TAMWORTH REGIONAL
CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC

EARLY

CHILDHOOD MUSIC

The Early Childhood Music Program at the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium is more than just music classes—it’s a joyful and enriching foundation for your child’s lifelong musical journey. Tailored for children aged 3 months to 5 years, the program is carefully designed to engage young learners in a playful and nurturing environment.

At its heart, the program encourages children to explore music naturally, with activities they already love, such as singing, clapping, dancing, and playing instruments. Using the Kodály and Orff Schulwerk methods, it builds their understanding of music through hands-on, play-based experiences, gradually introducing more advanced concepts like rhythm, melody, and even notation as they grow.

Children thrive when their individual needs and development are respected, which is why this program adopts a holistic approach. It not only nurtures musical skills but also supports emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development.

Parents and caregivers play an integral role in the earlier stages, creating a shared learning experience that strengthens bonds and fosters a love of music within families. As children progress through the program, they gain independence, confidence, and the foundational skills needed for future musical study, such as learning an instrument or joining ensembles.

Whether it’s your baby’s first exposure to melodies or your preschooler’s first steps into structured musical learning, the Early Childhood Music Program offers a welcoming, engaging, and inspiring start to their musical adventure.

Program Highlights

Play-Based Learning: Activities like singing, dancing, clapping, and playing percussion instruments help children learn music in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.
Holistic Development: Along with musical skills, children develop confidence, coordination, problem-solving, and creativity.
Family Involvement: Parents and caregivers participate in earlier stages, creating meaningful shared experiences through music.
Gradual Progression: Five stages ensure age-appropriate learning, gradually introducing more complex musical concepts like rhythm, melody, and notation.

Aims and Goals

The Early Childhood Music Program aims to:

Foster a lifelong love of music and performing arts.
Build foundational skills for future musical development.
Introduce children to basic music concepts like rhythm and melody.
Offer families opportunities to share the joy of music together.
Encourage self-expression, creativity, and social connection in a welcoming environment.

Program Stages

Rock-a-Bye Babies (3 months to 1 year)

Rock-a-Bye Babies gently introduces your baby to the world of sound, rhythm, and movement in a calm, nurturing environment. Through simple songs, soft percussion, gentle bouncing, and listening activities, babies experience music as something comforting and engaging.

At this age, the brain is rapidly forming connections, and musical experiences help strengthen early language, listening, and memory pathways. Singing and rhythmic movement also support bonding between parent and child, helping babies feel secure while exploring new sensations.

Babies don’t need to “do” anything specific – simply hearing voices, feeling steady beats, and watching others make music supports their sensory and emotional development. These early musical moments lay the foundations for communication, coordination, and confidence as your child grows.

Toddler Tunes (1 to 2 years)

Toddler Tunes is full of movement, smiles, and discovery as young children begin to explore music through play. Toddlers love to copy actions, make noise, and move their bodies, and this stage embraces all of that energy.

Singing, clapping, dancing, and tapping instruments help develop coordination, listening skills, and early language. Parents or caregivers stay involved, providing reassurance and sharing the joy of learning together.

Music at this age supports brain development by strengthening connections between sound, movement, and meaning. Repetition helps toddlers recognise patterns, while playful songs build confidence and social awareness. Most importantly, Toddler Tunes makes learning feel fun and natural.

Melody Movers (2 to 3 years)

Melody Movers encourages growing independence while keeping learning playful and supportive. Children explore rhythm and sound using percussion instruments, puppets, movement games, and familiar songs.

At this stage, children are developing stronger language skills, coordination, and imagination. Music supports this by reinforcing listening, turn-taking, and expressive communication. Parents still participate, helping children stay engaged and confident as they try new activities.

Through singing and movement, children learn how music can tell stories and express feelings. Repeating rhythms and melodies strengthens memory and attention, while group activities support social development.

Rhythm Rangers (3 to 4 years)

Rhythm Rangers builds on early musical skills with more structured activities that encourage independence. Children experiment with rhythms, melodies, and movement through songs, games, and instrument play.

At this age, children are developing stronger focus, coordination, and problem-solving skills. Music supports these abilities by teaching patterns, timing, and listening for changes in sound.

Children learn to follow simple musical instructions, take turns, and respond to cues, helping with classroom readiness. Parents may observe or step back, allowing children to build confidence on their own.

Musical Mavericks (4 to 5 years)

Musical Mavericks prepares children for school by introducing more advanced musical ideas in a playful, engaging way. Children explore rhythm, melody, basic notation, and ensemble playing through songs, movement, and instrument activities.

At this stage, their brains are ready to handle more complex patterns and structured learning. Music helps strengthen memory, concentration, coordination, and listening skills – all important for classroom success.

Children also practise working in groups, following instructions, and expressing themselves creatively. Imaginative play keeps learning enjoyable while building confidence and independence.

Why Choose the Early Childhood Music Program?

Expertly Designed: Based on the Kodály and Orff Schulwerk approaches, our program aligns with how children naturally learn and interact.
Tailored for Growth: Stages match your child’s developmental needs, gradually introducing new challenges and concepts.
Inclusive and Supportive: Every child’s growth is celebrated, and activities respect individual development.
Holistic Benefits: Beyond music, children improve motor skills, social interaction, and cognitive abilities in a fun, friendly environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages is Early Childhood Music for?

Our ECM classes are designed for children aged 3 months to 5 years, with age-specific groups that match each stage of development.

Do parents stay in the class?

Yes, in the earlier stages parents or caregivers join in, creating a shared musical experience. As children grow, they gradually gain independence.

What will my child actually do in class?

Children sing, move, clap, play percussion instruments, and explore music through playful, hands-on activities.

Does my child need any musical experience?

No experience is needed. ECM is designed for beginners and focuses on natural, playful learning.

How does music help my child’s development?

Music supports language, coordination, confidence, social skills, and creativity, alongside musical skills.

What teaching approach do you use?

Classes are based on the Kodály and Orff Schulwerk methods, which suit how young children learn through play and movement.

Will my child learn “real” music skills?

Yes. As children progress, they begin learning rhythm, melody, and even basic notation in age-appropriate ways.

What happens after Early Childhood Music?

Many children move into Mini Musos (Kindergarten–Year 2) or instrumental lessons when they’re ready.

Is the program suitable for shy or energetic children?

Absolutely. Activities support different personalities and learning styles in a welcoming, supportive environment.

How do I enrol?

You can enrol online or contact the Conservatorium for more information and class availability.

Ready to begin your musical journey?

Enrol Now Enrol Now

Enrol today and unlock your potential with lessons at the Conservatorium! Contact us for more information or complete an enrolment form.

What about young school-aged children?

Our Mini Musos groups are exciting and inclusive for children in Kindergarten to Year 2 (Early Stage 1 and Stage 1) who are ready to explore their musical interests and develop foundational skills. These groups offer a fun, engaging environment where young musicians can learn through hands-on activities with a variety of accessible instruments, including tuned percussion, ukuleles, djembes, and a touch of singing.

TAMWORTH REGIONAL CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC