Music as Therapy International is offering a total of seven free places on its Interactive Music-Making Course, which takes place every Friday afternoon from September until May 2025 in South-East London.
The course aims to teach practitioners how to use music to boost young children’s communication, expression and social development. By the end of the course, participants will be able to run their own regular music sessions independently.
As well as receiving a fully funded course place, learners will be given a set of instruments and a contribution towards staff cover and travel costs. Applications for an ‘award’ must come via settings and not individuals.
Applicants who are not eligible for the full ‘award’ and who are unable pay the full course fees, can apply for a subsidised place.
The charity has been running its Interactive Music-Making Course since 2010. This year the course is being delivered in association with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, North London Music Therapy, Nordoff and Robbins, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and Quaggy Development Trust.
Alexia Quin, director of Music as Therapy International, and co-founder of Interactive Music-Making, said, ‘Music is inherently inclusive and offers children an alternative, but shared, language to communicate with.
‘Music can motivate reluctant children to participate, building their confidence. Singing can be an accessible and fun way to explore vocal sounds and strengthen language skills. Sharing musical instruments demands negotiation and an understanding of others; social skills integral to developing friendships. Practising things a child finds more difficult in a thoughtful, nurturing context, gives them confidence to use these skills outside their music sessions and build a strong foundation for their future learning.’
She added, ‘We are delighted to be offering seven free places on our Interactive Music-Making course, aiming to ensure that Early Years settings can easily access the training, regardless of budget, and strengthen the support they can offer to the young children in their care.’
- The deadline for all applications is 6 September 2024. To apply please click here
- For more information about Interactive Music Making please visit: https://www.musicastherapy.org/our-approach/interactive-music-making/
