Activity
Music Champions
At The Spark we believe that everyone is musical and at a key time in their development, we want children to have access to high quality, musical, playful encounters.
Working in partnership with Leicestershire Music Hub and Leicester City Council Early Help team, this project supports early years practitioners and musicians to work in schools, children’s centres and nurseries to explore and play with sound and music.
Project Aims
This 2 year project champions early years music for children aged 0-5 by developing the workforce in depth (supporting 20 early years practitioners and professional musicians across the 2 years) and breadth (training, peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange). The project will culminate in an early years symposium in 2025.
This project has been made possible with funding from Youth Music, Children in Need, Leicester City Council Early Help and Leicestershire Music Hub.
Space and support for creative exploration
The project supports 5 partnerships each year (5 musicians working with 5 early years practitioners), supporting them to develop their knowledge and understanding of early childhood music making through a programme of training, mentoring and experimentation. The project allows time for each partnership to explore and play with sound and music, working with children and families each week over a period of up to 15 weeks.
Year 1: 2023 – 24
We have worked with the following settings and artists over the last year:-
- Maisy Neale and Little Peepul Nursery
- Richard Stone and New Parks Children Young People and Family Centre
- Beth Hartshorne and Beaumont Leys Children Young People and Family Centre
- Robin Grace and Mowmacre Hill Primary School
- Simon Lubkowski and Thringstone Primary School
Year 2: 2024 – 25
We are excited to be working with the following settings this year:-
- Belgrave Children Young People and Family Centre
- Eyres Monsell Children Young People and Family Centre
- Allexton Day Nursery
- St Barnabas C of E Primary School
- Millfield LEAD Academy
The project will start in December with 2 days training and induction. Watch this space to find out more as the project develops!
Meet the Year 2 Musicians:
Corey Mwamba
Born and based in Derby, Dr Corey Mwamba is a critically-acclaimed vibraphonist, as well as a researcher, live music promoter, and award-winning radio presenter. He predominantly plays vibraphone; and also plays dulcimer and uses audio processing software.
Tatenda Chitsamba
Born and raised in Zimbabwe , “TATENDA” meaning we are grateful is an artist who blends his African influences and lived experiences into his own musical practice. He started his music journey as a beat maker and producer but fell in love with the process of using song writing to tell compelling stories about his journey from childhood into adulthood . He blends different genres into his audio production and enjoys the art of sampling to create music that captivates and resonates with a range of people.
Chris Sylla
Chris is a community musician specialising in West African percussion. She loves the magic of rhythmic connection and has worked with many different groups in a huge range of settings from the corporate world to busking in her local park.
Anna Wolloff
Anna is the SEND Music Leader with Leicestershire Music, arranging and delivering instrumental and singing opportunities for our Specialist Provisions in Leicestershire. This includes the popular SINGclusive choirs – attended by up to 200 children every week, the incredible SEND Big Sing Events, Open Orchestra ensembles and nurture groups. She also arranges and provides specialist training and support for music/creative leads and teachers in schools nationally with MEHEM (Music Education Hubs East Midlands). Personally, Anna plays the flute and piano and sings with the Leicestershire Music Teachers’ Choir. She is the proud mother of 2 daughters – one with a wide range of additional needs – and music is the axis of their wonderful world together.
Phil Pearson
Phil Pearson is a musician and digital music artist creating experiences through sound and technology. Phil likes to use multi disciplinary arts to create soundscapes where students are encouraged to lead and explore within a relaxed setting. Phil has previously worked with Junction Arts, Made with Many, and as a music interaction specialist in schools. Phil currently works for the Level Centre and Theatre of Citizens in Nottingham and Bamboozle theatre as a drama and music practitioner as well as a freelance creative across the Midlands, delivering workshops and performances. Phil often works with children and adults with various educational needs and is passionate about creating accessible musical spaces for all.
Previous Music Champion Projects 2020-2022
Early Years Music Champions was a two-year project (2020-2022) run by Leicestershire Early Years Music Network led by The Spark Arts for Children.
The goal was to promote the role music plays in the communication and language development of children aged 0-4 years, providing training and network opportunities for musicians and early years practitioners.
Membership of the network was available to anyone with an interest in developing their practice and championing music in Early Years, including practitioners, musicians and venues.
Read the evaluation
Find out more about our partners
Youth Music
Leicestershire Music Education Hub
Leicester City Council Early Help Services
De Montfort University
In partnership with
