A free, face-to-face CPD and network event for early years practitioners, teachers and artists working with children aged 2–5

Diversifying Early Years Music Making

Join musician Eleanor Rashid for a practical, hands-on session exploring how to diversify early years music-making across a range of genres — supporting singing, rhythm, language and creativity along the way.

Drawing on her research into rap, multi-sensory play, and the philosophy of taking one song and using it a hundred ways, you'll leave with simple, memorable tools to break free of rigid routines and bring real joy back into your practice. Perfect for nurseries and schools alike.

She will also go through some tips and tricks that she uses in her Songs and Sounds sessions to facilitate a safe, calm and happy environment for music making.

You will have the chance to play, explore and hear case study examples of her work with children. Eleanor will also share ideas and resources you can take straight back to your setting — for both children and colleagues.

When: Tuesday 29 September, 1.30 – 3.30pm

Where: Courtyard Room, LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE

Teas and coffees will be available from 1.15pm before the event starts at 1.30pm.

About Eleanor Rashid

Eleanor Rashid is an early years practitioner, singer, mentor, and music producer dedicated to making early childhood music down to earth, child-led and genuinely fun. Eleanor earned a first-class BMus in music from Goldsmiths, University of London, where she focused on opera performance and composition.

Having grown up in a non-musical family, she went on to become a self-taught instrumentalist, later producing electronic pop and writing for film and TV with Downtown Music Publishing. As a British-Pakistani and dyslexic artist, her lived experience of finding creative ways to navigate traditional spaces directly drives her passion for helping others lead in their own authentic way.

Having mentored for Wigmore Hall, Creative Futures, and Sound Connections (LEYMN), Eleanor returned to the Midlands a year ago after 12 years in London and set up her own baby group Songs and Sounds. This hugely popular group replaces tired nursery rhymes with parent-focused calm, using vocal chants, songwriting, sound/vibration and multi-genre music to build confidence and support the transition into parenthood.

This network is delivered by The Spark Arts for Childen in partnership Leicestershire Music, and Leicester City Council Early Help Team, as part of the Music Champions project. The event is made possible through the kind support of Youth Music through their Open Doors Fund.

Description supplied by the event organiser.