This course is aimed at leaders, room leaders and experienced staff that have the capacity to share learning with team members.

(Most suitable for those working with the 0-4 age range.)

The course will offer those working in early childhood care and education an opportunity to develop their skills and understanding of music in the early years.  Participants can expect to go on a musical journey where they will gain an insight into the language of music.

Jackie will share her own approach to facilitating early years music workshops, which is influenced by the Colourstrings method and her musical background as a percussionist.  There will be a strong focus on the voice and singing, as well as on musical games.  Jackie aims to create a playful day where music can be enjoyed.  The one-day course will provide participants with an increased musical knowledge and with songs that will support them in their early years settings.

In summary the course will provide participants with:

1. An introduction to music theory (musical notes) through a trip to Musicland!
2. An introduction to body percussion exercises, games and songs for young children.
3. Explore audio environments and how to make use of recorded music effectively.
4. An understanding of how music, rhythm and rhyme threads through all areas of learning and development, e.g. language, maths, listening skills social and emotional development.
5. An opportunity to work with music and light through an improvised workshop!
6. Effective planning tips for musical activities and opportunities linked to the Early Years.

About Jackie Maguire

Jackie has twenty years experience of performing Brazilian music and is a founding member of Morro 16 samba band. In 2012, she gained the Colourstrings Associate Teacher Kindergarten Certificate and began to explore the world of music with babies and young children aged 0-6 years. She has a degree in Drama & Theatre Studies and a hDip in Community Arts Education from NCAD and so her practice is also influenced by drama and the visual arts.  She is a lecturer at Maynooth University on the BA Early Years Teaching & Learning Degree where she delivers a module on ‘The Arts in Early Years Education’.  She is a Research Associate at Trinity College Dublin with recent peer reviewed journal articles publications including The Wonder Project and Artful Dodgers.  She is also a member of the Arts Education Research Group (AERG) at Trinity College.