Early Childhood Music + Movement Biennial Convention


Building Relationships and Community

The Early Childhood Music and Movement Association Biennial International Conference 2026 (ECMMA 2026) seeks proposals for practical and research-related sessions around “Building Relationships and Community.” Topics for presentations should relate to one of the following themes: 

 

  • Cross-cultural musical bridges: How can early childhood music and movement create connections across diverse cultural backgrounds, including using family music traditions, multicultural musical representation, and inclusive musical practices that strengthen community bonds? How might shared musical experiences at home and in the community create lasting bonds, support cultural identity, and strengthen caregiver-child relationships?
  • Social science of musical play: How might collaborative activities and movement experiences in early childhood support the development of social-emotional skills, empathy, and peer relationships across interdisciplinary perspectives, including but not limited to music cognition and neuroscience? 
  • Intergenerational musical partnerships: What is the impact of programs that connect young children with adults through music and movement, including community collaborations, elder care facility partnerships, or family musical programming that spans generations?  
  • Environmental stewardship: How might shared musical experiences help children develop relationships with their natural environment or local community? What models of successful community music programs exist that build sustainable relationships between schools, families, and local organizations? 
  • Multilingual relationships: In what ways might group musical activities support multilingual users, including but not limited to caregivers and children, and create inclusive linguistic communities in early childhood settings?