Abstract:

Research consistently shows that music plays a vital role in early brain development. While many parents want to give their children a strong musical start, few have experienced what a rich, developmentally appropriate musical childhood looks and sounds like.

Historically, a child’s music education began in the home where families instinctively engaged their babies and toddlers in activities that supported them to become tuneful, beatful and artful. They bounced babies on their knees while singing about horse rides, wiggled their fingers and toes as they recited poems about piggies and train carriages, they tickled palms in anticipation of a tickle under there… and sang lullabies while rocking them to sleep. These everyday interactions supported children to become musical long before formal lessons existed.

Over time, this shared musical knowledge has diminished. Increased reliance on technology and a shift toward passive music consumption have reduced opportunities for active, embodied music-making in early childhood.

This session explores the key components of high-quality music experiences for babies and toddlers, grounded in decades of research by early childhood music education expert Dr John Feierabend. Participants will gain practical tools and developmentally informed strategies to nurture musical growth during the most critical early years.

By the end of this workshop, attendees will:

• Experience and learn a practical repertoire of bounces, wiggles, tickles, tapping and clapping songs, simple songs, circle activities, movement with recorded music, and lullabies that can be used immediately
• Understand research-based principles that support musical development in infants and toddlers
• Learn how to empower parents and caregivers through child development knowledge
• Develop strategies for creating a welcoming, inclusive class environment that fosters musical connection and community