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Musicians at all levels face significant mental and physical health challenges, prompting a growing need to rethink how instrumental music is taught. In this presentation, Prof. Nijs will introduce a “caring” approach to instrumental music education, in which the development of well-being and musicianship go hand in hand. Drawing on the PERMA model of well-being, constraints-led pedagogy and his innovative kinemusical approach, he will explore how movement-based learning activities can support both musical growth and personal flourishing. Prof. Nijs will present the key principles underpinning this framework, illustrate them through practical learning activities, and discuss its implications for music education, teacher practice and future research.

As more children begin learning musical instruments at an earlier age, there is growing interest in understanding how best to support their musical development. Based on an international survey of 85 experienced music teachers, Prof. Nijs will present insights into teachers’ views on instrumental learning for children aged 5–7, including learning goals, teaching approaches, teacher competencies and lesson content. Diving into the survey results, he will discuss the findings in relation to established approaches such as Suzuki and Colourstrings, and explore their implications for:

• teacher training;
• curriculum design;
• research;
• the future of early childhood instrumental music education.

This panel will examine the transformative potential of Early Childhood Music Education (ECME) as a catalyst for more inclusive and sustainable music education systems. Building on the , speakers will present research on policy, teacher education and institutional practice, highlighting key challenges including inequitable access, training gaps and limited cross-sector collaboration. By connecting policy, curriculum development and community engagement, the panel will explore how music education institutions can lead systemic transformation and ensure that every child has access to meaningful, high-quality musical experiences from an early age.

How can movement enrich instrumental music learning? In this interactive workshop for instrumental music teachers, Prof. Nijs will introduce kinemusical improvisation, an innovative approach that combines music-making and movement to foster musical understanding, expressiveness and creativity. Through a series of hands-on activities, participants will explore how moving while playing an instrument can enhance learning and engagement, while discovering the pedagogical principles that underpin the approach. Drawing on research in embodied music cognition, embodied music pedagogy and constraints-led learning, Prof. Nijs will explain the theoretical foundations of the kinemusical approach and invite participants to reflect on its practical applications for instrumental music teaching.