Music is Fundamenal
In 1991, aged just 16, I stood on a makeshift stage in our local library—props, a simple backdrop, and an audience of wide-eyed 3- to 6-year-olds from challenging backgrounds.
Many had never entered a library, never felt the hush of a performance, never seen a story leap alive through voice, rhythm, and movement.
Our council-funded Bringing Books to Life project gave them books, pencils, snacks—and most importantly—vivid memories of music making stories dance. Their laughter, questions, and shining eyes showed me something profound: a child’s musical and creative identity begins not in classrooms, but in joyful, early experiences we create for them.
That summer ignited my life's work.
I saw how music and play build the foundations of brain development, language, emotional growth, and social skills—long before formal schooling. Yet today, in early years settings and homes, music is too often an afterthought: random songs without progression or purpose.
That's why I founded Maria Moon Music CIC—a charity dedicated to fixing this.
While resources like the government's Early Years Child Development Training cover essential areas (personal, social, emotional, physical, language, maths), we provide the music-specific "how"—practical tools to weave music into daily care as both a core subject and cross-curricular powerhouse.
It's time you upskill on your EY music. Join us to ensure no child misses out.
The Crisis in EY Music
Early years music is failing our children—from preschools and nurseries to childminder settings and even early school reception classes. Too often, it's reduced to a handful of repetitive nursery rhymes sung half-heartedly at circle time, with no structure, progression, or understanding of its developmental power.
What's Going Wrong
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Inadequate delivery: Sessions lack sequence—no building from listening and exploring sounds to rhythm, pitch, or ensemble skills. Music becomes "filler" rather than a core subject.
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Undertrained adults: Childminders, carers, and nursery staff get little to no CPD on musical pedagogy. They rely on instinct or YouTube, missing opportunities to link music to EYFS areas like communication, physical development, and personal/social/emotional growth.
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Tokenistic approach: Unlike language or maths, music is treated as optional "fun," ignoring evidence that it wires the brain for pattern recognition, emotional regulation, and literacy foundations before age 5.
Why We Must Fix This Now
The under-5 brain is in its most rapid growth phase—synapses form at explosive rates, and musical experiences shape neural pathways for life. Without quality, structured music now, children miss critical boosts.
"Delivering Early years Music experiences is the key to unlock your child's potential for life!"
It is essential for parents and carers to reclaim control over their child’s musical identity, becoming active participants and leaders in their family’s musical journey. Empowering families and individuals to weave music into daily life builds confidence, creativity, and connection—ensuring music is a shared language of joy and expression accessible to all.
Victoria, London, UK
“The sessions are a blast. My twins love it. It's reassuring to know that all MMM staff are experienced music teachers, in EY classrooms who are DBS checked. "
Joan, Benfleet, UK
"Our son is autistic and after attending Maria's sessions he has become confident in joining in playing basic rhythms and even singing sometimes. It's very encouraging."
Rosie, Southend, UK
“Every session is a journey of discovery. We learn so much as parents so that we can continue to shape out daughter's music experiences at home. Everyday if we want.”