Music Start is a fun, easy to use pack developed by Youth Music to help families with 2-5 year-olds make music at home. Youth Music has developed the Music Start pack as part of its commitment to early years music making. The resource has been funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Department for Children, Schools and Families, and is part of the Music Manifesto National Singing Programme.

 

"As the National Singing Ambassador I am heading up the government's campaign to get more children singing, and when better to start than at home. Music Start is a fantastic resource for parents to use with their children to help them to make music, including to sing, whilst they learn other skills such as reading and counting. With the support of staff at Children's Centres across England, and a guidebook and CD, parents are encouraged to bring alive the entertaining story of Chiff Chaff and Chickpea with musical activities. It is hoped that children who use the resource will go into primary school eager to continue their musical journey." Howard Goodall, Composer & Youth Music Trustee.

 

The Music Start pack has been developed for parents of all musical ability, including those with no experience at all, and is multi-activity resource for supporting making music at home. Each pack includes:

• A fully illustrated storybook, Chiff Chaff and Chickpea: In Search of Sounds, a magical musical journey around the world. Each page of the storybook features simple musical activities to do at home.
• An accompanying CD of original music and songs, along with a narration of the story.
• High quality instruments for little hands-a hand drum and maraca.
• An information booklet to help families get started.
• A sturdy bag to keep everything in.

 

Initially the packs have been made for free to 100,000 families through Sure Start Children's Centres in 25 local authority areas, however, Youth Music want to make the packs available for all families. To find out more about Music Start, please visit www.bongoclub.org.uk and to be notified about the wider distribution of Music Start, please sign up for the Bongo Club Newsletter.

 

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For more information about Youth Music's Early Years work, please check out www.bongoclub.org.uk