The University of the Aegean (UAegean) and the New Bulgarian University (NBU) proudly reflect on the success of “Every Child Music Matters” travelling seminar, hosted in Sofia, Bulgaria, from November 3 to 8, 2024. This inspiring seminar brought together undergraduate students from the Department of Preschool Education and Educational Design of UAegean with the academic community of NBU.
Coordinated by the scientific expertise of Dr. Maria Argyriou of UAegean, in collaboration with Prof. Antoaneta Mateeva and Prof. Galina Markova of “Know How Center for Alternative Care for Children” NBU, as well as Assoc. Prof. Polina Michova, Assoc. Prof. Eduard Marinov and Assoc. Prof. Tsveta Kamenski, the seminar provided a rich blend of empirical research and hands-on teaching experiences in public kindergartens across Sofia. With a focus on vulnerability and ethnic diversity, participants engaged deeply with early childhood educators, staff, and preschool children to explore the transformative power of music in fostering inclusivity and addressing inequalities in education.
The seminar was held at NBU’s renowned Know-How Centre for Alternative Care for Children (Research Centre), a hub for innovative approaches to education and care. Students delved into the challenges faced by vulnerable and ethnic minority communities, conducting research that combined theory and practice. Music emerged as a central theme, emphasizing its role as a cultural and social bridge in preschool education.
One of the highlights of the seminar was a focus group with postgraduate students from NBU’s MA in Speech and Language Pathology (in English). Together, they explored how music can serve as a powerful tool in speech therapy and social work, fostering communication, understanding, and community cohesion.
This seminar was not only an academic journey, but also an opportunity to initiate a series of collaborative research projects that aim to tackle inequalities in preschool education. By highlighting the interventionist role of music with social and cultural orientation, the seminar paved the way for meaningful change in the education sector.
The success of this travelling seminar underscores the power of cross-cultural collaboration within ERUA, demonstrating how innovative approaches can make a lasting impact on education and beyond.
