Conference programme
09:20 Welcome and introduction - Charlotte Gibbs, Strategic Lead for Early Years Music, Devon Music Education Hub
09:30 Music and Stories in the Early Years - Steve Grocott, Musician, Composer and Teacher (EYFS specialism)
More information coming soon...
10:45 Refreshments, networking and exhibition
11:15 Inclusive Music Making: Engaging Non-Verbal Children through Songs and Rhymes - Charlotte Gibbs, Strategic Lead for Early Years Music, Devon Music Education Hub
This practical workshop explores how songs and rhymes can be adapted to include non-verbal and pre-verbal children, including those with profound and complex needs. Through interactive activities and discussion, participants will discover simple, effective ways to support connection, communication, and shared joy in music.
12:15 Lunch, networking and exhibition
13:30 A song session - Steve Grocott, Musician, Composer and Teacher (EYFS specialism)
More information coming soon...
14:15 Comfort break
14:20 Dalcroze-based movement session - Margaretta Burrell, Dalcroze Specialist and Music Therapist
This workshop will explore the connection between music and movement, using the natural desire of young children to move in space.
Motivated and led through music and musical concepts, the child is given an opportunity to use the body as a first instrument to ‘play music’, while developing musicianship, co-ordination, expression and imagination.
The workshop will present some Dalcroze principles, as well as many ideas for child led exploration and improvisation within a safe and scaffolded framework. Exploring many songs and musical elements through the body in the space around us and in relationship to others gives us confidence and skills to use them as a tool for self-expression and communication. We will consider basic and essential elements of the child’s movement development.
The activities will be suitable and adaptable for Early Years and KS1, as well as SEND alike. You will be able to use and adapt the songs and games to your own settings. Feel free to record songs on your devices.
Please come dressed to be free to move!
15:50 Closing comments
16:00 Close of conference
