Singing has been shown to enhance children’s general well-being while promoting social skills and a sense of agency. Music educators should think creatively about incorporating singing into their classrooms to promote these ideals.

We believe that every child is innately musical and has the ability to listen, sing, dance and express themselves through music. Well-designed learning experiences can bring out the “whole musician” in every child. In addition to musical development, music education also fosters critical thinking, psychomotor skills, social awareness and moral and cultural values — essential components of holistic development and agency. Singing, as one of the most accessible forms of musical expression, enables educators to teach children to become responsible, creative and self-determined individuals, rather than passive listeners or imitators.

This session will present a holistic approach to singing based on multinational experiences with children. The focus is on promoting ownership and self-management by emphasising individuality, creativity and equality. Participants will take part in dynamic activities including quick response exercises, singing with movement, body percussion, dance, movement improvisation and creative techniques that address the themes of democracy and inclusion in the music classroom.

By integrating singing and music activities, educators can encourage children to develop their sense of agency by:

(a) making independent choices,

(b) interacting with their peers,

(c) expressing feelings and taking initiative, and

(d) being recognised as active, capable musicians.

This session will introduce strategies that use singing and movement as a means to support individual agency and encourage active participation inside and outside the classroom.