SoundWaves Network Learning Community

Connecting the University's Early Childhood Studies students, Early Years practitioners from Plymouth settings and Early Childhood music practitioners

SoundWaves Network SW (2021–2024), is the fourth SoundWaves programme and is currently being rolled out across eight regions of southwest England. Learning from previous projects has highlighted the necessity for the development of the current and future workforce. Over the past few years, in partnership with the SoundWaves team, Dr Karen Wickett (Senior lecturer in Early Childhood Studies) has provided a diverse range of opportunities for students. These include students working alongside musicians placed in Early Childhood Education and Care settings on internships and work-based learning placements; attending professional development courses; attending and presenting at conferences; and dissertation research, writing and presenting with academics. 
Chloe Chiplin (undergraduate ECS student) and Rachel Horrell (doctoral music student) reflect on their experiences of being involved with SoundWaves Network SW in Learning together: connecting Higher Education with SoundWaves Network SW, Take Art.
 

About SoundWaves

The SoundWaves Network is a pioneering Early Childhood music education programme facilitated by Take Art (a Somerset Arts Organisation). The project brings together the current and future Early Childhood workforce to explore children’s musicality. Each week, Early Childhood Studies students, Early Years practitioners and Early Childhood music practitioners learn together as they provide musical experiences for the children in two Plymouth Early Years settings: Ham Drive Nursery School and The Lark Children’s Centre Day Care.
Lead contacts
  • Jane Parker (Take Art)
  • Brian Lee (Ham Drive Nursery School) 
  • Elizabeth Knight (The Lark Children's Centre Day Care)
  • Karen Wickett (researcher in residence)
Soundwaves Network Launch