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Musical Play
Ideas, Inspiration & Advice
We regularly share ideas, advice and stories that demonstrate how Musical Play can be used in homes, early childhood centres and in therapy settings. If you would like to contribute an idea or share an article with us for consideration, please contact us.
How Singing Helps Children's Mental Health | Musical Play
There will always be new tools and ideas, and some will prove very valuable, but we should not let go of the well researched and time pro...
Jul 26, 2020
Don't Forget the Part About Play!
If your child is learning an instrument, there must be time for both formalities and fun. Music cannot always be a chore.
May 20, 2022
Musical Play Activities for Autumn
Musical play ideas for teachers and families for Autumn - including simple songs to sing
Apr 21, 2022
Is there such a thing as "not being musical'?
There’s so many times in our lives where music is classed as “right”. We need to be mindful of the impact this has on children
Apr 21, 2022
Learning Native Bird Songs
Learning to listen and identify local birdlife is a wonderful activity for children of all ages. Here is a website to show you how.
Apr 21, 2022
Sing to your Unborn Baby
The impact of music for unborn babies and how parents can start musical learning before birth.
Apr 21, 2022
Dance to Their Beat
What is most important about children can be learned only from children. Learn to observe and watch children, and listen, for the answers.
Feb 28, 2022
Peace in a Covid World
As parents we are faced with a world we cannot control. While this has always been true, the events of the last few years have faced us...
Feb 21, 2022
Music Is In The Space Between Notes
A rise in anxiety in society can often be linked back to how relentless our lives can be. How do we create space to rest and recover?
Feb 16, 2022
Parent reflections on Musical Play: Julie Frew
There is something about Julie Wylie’s Musical Play that is different. It’s not ‘just’ music, or ‘just’ movement, or ‘just’ play.
May 24, 2021
What promotes robust mental health in children?
As parents (& educators) we spend a lot of time doing our best to grow children who have the resilience and capabilities they need for...
May 24, 2021
Musical Play in the car.
Driving together is a wonderful opportunity to sing together, making up songs, and getting children to think creatively. Here are some of...
May 24, 2021
How to Teach Piano to Preschoolers: Our Experience & Top Tips for Teachers and Parents
When to start lessons, how to being learning and what to focus on when starting piano at a very young age are questions we receive all...
May 24, 2021
3 Musical Play Ideas for Preschoolers on Rainy Days
Musical Play ideas for a cold and rainy day, at home and in early childhood centres
May 24, 2021
The Value of Wait & See | Musical Play
One of the hardest things to do in any educational setting, but particularly in more intimate music group settings, is to allow enough...
Jan 28, 2021
We are all Musical | 10 Tips for Re-Finding your Musicality
Many of us hold a deep seated belief that we aren't one of the musical ones, that we somehow missed that gene and need to keep our...
Dec 20, 2020
How Musical Play is Influenced by Neuroscience
“Rhythm stirs our bodies. Melody or tonality stirs our brains. The coming together of rhythm and melody bridges our cerebellum (the motor...
Dec 20, 2020
Exciting News for Early Childhood Teachers! | Musical Play
Julie Wylie is excited to announce that her 'The Power of Musical Play' training film is now available.
Nov 26, 2020
A Sneak Peek Into a Musical Play Session | Musical Play
Today we started a six week Musical Play programme at a school in Christchurch. The children were totally engaged from the start.
Nov 26, 2020
How We Run Music Sessions for Children with High Anxiety | Musical Play
Here is the outline of a Musical Play session – specifically for Junior School children who experience high anxiety.
Nov 26, 2020
Parents, Remember to Stop... And Take a Rest | Musical Play
Parents, don't forget about the value of taking time to daydream, to play, to rest, and to connect with nature – it is the simple pleasures.
Nov 26, 2020
What Do Children Learn Through Musical Play Classes? | Musical Play
Music is a fundamental building block to a child's life – but you may be wondering, what do children learn through Musical Play classes?
Nov 26, 2020
Why Baa Baa Black Sheep Matters! | Musical Play
Don't forget Baa Baa Black Sheep! This is such a simple rhyme – and it has lasted the ages for good reason. Listen carefully to the patte...
Nov 26, 2020
Why Row Row Row Your Boat Matters! | Musical Play
Don't forget Row Row Row Your Boat! This age-old nursery rhyme may be an oldie, but it is a goodie for a reason.
Nov 26, 2020
Why Jack and Jill Matters! | Musical Play
Is 'Jack and Jill' a super simple or complex rhyme?
Nov 26, 2020
Why Twinkle Twinkle Matters! | Musical Play
Don't forget Twinkle Twinkle! This nursery rhyme has really stood the test of time. Here's why.
Nov 26, 2020
Our Top 8 Musical Play Activities for Under 5s | Musical Play
These 8 incredibly simple Musical Play activities are some of the most important foundational musical experiences for children under 5.
Nov 26, 2020
Why Humpty Dumpty Matters! | Musical Play
Don't forget Humpty Dumpty! This simple little rhyme continues to be a favourite for good reason. Here's why.
Nov 26, 2020
How Do Babies Develop a Sense of Beat? | Musical Play
Forget the "I'm not musical" attitude – we are ALL musical, we just need to learn how to build and nurture that musiciality early.
Nov 26, 2020
Have You Ever Tried Playground Musical Play? | Musical Play
Playgrounds are the perfect backdrop for music – especially for work with children in early intervention or special education settings.
Nov 26, 2020
Teachers... Are We Really Listening? | Musical Play
How often do we expect children to tune in and listen quietly – but we aren’t following the same rules? Below is what we encourage teache...
Nov 26, 2020
How to Support a Shy Child in Music Sessions | Musical Play
We are asked about how to support a shy child in music classes really frequently. So, here are some helpful guidelines to follow...
Nov 26, 2020
The Value of Dads: Why Dads Should Be Involved in Musical Play Classes | Musical Play
Calling all dads! If you're not already involved in our Musical Play classes – here is why you're missing out.
Nov 26, 2020
Do We Do-Re-Me? | Musical Play
We are often asked if we teach children using “solfeggio" or Do Re Me. The short answer is no – (sorry, Judi Dench).
Nov 26, 2020
How Music Can Help Children With New Routines | Musical Play
Life has changed drastically for many young children in NZ and around the world this year. How can we use music to support their understa...
Nov 26, 2020
Have You Ever Heard "You Didn't Get The Family Music Genes"? | Musical Play
This is an extremely subtle, yet incredibly damaging thing that happens to many, many children.
Nov 26, 2020
Why is this Simple Sung Phrase So Important? | Musical Play
"And now get ready to stop!" – why is this simple sung phrase so important?
Nov 26, 2020
At Home Learning: Music Patterning | Musical Play
Here is a simple, yet effective, idea for at home learning with Musical Play. All you need is you, your wee one and a little creativity!
Nov 26, 2020
How to Get Your Young Ones to Wash Their Hands | Musical Play
It is now, more than ever, so important that everyone washes their hands – and this includes our toddlers and young children. Here is our...
Nov 26, 2020
Do You Have a Newborn in Your Life or on the Way? | Musical Play
We are often asked when to start ‘music’ with babies. The truth is...
Nov 26, 2020
Singing Up the Scale on Fingers | Musical Play
Using our bodies to teach musical concepts helps children to make sense of what they are learning in the most effective way.
Nov 26, 2020
Our Tips for the Most Effective Preschool Music Sessions | Musical Play
We have put together a list of the most effective components for preschool music sessions, to help ease the transition of moving back int...
Nov 26, 2020
Why You Should Be Mindful of Background Music in Early Childhood Settings | Musical Play
Why do we suggest being mindful of background music and all music choices in early childhood settings? Teachers & parents take note...
Nov 26, 2020
10 Tips for Online Teaching You Wish You Knew Earlier | Musical Play
With this extraordinary year, I think we can all agree online teaching has been been a huge learning curve for everyone. But to make onli...
Nov 26, 2020
Angry Toddler Episode? How Music Helped Me | Musical Play
Angry toddler episode? Every parent knows them and every toddler has experienced them – but here is how music can help both, you and your...
Nov 26, 2020
Bounce that Ball, Singing the Blues: The Importance of Synchronised Musical Play | Musical Play
How synchronised Musical Play can help your child to play in a band, orchestra, sing in a choir and be a performer.
Nov 26, 2020
Ideas for Home: Trampoline Songs with Sheets & Teddies | Musical Play
Here are some great ideas for Musical Play at home with your young ones – all you need is a sheet and a teddy!
Nov 17, 2020
How to Match Parent & Child Emotional Connections | Musical Play
When a parent is feeling upset or overwhelmed – what do we do?
Nov 17, 2020
What is Musical Play Really About? | Musical Play
Is Musical Play to grow a nation of orchestra players and future musicians? Well, the answer is no.
Nov 17, 2020
What if I Can't Sing in Tune? | Musical Play
Have you ever been worried that you can't sing? Has that ever held you back from singing to your wee one? If you answered yes...
Nov 17, 2020
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