Early Childhood Music

 
The Ensemble seeks to connect and inform all people who are committed to ensemble music education for youth empowerment and social change.

Concerts for Babies Transform Stages Into Communities

09-02-2026

In my small Portuguese village of Pousos, between the giant waves of Nazaré and the Shrine of Fátima, we had a community band. I joined at age 8, playing flugelhorn. I’m forever grateful for this decision, which launched a life in music. But it wasn’t until years later, when I served as the director of several conservatories, that I began asking why it took so long to get started.

New Report: “Why Making Music Matters Now”

12-03-2025

A recent report from Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute and WolfBrown proves that making music creates a number of positive outcomes, especially in early childhood.

Can Young Children Learn to Identify Harmonic Progressions by Ear? Yes, They Can!

09-03-2025

Unfortunately, many music teachers rely on a notation-first approach, teaching students to read music symbols before they have a strong foundation in listening, singing, and rhythmic chanting. Because we jumped the notation hurdle, often relying on math and puzzle-solving skills in addition to our propensity for learning music, we sometimes assume (incorrectly) that most children will have the same capacities.

The principles of MLT guided my teaching at OrchKids (the El Sistema-inspired program in Baltimore, MD, USA), and the results were extraordinary.

New Children’s Book Celebrates 50 Years of Collective Music-Making

05-07-2025

In honor of El Sistema’s 50th anniversary, LiberaMusica and publisher Carthusia Edizioni are releasing Tumpa Cu-Cù, a new book introducing young children to ensemble music.

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