poster presentation (below), or check out the full resource booklet.

Huge thanks to Sarah for representing IMM and to the Music and Parental Wellbeing Alliance for setting up this valuable event.

Apply now for Interactive Music-Making 2025/26

If you are an early years’ practitioner interested to learn how to maximise young children’s early development opportunities through music, apply now for Interactive Music-Making 2025/26.

Led by expert music therapists, our next programme will run from East London, with weekly teaching sessions between November 2025 and February 2026. FREE Award places are available to applicants from early years settings.

Apply by Friday 17th October 2025.

For full application details, visit our Interactive Music-Making page or email elsahariades@musicastherapy.org