In this project we worked with 6 Early Years settings to deliver a CPD programme that provided an opportunity for Early Years practitioners to work in close partnership with a Early Years music practitioners to explore ways of developing the setting's music provision.

The aims of the project were to:

Develop the music provision and music making opportunities in each setting.
Discuss ways to connect with children musically considering the unique child and their musical identity
Observe children’s musical play and discuss how to nurture, and interact with children’s music making
Develop enabling musical environments
Explore repertoire and activities that are inclusive, meaningful and connect with the children and families that the settings support
Explore the EYFS considering the new reforms
Become familiar with the Musical Development Matters in the Early Years* guidance and supportive tools

*The programme draws upon the Musical Development Matters in the Early Years Guidance and free supportive documents to help support and develop practice and provision.

Early Years Music Practitioners

Sue Buntin

Sue has over 30 years’ experience of making music with 0 – 11-year olds. Over the past 20 years, Sue has focused on working with 0-5-year olds and has worked with parents/carers, children and EY practitioners. Sue has worked in a wide range of EY settings and on a variety of EY music projects. She plays recorders, uses voice and percussion to encourage free musical play as well as leading more structured musical activities. Sue is a trained Kodaly Early Childhood Music teacher, holds NVQ 3 Childcare & Education and is a trained NVQ 3 Assessor. She regularly delivers training courses for EY practitioners and is also a trainer on a professional development course which teaches teaching skills to competent musicians.

Nicola Burke

Nicola is an Associate of Early Education and is currently the strategic leader of Tri-Music Together and Sounds of Play, large workforce development projects taking place across London and Birmingham involving a range of arts and music organisations and EY services. She created the award-winning Tune into Listening free online resource and in 2018 wrote Musical Development Matters in the Early Years, a free downloadable resource to complement Development Matters in the EYFS. Nicola has worked on a wide range of EY music projects and with a range of arts organisations including the Royal Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Royal College of Music as well as the BBC. She is passionate about creating enabling, meaningful experiences for young children and works nationally and internationally to strategically support organisations to develop their Early Childhood Music education and programmes.