The Big Benefits of Early Years Music

Mini Musicians, an innovative early years music education programme operated by the Merton Music Foundation, was delivered across ten primary and special schools in the London Borough of Merton from 2023 to 2025. Independently evaluated by the University of Roehampton, the initiative explored the impact of sustained, specialist-led music education for young children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Reaching approximately 650 pupils aged four to seven, Mini Musicians provides robust evidence that high-quality early years music education offers significant musical, academic, and social benefits.

The evaluation revealed that Mini Musicians participants made significantly greater progress in musical development than peers in comparison schools, according to the Sounds of Intent framework. By the end of the programme, pupils, including those with SEND, could confidently sing entire songs and actively engage in group music-making. The integrated approach to singing and instrumental lessons enabled most children to develop early instrumental skills, with nearly 80% demonstrating internal pitch awareness and many mastering well-known tunes on the melodica. These outcomes challenge the belief that whole-class instrumental learning should wait until later primary years.

Beyond music skills, Mini Musicians was linked to improvements in mathematics, oracy, and wider learning engagement, especially for children with SEND. Teachers observed notable gains in pupils’ vocabulary, sentence structure, attention span, and self-regulation. The programme also enhanced teacher confidence and ability to deliver inclusive, high-quality music education, supporting its long-term sustainability.

Key Findings at a Glance:

• Pupils made accelerated musical progress compared to matched schools
• Pronounced gains for pupils with SEND in skills, confidence, and engagement
• 78% demonstrated internal pitch awareness, mastering instrumental repertoire
• Participation correlated with improvements in mathematics, oracy, and social skills
• Teachers gained increased confidence and capacity for inclusive music provision

The Mini Musicians programme demonstrates how high-quality, inclusive music education in the early years can drive substantial benefits for children and teachers alike.

For a deeper dive into the research, analysis, and practical recommendations to shape the future of early years music education, explore the full Mini Musicians report.