Established with a grant from Youth Music in 2003, Music Box initially focussed on high-quality music workshops with children aged 2-7 years at nurseries, particularly those in the most economically deprived areas of Sheffield. Now offered as part of an broader integrated programme involving music and songs from commissioned concerts for this age-group, Music Box is a model for high-quality engagement that builds a foundation for music education from a very young age alongside opportunities to share and reinforce the learning with family groups and in school settings.

Image: David Shapiro

Music Box in schools is rounded off with a culmination event at the end of the academic year that brings together participating schools for a massed performance, workshop, or showcase. In 2013, the showcase took place at Sheffield City Hall Ballroom and was attended by a large number of parents, teachers, and supporters.

The focus of Music Box now is on building schools’ capacity and teachers’ confidence in delivering music education at Early Years Foundation and Key Stage 1 levels. We run INSET sessions and provide resources and advice – all based around our commissioned pieces – to help educators’ Continuing Professional Development.