Youth Music - BongoClub.org.uk

Organising music sessions

Introducing children to musicians gives them an opportunity to see music in the lives of adults and learn from experienced music makers. Using musicians in early years settings can really solidify the role of music as a teaching tool. You may find it useful to consider the following:

• Preparation & follow up
  How will you prepare the children for the workshop and follow up afterwards? The music session might require the children to concentrate for longer than they are used to, so make sure they let off steam before the lesson begins! Ensure that the lesson is varied enough to keep their interest and make sure you plan your time for extra factors such as putting instruments away after the lesson has finished.
  
  
• Plan
  Plan carefully and repeat activities; combine the familiar with variety, challenges and surprise.
  
  
• Find a space
  Find a safe space with few distractions and room to move. Have everything ready and set up before the session begins. 
  
  
• Routine
  Introduce a routine with a beginning and an ending, leaving space to be spontaneous and responsive to the childrens' ideas.
  
  
• Actively include the children
  How will you make the workshop interactive with plenty of opportunity for audience participation? Think about how you will engage the children in the music making sessions.
  
  
• Movement
  Always include some movement and keep everyone actively involved.
  
  
• Instruments
  Use simple instruments or objects which appeal to the auditory and tactile senses and let children touch, play and explore. Try setting a context with a song or a game to include the instruments.
  
  
• Suitability
  Choose songs carefully and make sure they are suitable for young voices.
  
  
• Variety
  Use a mixture of traditional and contemporary styles as well as your own songs and games to introduce the children to a variety of musical styles.
  
  
• Relaxation
  End the session with relaxation.

From MusicLeader.net, Youth Music's UK-wide training and professional development initiative for music leaders at every stage of their career.

Funding for music activities

If you're a practitioner looking for funding for music activities, your project could be eligible for funding from Youth Music's First Steps programme.

MusicLeader