Experts on Music, Cognitive Development Convene for Global Launch of RCM's Early Childhood Music Education Program
TORONTO – The Royal Conservatory of Music will host a special symposium,
Music and the Mind: A Smart Start to Early Childhood Education on October 31 at Koerner Hall, focusing on the transformative role of music in early childhood education. The event marks the global launch of the innovative RCM Smart Start early childhood music program. The symposium features leading figures in neuroscience, education, and the arts, emphasizing music's impact on cognitive and emotional development in young children.
RCM Smart Start is The Royal Conservatory’s early childhood music program, blending music education with leading research in neuroscience to support cognitive, emotional, and social development. It is built on cutting-edge research that shows how music shapes brain development. Rooted in a decade of success with over 5,000 children within the walls of the RCM’s Toronto campus, this play-based, research-driven curriculum is now expanding globally. Innovations in the curriculum and new delivery models are enabling early childhood educators, including those who don’t have a formal music background, to teach the program at daycare centres worldwide.
The all-day symposium on October 31 will bring together international experts for dynamic discussions, hands-on experiences, and inspiring performances. World renowned soprano Renée Fleming will lead a panel that dives into the connections between music and brain development. The panel also includes children’s star entertainer Raffi; neuroscientist, and operatic soprano Dr. Indre Viskontas; and Alexander Brose, Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO, The Royal Conservatory.
"Each day brings new discoveries about how deeply music is woven into the fabric of our brains, especially in early childhood. Programs like Smart Start don’t just nurture musical talent, they help develop the skills that children need for life: focus, empathy, resilience, and creativity."
Renée Fleming
Another panel features digital policy leaders including Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, and Kevin Chan, Global Policy Director at Meta. They will explore key issues of digital transformation in music education and examine the role of sound government policy, and digital advances in music learning. They will also be joined by Olympic figure skater, composer, and RCM honorary fellow, Eric Radford.
The symposium will convene meaningful discussions about the benefits and importance of introducing music education at an early age and the long-term effects this has on health and human development, in addition to identifying ways that Canadians can harness technology for the benefits of arts education.
The global launch of this early childhood music curriculum comes at a pivotal time for our education system.
“As children continue to struggle with the lasting effects of post-pandemic learning gaps, and as music programs are increasingly sidelined by school board cuts, it is critical that we find innovative solutions and demonstrate how early childhood music education can play a transformative role in cognitive, emotional, and academic development. With a legacy of excellence in music education, The Royal Conservatory is uniquely positioned to lead this important work, championing the value of music in early learning and expanding access to high-quality programs that support children at the most critical stages of development.”
Alexander Brose
Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO
The Royal Conservatory
The symposium will provide educators, policymakers, and advocates with insights into how music influences brain development and to showcase the RCM's Smart Start curriculum, designed to integrate music into early learning environments.
Other Event Highlights:
- Live Podcast Recordings: An exclusive in-person taping of Sing for Science, hosted by Matt Whyte, will explore the connection between music, neuroscience, and early learning.
- RCM Smart Start Classroom Experience: Attendees can engage with a recreated Smart Start classroom, featuring live demonstrations and interactive stations that bring the curriculum to life.
- Performances by the students of the Royal Conservatory of Music
- Cocktail Reception: An evening gathering will celebrate the Global launch of RCM Smart Start, with keynote guests, speakers, and industry partners in attendance.
Why Attend:
- Gain insights from leading experts in neuroscience, education, and policy.
- Explore how music shapes cognitive, social, and emotional development in early childhood.
- Experience the RCM Smart Start approach firsthand.
- Network with global leaders shaping the future of education and the arts.
Tickets are now
available, but spots are limited for this.
The Royal Conservatory’s Smart Start program wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our champions. Special thanks to:
Heather Edwards, The Krawczyk Family Foundation, TELUS, Temerty Foundation, and David Thomson & Severine Nackers.
Their vision and commitment help bring RCM Smart Start to life and empower the next generation of learners through music.