Music plays a vital role in early childhood development – helping children explore sound, movement, and language while building confidence, coordination, and creativity.
At Shropshire Music Service (SMS), we work closely with nurseries, preschools, and reception classes to bring music to life in ways that are fun, engaging, and educational.
Our Early Years Music sessions are designed specifically for young learners.
Led by experienced early years music specialists, each session combines singing, rhythm games, movement, and simple percussion instruments to help children explore sound and express themselves freely.
Activities are carefully planned to encourage curiosity and joy while supporting the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, particularly in areas such as communication and language, personal and social development, and expressive arts.
Children learn best through play, and our sessions are built around that principle.
Through songs, rhymes, and storytelling, pupils begin to recognise rhythm, pitch, and pattern – essential foundations for later musical learning.
They also gain confidence in listening, sharing, and taking turns, developing valuable social and emotional skills that extend far beyond music.
We understand that every early years setting is unique, so our approach is flexible and fully tailored.
Sessions can be delivered weekly, termly, or as one-off themed projects – such as seasonal celebrations, cultural festivals, or music and movement days.
Our tutors bring all the necessary instruments and resources, creating a lively, interactive experience that fits seamlessly into your timetable.
Alongside pupil sessions, SMS also provides CPD and mentoring for early years practitioners, helping staff feel more confident using music in everyday learning.
Music ignites curiosity, language and imagination – and it starts in the earliest years. Shropshire Music Service helps nurseries, preschools and reception classes enrich their provision through engaging, play-based music sessions that support the EYFS framework.
Led by early years music specialists, our sessions combine singing, rhythm, movement and storytelling to nurture confidence, coordination and communication. Every programme is flexible – from one-off themed workshops to ongoing weekly sessions – and includes all the instruments and resources you’ll need.
Thinking about bringing more music into your school?
Contact us to arrange a visit from our friendly team. We’ll come to your school, answer your questions, and show how we can help make music a vibrant part of your pupils’ learning.
Introducing music at an early age has a lasting impact on how children learn, communicate, and connect with the world.
At Shropshire Music Service (SMS), our Early Years programmes are designed to support nurseries, preschools, and reception classes with high quality, playful music experiences that nurture confidence, creativity, and joy.
Here are some of the most common questions early years practitioners ask about our music sessions and how they work in their setting.
An Early Years session with Shropshire Music Service (SMS) is full of energy, play, and discovery. Children sing songs, move to rhythms, listen to sounds, and experiment with simple percussion instruments such as shakers, and bells. Sessions are carefully designed to support the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, developing communication, coordination, confidence, and creativity.
Our experienced tutors use repetition, rhythm, and storytelling to help children make sense of sound and language. They encourage turn-taking, teamwork, and self-expression in a fun and nurturing way. Each activity is hands-on, engaging, and inclusive, allowing every child to take part, regardless of ability.
We also include moments of calm reflection, helping children focus, listen, and respond thoughtfully. These musical experiences create an ideal foundation for learning, setting the stage for a lifelong love of music.
Our Early Years sessions are designed for children from birth to five years old, covering nursery and reception age groups. Activities are flexible and age-appropriate – younger children enjoy exploring sounds and movement, while older pupils begin to recognise rhythm, melody, and musical structure.
We tailor each session to your setting’s needs, group sizes, and developmental goals. Whether you run a small preschool or a large foundation stage class, our tutors adapt their approach to ensure every child is engaged and supported.
No. If your setting is eligible for one of our free five-week delivery packages then you will receive a range of high-quality instruments and resources to keep forever.
SMS brings everything required for each session, including high-quality, age-appropriate percussion instruments and colourful visual props that capture children’s attention. We take care of setup, delivery, and pack-down, allowing staff to focus on joining in and observing the children’s engagement.
Music has a powerful effect on early learning. It strengthens language, rhythm, and listening skills while helping children develop memory and coordination. Singing supports speech development, while movement builds balance and fine motor control.
Musical activities also nurture emotional wellbeing. They encourage self-expression, empathy, and confidence, while group singing helps children feel connected and valued.
These benefits extend beyond the music lesson – they influence every area of a child’s development.
Absolutely. We encourage early years staff to join in during sessions and learn alongside the children. Our tutors are skilled at modelling activities that practitioners can easily continue in daily routines.
We also offer CPD sessions for staff, providing practical ideas to integrate singing, rhythm, and movement into everyday learning. Many settings find this ongoing support invaluable, helping build confidence and ensuring that music remains a natural, joyful part of early education long after our visit.
