Musical Opportunities: Supporting Children with Trauma

‘Musical Opportunities: Supporting Children with Trauma’ blog article was written by Nina Moffatt, Senior Consultant, Parenting and Early Years Program at Australian Childhood Foundation.

Music has long been a part of human history, and similarly to genetics, language and culture, music and songs are often passed down from one generation to the next. 

Our parents sing songs to us, we sing those songs to our children, and them to theirs, creating a chain of inheritance and a preference for the musical styles we are accustomed to, such as particular rhythms or types of singing.” – Dr Sam Passmore 

As early childhood educators and professionals working with young children, we have a profound opportunity to influence their lives, even more so those who have experienced trauma.

While many early childhood educators have experienced the positive impact of music in the day-to-day routine, this training explores why music has these benefits and how it can be intentionally used to support children who have experienced trauma.  

In our Musical Opportunities: Supporting Children with Trauma workshop, you will begin with an exploration of the science and research behind the connection between music and early childhood development.

Music-making is a natural part of children’s general play that ignites all areas of their development, including literacy and numeracy skills, emotional intelligence and social development.

Music also stimulates many areas of the brain, including those related to mood, memory, and cognition, which are crucial for young children as they navigate their formative years. 

You will spend time exploring how you may be able to intentionally provide musical opportunities that may offer moments of relational connection, varying levels of nervous system arousal and modulation, enhance children’s confidence and provide experiences of fun, joy and delight!

While we would want all children to have these experiences, we know they are particularly beneficial to children who have experienced trauma.  

Without music and movement in early childhood, a child’s learning is incomplete. 

We want all early childhood educators and professionals working with young children to see music and musical experiences as a resource available to them, to understand why and how it supports children and to feel more confident in creating and providing musical experiences with all children, none more so than those who have experienced trauma.

Ready to bring more music into your space with children? Register here to secure your place in the Musical Opportunities: Supporting Children with Trauma workshop for 10 June 2025. Places are limited!

Learn more about our Parenting and Early Years Services

We offer a range of training sessions tailored for professionals working with young children in various roles. These sessions, grounded in the Australian context, focus on helping adults build nurturing, safe relationships that support children’s healing and development. Participants receive a pre-training pack with videos, handouts, and articles and engage in a live, interactive presentation designed to affirm current practices and inspire future reflection.