News

Does Music Move?

The London Early Years Music Network (LEYMN) commissioned LEYMN member Margareta Burrell to explore the role of movement in music-making for young children.

Using Dalcroze principles as a starting point, Margareta observed children to better understand the importance and significance of moving and music. Over the course of six weeks, two groups from the same nursery engaged in similar activities in different spaces – one limiting movement and one encouraging movement.

Her findings were categorised as indicators such as listening skills, vocal skills, movement and creativity and a clear set of outcomes were achieved by both groups. The outcomes specific to each group are interesting: e.g. group one with limited opportunity to move demonstrated greater focus on singing than group two.

For the nursery staff involved, the experience has provided confidence and new skills to continue music making independently.
“I feel encouraged to use the hall space more often for movement, with a better idea about how to manage sessions.”

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