Musical Meaning in Early Childhood

Written by Early Years lead, Rob Kitchen; Gateshead Music Service

The Early Years Strategy Group brings together people from across the North East, nominated by each local authority area, who care deeply about how music is experienced by young children. We come from different places and roles, but we share a belief that music in the early years is not just about songs and activities. It is about relationships, identity, belonging, and making sense of the world together. 

When children make music, they are expressing who they are and what matters to them. The sounds, rhythms, and ways they participate are shaped by their families, cultures, communities, and lived experiences. Our work starts from that understanding. Music should reflect children’s lives as they are now, not as an abstract idea of what music education ought to be. 

At the moment, our main focus is on listening more carefully to the Early Years workforce across the region. We are developing a staff skills audit that looks at confidence, experience, training needs, and interests for both music service tutors and practitioners working directly in settings. The aim is not to measure or judge, but to build a clearer picture of where support will be most useful and meaningful. 

We are also taking steps towards creating a regional Early Years music network. The first stage will be an open online meeting planned for September 2026, giving practitioners space to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another across local authority boundaries. We want this to feel welcoming and practical, especially for colleagues who often work in isolation. Please get in touch if you want be involved! 

Another priority is greater openness and transparency. There is already some brilliant practice happening across the North East, so we are exploring a shared online resource hub that brings together recordings, videos, playlists, and ideas in one place. Rather than starting from scratch, we want to share generously and make good work visible. 

Music technology is also a growing area of discussion. Tools such as sound-based apps, visual music platforms, and simple digital controllers have real potential in the early years, particularly for non-verbal children and those with SEND. Used well, technology can widen access to music making and give children new ways to express themselves.

his work supports practitioners to feel more confident, connected, and valued. For children, it means music making that feels familiar, inclusive, and responsive to who they are and where they come from, while also opening doors to new sounds and experiences. 

By working openly and collaboratively, we hope to build a stronger regional community around Early Years music, one where meaning is made together and everyone’s voice matters.

Looking ahead, the group is focused on turning listening into action. The next steps include completing the regional staff skills audit and using that insight to shape more responsive training and support. We will pilot an open online Early Years network meeting in September 2026, with the aim of creating an ongoing space for practitioners to connect, share practice, and learn from one another. 

We are also developing a shared online resource hub that brings together existing recordings, examples of practice, and practical ideas from across the region. Alongside this, we want to grow confidence around inclusive approaches to music, including thoughtful use of music technology, culturally responsive repertoires, and practice that supports all children to participate meaningfully. 

If you work in Early Years music in the North East, we want to hear from you. Whether you are a practitioner, musician, or setting lead, your experience and ideas matter. Join future network meetings, share your practice, or get in touch to collaborate. This work is strongest when it is open, collective, and rooted in the realities of everyday Early Years music making.