Conference looks at ways in which music helps children

Everyone a Music Maker, a two-day event at York’s National Centre for Early Music (NCEM), which concluded yesterday, was presented by Music4U – the Humber Region Youth Music Action Zone.

Everyone with an interest in the subject was welcome, including early years professionals, early years practitioners, child minders, early years foundation stage teachers, music leaders, carers and parents.

Experts explored how music enhances children’s physical, social, intellectual and creative development and suggested providing high-quality music-making opportunities at an early age raised the baton on a lifetime of creativity.

It included a keynote address by the internationally renowned music educator Prof Wilfried Gruhn, who presented his research into the effect of music-making on the brain development of young children.

Delma Tomlin, Director of the NCEM, said: “Music-making with early years has been a vital and integral part of the NCEM’s work from the start – simple ways to help children acquire the skills and passion to develop their musical potential to the full.”