Youth Music launches Music Start initiative

Posted: 02 April 2008

A free music resource pack for 2-5 year olds

100,000 under fives across the country are getting a free introduction to music as Youth Music launches Music Start. Funded by the DCMS and DCSF, the Music Start initiative has been developed to encourage families with 2-5 year olds to make music at home.

The Music Start resource will be available free to 100,000 families in England through Sure Start Children’s Centres in 25 local authority areas. The creative team responsible for developing the pack includes award winning children’s author Miriam Moss, composer Malcolm Bruce, illustrators D R ink and early years specialist Alison Blunt.

 Music Start has been developed for parents of all musical ability. Each pack includes:

• A fully illustrated storybook, Chiff Chaff and Chickpea: In Search of Sounds, a magical musical journey around the world. Each page of the storybook features simple musical activities to do at home.
• An accompanying CD of original music and songs for all the family to enjoy.
• Three high quality instruments for little hands – a cymbal, hand drum and maraca
• Information booklet to help parents get started
• A sustainable jute bag to keep everything in.

Music Start aims to encourage parent-child bonding as well as support musical and educational development. The information booklet includes advice on how to find local music making sessions and groups. Movement activities featured in the resource will help children develop both musically and physically. Vocal activities will help develop confidence and the ability to communicate. Finally, instrumental activities help to develop physical coordination and listening skills.

Early years music specialists will host Music Start information days in selected Sure Start Children’s Centres, these will include hands-on music making sessions to encourage parents to use the packs at home.

Youth Music is seeking further funding to develop the resource and expand the reach beyond the initial 25 selected areas. The Music Start initiative is part of our wider commitment to early years music making. Youth Music wants every child to begin a lifelong musical journey from the earliest possible moment and is targeting the 0-5 age range as this is the key time to embed music in the lives of all children.

For more information visit Youth Music’s online resource for early years music making.

www.bongoclub.org.uk