How Music Nurtures Wellness in Early Childhood Education
At a time when educators are increasingly focused on supporting children’s mental health and overall well-being, music has emerged as a powerful and joyful tool. Tam Tam’s in-school music and movement program, based on the award-winning Music Together® curriculum, offers NYC schools a research-backed way to integrate wellness into early childhood education.
Why Music Matters for Wellness
Music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a whole-body, whole-brain experience. Active music-making supports:
- Emotional regulation and stress release
- Social connection and cooperation
- Language, motor, and cognitive development
- A sense of belonging and joy in the classroom
Studies show that early exposure to music increases a child’s ability to focus, listen, and communicate—especially in noisy environments. This is especially critical in urban classrooms where background noise can impact speech and language development.
What Makes Tam Tam’s Program Different?
1. Research-Based Curriculum
Our curriculum integrates live, hands-on music and movement designed specifically for children from birth through Kindergarten. Developed by Music Together®, it aligns with NYC DOE Wellness Policy, NYS Arts Standards, and developmentally appropriate practice principles from NAEYC.
2. Specialist-Led Weekly Classes
Each week, a trained teaching artist leads children through engaging music and movement experiences that build coordination, body awareness, and confidence. From fingerplay to group dances, every activity supports key developmental milestones.
3. Family Engagement
Each enrolled family receives a songbook and access to award-winning music recordings. Weekly flyers (in English and Spanish) connect the classroom to the home, offering simple, joyful ways for families to keep the learning going—and the bond growing.
4. Teacher Partnership
We don’t just teach music—we support classroom teachers with tools and strategies to weave music into the rest of their day, even when the specialist isn’t present. Teachers receive instruments, recordings, and inspiration to use music for transitions, movement breaks, and emotional check-ins.
5. Long-Term Impact Through Consistency
Neuroscientists like Nina Kraus remind us that the brain needs consistency to integrate new skills. Tam Tam’s multi-year repertoire (spanning three full school years) gives students the time and structure they need to truly benefit from music as a wellness practice.
Ready to Bring Music-Based Wellness to Your School?
Tam Tam has been teaching in-school classes since 2019, serving classrooms across all five boroughs—including special education settings. We offer flexible models that include:
- 10–30 week residency programs
- In-class instruction
- Family events and workshops
- Support for Field Day and enrichment programming
Let’s work together to support your students’ wellbeing—laying a foundation for their life-long physical, emotional and mental health, and strong community connections.
Contact Jelena at contact@tamtambrooklyn.com or (718) 809-4542 to start a conversation.