Calling all musicians

The second phase of the Music Champions project is open for applications. Funded by Youth Music and local partners including Leicestershire Music Education Hub and Leicester City Council Early Help.

The project aims to champion early years music for children aged 0-5, supporting children and families in children’s centres, nurseries and schools across Leicester(shire) through collaboration, co-creation and child-led practice.

Over the last few years, The Spark have developed our child-led approach to music making. Understanding that this approach is best practice in early years. This methodology ensures that each unique child’s musicality is nurtured and that children are listened to and valued. Early years practitioners, musicians and parents have been surprised at just how impactful this method has been for children involved.

The Sparks child-led approach to music creates a safe and inclusive space for children and families to express themselves freely. Music Champions have learned how to plan sessions that provide enough structure to facilitate freedom and expression. Musicians have demonstrated their ability to learn and adapt as they actively seek out the views of children, observe their experiences, and listen to their voices and music making. We have seen how musical exploration and discoveries are made together in the moment.

As we develop new types of music practice, we will provide clear feedback to parents and carers and actively engage families in shaping the activities. We heard from a practitioner about the importance of parental feedback.

The project will provide in-depth development opportunities for musicians and early years practitioners through close collaboration and partnership. The program will also include training and peer-to-peer development opportunities to support ongoing learning and sharing of best practices.