Internationally recognised early childhood music specialist Julie Wylie MNZM is coming to Sydney for a special interactive workshop. Ukubebe is delighted to support Julie in making arrangements for her workshop.
THE POWER OF MUSICAL PLAY
An Interactive Professional Development Workshop with Julie Wylie
The workshop is based on Julie Wylie and Dr Susan Foster Cohen’s recently published book, Unleashing the Power of Musical Play, and will provide participants with an opportunity to explore Julie’s philosophy through practical, interactive musical experiences.
Over two hours, participants will explore approaches including:
- following the child through musical improvisation
- the intentional use of the elements of music
- sung instructions and narrative songs
- the role of musical play in children’s learning, development and relationships
- the application of musical play within families, schools, early childhood settings and therapeutic contexts.
The workshop is designed to be relevant to students and professionals in early childhood education, music education, music therapy and other areas involving children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
Workshop details
Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026
Time: 10.30am–12.30pm
Registration and the Optimum Percussion trade table will be open from 10.00am.
Location: Plumtree, Yabsley Avenue, Jarvie Park, Marrickville NSW 2204
Cost: $55 per person, including refreshments
Participants will receive a certificate of attendance and Julie's workshop notes, and will also have the opportunity to explore specialist musical play and early childhood music resources from Optimum Percussion, with some lovely lucky-door prizes on offer.
For more information about this event and Julie, download the information sheet here.
2026 Term 3 Music Classes
for Child Care Centres
Book or enquire about a Ukubebe program for your Child Care Centre.
Benny Time podcast with Jo Steel Ukubebe
Associate Professor Marianne Knaus
Associate Dean (Early Childhood)
Edith Cowan University, Perth WA
Watermelon Jazz; beneficial for kids!
Professor Knaus explains why Watermelon Jazz is so beneficial for children and families.
When children are exposed to music and musical play, from the earliest of ages, the impact is quite profound.
Watermelon Jazz is an ideal album for children and their families. Listening, singing and dancing together is easy and enjoyable, as the music as great appeal for both children and adults. When parents enjoy music, they impart a life-long love of music to their children. Sharing this music builds...
Sharing this music builds intimacy and strengthens the parent-child bond.The character, joy and energy of each track highlights a new ‘take’ on children’s music, inviting a shared musical experience that is far more than just the notes.
The essential elements of jazz, including improvisation and syncopation, capture children’s interest and inspire imaginative thinking. The music is beautifully arranged, to bring young listeners the authentic and vibrant sounds of real instruments playing jazz. There is a complexity that is not however, overwhelming. Rather this multi-layered listening experience offers great exposure to a variety of instruments and sounds. This is a tool for communication and expanding vocabulary.
The lyrics model positive concepts and include language that is respectful and collaborative: honouring children as capable learners.
I believe that Joanne Steel has, with Watermelon Jazz, fulfilled her desire to create music for children of the highest standard possible: an album that will stand out as a new benchmark of quality music for children.'
Playgroups
Weekly music and movement classes
Designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Young children love to sing, dance and enjoy musical play.
Classes held at Randwick and NSW South Coast (Milton to Moruya).
Child Care
Ukubebe at your child care centre
The program is varied and designed to support and inspire staff, with lots of easy ideas to make music a happy learning experience.
Learn More
Ukubebe albums 'Watermelon Jazz' & 'I Love to Play' are available now on iTunes, and here at the Ukubebe 'shop' page. CD's are also available at Ukubebe classes in Randwick.
