Training opportunities (external providers)

Externally provided music education training opportunities are listed below. We are signposting these opportunities as we believe they are beneficial for music educators in Dorset and Somerset. However, we do not necessarily endorse the providers or the content of the training.

Available to book

Song writing workshops with Dorset-based musician, Elijah – as heard on BBC Radio 2, Radio 1, Xfm and on Absolute Radio. Elijah has developed a unique song writing workshop to engage and inspire song writing and creativity. Follow the link below for more details:

Autumn Term 2025

Take Art

Building Confidence using Music in Early Years Provision

A practical and interactive six-session online course for early years practitioners who want to connect to the joy of early years music whilst improving their skills, knowledge and confidence.

7.30 pm – 9.00 pm on Mondays, 6 weeks starting 26 January 2026 Led by Rosie Walton, Kate Comberti and Jane Parker, via Zoom Available to those living/working in Somerset and Dorset.

Who is this course for?

Anyone who wants to be more confident when including music in early years provision and to gain an understanding of the potential of music when working with young children. You do not need to have any previous musical training; those who do not consider themselves to be ‘musical’ are very welcome. The course is especially designed for:

• Early Years Practitioners/Teachers/Childminders also
• Music Practitioners: those wanting to develop their skills with this age group
• Education Mangers/Headteachers who wish to gain a greater understanding of the potential for music in young children’s education.

This course will support you to:

• Understand the potential of music as part of EYFS delivery
• Build confidence in delivering simple age-appropriate singing games, rhymes and use of sound making instruments and objects
• Recognise, encourage and support musical play whilst exploring your role as a playful adult partner.
• Explore ideas for stimulating and supporting children’s singing, including easy to use technology.
• Consider the musical environment and use of recorded music.
• Identify and celebrate babies and young children’s musicality
• In addition, we will signpost you to a wealth of resources to support your ongoing early years music practice.

For more information and to book your place, visit the Take Art website: https://takeart.org/event/building-confidence-using-music-in-early-years-provision

Dorset Music Service & Octagon Music Hub

Developing musical opportunities for young children

Come and join us to hear how you can nurture the musicality of young children in your care…

Led by Early Years music practitioner Cathy Murray, these sessions will give practitioners ideas, tips and resources to develop musical opportunities in your setting. Suitable for Nursery practitioners, childminders and Reception class teachers.

This course has two sessions and we recommend attending both to get the full benefits of the training.

Both sessions will run from 18:30 – 20:00 and cost £10 (to cover both sessions)

• Sturminster Marshall Memorial Hall – 23/9/2025 (session 1) and 18/11/2025 (session 2)

• Sturminster Newton Exchange – 10/2/2026 (session 1) and 26/3/2026 (session 2)

To book a place on these courses, please complete the booking form by following this link.