Hi, I’m Monica

For many years, I’ve worked in early years settings, supporting nursery teams and delivering music sessions. I’ve seen how singing, movement, and music-making can strengthen children’s development, build staff confidence, and enrich the whole nursery environment.

During my ten years leading an arts charity, I spoke with many nursery managers and practitioners. A clear theme emerged: early years professionals are often expected to lead music activities, yet receive very little practical training in how to do this with confidence and ease.

They weren’t short of ideas. What they wanted was support with the how — how to hold children’s attention, how to use instruments and resources effectively, and how to fit music naturally into everyday nursery routines. Managers were also keen to understand how music could be used strategically, not just as a fun extra, but as a tool that supports high-quality practice across the whole nursery.

My work supports both practitioners and managers to share music confidently in their settings, without relying solely on occasional visits from specialists. Drawing on over three decades of experience across early years education, leadership, and music education, I developed the 5-Star M.U.S.I.C. Approach™ — a practical framework that shows how music can strengthen every area of nursery life.

This approach has been tried and tested in real nursery environments and now forms the foundation of all my training and resources. I’m delighted to offer this work online, supporting early years practitioners and nursery managers worldwide.

I look forward to supporting you and your team.

A little more about me

• I’m a Dutch–Australian living in the Scottish Highlands
• We live in a tiny house on wheels (designed to fit our piano, harp and cosy woodburner)
• I have four (musical) children
• I love travelling and recently spent three months in Australia - digital nomad style!
• Music has been central to my work since completing my early years teaching degree, and my passion for helping others use music meaningfully continues to grow.