I’ve been running Busy Bees Music for over 18 years now, and in that time I’ve shared songs, movement, rhythm, and play with probably thousands of young children and their families. Whether it's a group of babies or a class of toddlers, I see an amazing range of responses.
Some little bubbas stare in quiet wonder, taking everything in. Others start to babble or bounce in time with the music. Some kiddos are like a little koala to their grown-up and watch from the safety of their lap. Some will shout out song lyrics with pure joy. And yes, almost in every older kiddo class, some of them are on the move the entire time.
Musical development in the early years doesn’t always look like what adults expect. There’s no neat line of cross-legged toddlers, following the teacher in perfect harmony and clapping in time. In early childhood, the learning is sensory, physical, and deeply internal.
But the most important thing to remember here is they’re all participating. In their own way. A way that suits their temperament, their stage of development, and most importantly, the way their brain is learning. And that’s where the magic happens at Busy Bees. Our classes are designed to honour how real learning works in the early years. It’s not always neat and tidy, and it rarely looks the way adults expect. But it is purposeful. Every babble, bounce, cuddle, or wiggle is part of something much bigger happening in the brain.
Children are supported to engage in a way that feels right for them, at their own pace. When we meet them where they are, without pressure or expectations, we unlock the kind of deep, lasting learning that only happens through connection, movement, and play.
So when a parent says 'We'll come back when they can really join in' I completely understand where they're coming from. In our top down, academic world, it's easy to assume that unless a child is clapping on beat, singing clearly, or sitting still, that they're not benefitting from the experience. But just like we talk to babies before they can speak, or offer books befre they can read, music works in exactly the same way. We lay the foundation long before the skills become visible.
The baby who stares and listens? Their brain is lighting up as they process pitch, tone and language. The toddler who won't sing in class but sings all the way home in the car has absorbed the learning and feel safe enough to let it out in their own space. The toddler who seems distracted might go home and hum a song in the bath or tap a rhythm at dinner. These are all valid forms of musical participation - and they matter.
Music supports early development in ways most people don't even realise. It strengthens neural pathways for timing, language, memory, coordination, social interation and emotional regulation. And that kind of growth doesn’t wait for us to notice. It’s happening from the minute they’re born.
Participation in the early years is layered. It includes watching, listening, experimenting, moving, absorbing and eventually imitating. The quiet child, the busy child, the observer, the mover, the dancer - they're all engaging in ways that suit their bodies and their developmental stage.
Neuroscientist and Australian educator Dr. Anita Collins puts its beaufitully: 'Music lights up every area of a child's brain.' Her research shows that early music exposure supports everything from language and memory to emotional regulation, social skills, concentration and impulse control. Even simple actions like bouncing, rocking or clapping to a beat, help strengthen the neural pathways taht underpin future reading, communication and executive function.
In fact, babies start processing sound and music from birth. Dr Collins notes that music helps infants begin to distinguish speech sounds from other noise - laying the groundwork fro language long before their first word is spoken. She also encourages us to think about a child's sound environment with the same care that we give to their physical one. Music, she says is not extra, its essential.
So if your little one is wiggly, watchful, quiet, loud or full of movement during class - know that they're doing the work of learning. Not every child will clap on cue or sing in front of a group and that's perfectly okay. What matters most is that they are immersed in music-rich experiences early and often. That's how the brain gets wired to learn.
So if you’re wondering whether it’s too early, the answer is: this is exactly the right time. Come now. Stay now. You’re not waiting for participation, you’re building it. By week nine, I guarantee you'll be amazed. Music is an incredible superpower for the brain. Not just for your kiddo but for you too. Watch your kiddo light up when its music day. Watch them tap their hands as soon as they enter the classroom. Watch them follow me around, fascinated. Watch the big kids ask for a ukelele and sing the hello song to all the teddy's at home. Watch them mesmerised by the piano. And of course, watch them grow - musically, socially, emotionally, and yes… cognitively because at Busy Bees, thats what we do....grow brains with music. 🌱 🧠 🎶
We’re so excited to meet you and your little one soon! Prepare to be amazed as your child explores music, movement, and connection in ways that will surprise you.
Experience it for yourself! Sign up for a free preview class to feel the vibe and see how our music and movement sessions support your child's growth.
https://www.busybeesmusic.com.au/pages/busy-bees-music
