Yorkshire Youth & Music - Early Years Music Projects

Our current Early Years project started in January 2006, in 6 Children’s Centres around the region. The project aims to introduce children to making music; introduce children to listening and responding to music; to provide carers and parents with ideas and skills to continue music making once the sessions have ended, and to work with professionals to integrate music practice into Early Years provision. It has proven to be highly successful and we have been asked to extend our work in Rotherham to another five Childrens’ Centres, starting in September 2006.

The Early Years project objectives and activities have been developed around each participating group and depends on the ages and abilities of the children taking part, with each project to providing a rounded experience for both children and carers. We want the music activities to be enjoyable and to develop young children’s capacity to listen carefully and make music enjoyably in future, and to make a contribution to the child’s overall development; communication skills, physical co-ordination and understanding and exploring the world around them.

Part of the project has been the design and installation of outdoor instruments made by musician Andy Spearpoint, with funding from the Lloyds TSB Foundation.

"Everyone has really benefited from the musicians guidance in establishing a creative environment for music."