May 05, 2025

413: Should You Add Early Childhood Music Classes to Your Studio? A Chat with Olivia Riddell

44 minutes

Olivia Riddell shares her passion for early childhood music education and the unique benefits of starting musical training at a young age. Drawing on her experience with Music for Young Children (MYC), a globally recognized program founded by her parents, Olivia explains how movement, play, and exploration form the foundation of lifelong musical engagement. She discusses the importance of delaying reading, involving parents, and teaching through all the senses. Whether you're curious about early childhood pedagogy or considering adding MYC to your studio, Olivia’s insights will leave you inspired to nurture creativity from the very first notes.

Olivia shared that early childhood music education typically spans ages 2 to 8.

How younger children absorb music more naturally through movement, play, and exploration.

The importance of starting music education at age 2 or 3.

How younger learners are less self-conscious and more open to experimentation.

Why teaching should begin with exploration and experience, not with books or reading.

She encouraged teachers to delay formal reading and instead focus on movement and creativity.

The importance of involving parents as children mirror their parents’ attitudes and behaviors.

Olivia introduced Music for Young Children (MYC), a structured early childhood group music program founded by her parents in 1980.

She described MYC’s program and use of multi-sensory learning to engage young learners.

She highlighted that MYC graduates often achieve level 3 piano and level 5 theory by age 8.

How MYC is a closed curriculum, and teachers must complete training to access materials.

Links Mentioned

Olivia's website: Music for Young Children

Free Download: Early Childhood Music Program Comparison Handout

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Today's Guest

Olivia Riddell is the President and International Director of MYC (Music for Young Children) and a specialist in early childhood music education. Olivia has a well-rounded approach to teaching, and is passionate and dedicated to teaching young children to intermediate levels, ensuring the strongest foundation and love of music she can within her students at an early age. In her current position, Olivia’s focus is on maintaining and reviewing the MYC Method, MYC Teacher support, evaluation and guidance, as well as training all North American and Asian (Singapore and Malaysia) teachers in the multiple levels of the Method.

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By Tim Topham

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