Lead With Confidence. Deliver Transformative Early Childhood Music Experiences.
Sprouting Melodies® Training gives you the knowledge, language, and tools to lead engaging, developmentally supportive music experiences for young children and families.
Course Highlights
› Created by experienced music therapists for practicing music therapists
› Comprehensive 10-week course bridges academic knowledge with real-world application.
› You will walk away with a deeper understanding of: musical development, a new repertoire of creative songs, and the confidence to advocate for the power of music in early childhood spaces!
This training equips you to build high-quality early childhood programming in your practice or community while earning 23 Continuing Education Credits.
Why Music Therapists Choose Sprouting Melodies®
BUILD PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENCE
Gain the knowledge and language to clearly explain musical developmental responses to caregivers, teachers, and staff.
Expand Your Repertoire
Move beyond familiar children’s songs with a rich, intentional library of original songs designed to spark joy and support development.
DELIVER GOAL- DRIVEN MUSICAL EXPERIENCES
Learn how to craft sessions that are musically engaging and therapeutically meaningful, with a strong clinical foundation.
ENGAGE FAMILIES WITH PURPOSE
Develop skills to meaningfully involve caregivers without disrupting the musical flow, building stronger family connections.
JOIN A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Train alongside peers who understand the challenges of early childhood work, and gain support through an interactive online forum.
EARN 23
CMTE CREDITS
Advance your professional development while learning practical, applicable skills.
Participant Experiences
Who This Training is For
Music Therapists
interested in early childhood clinical work
INTERNATIONAL Music Therapists
with equivalent credentials looking to expand services
Music Therapy Interns
seeking specialized training and tools to strengthen their early childhood practice
Music Therapy STUDENTS
who want to build a foundation in early childhood
10
Week Course
Expand your expertise through our 10-Week Professional Training for Music Therapists
23
CMTE Credits
Earn 23 CMTE credits through focused, practical training
1
Amazing Community
Ongoing online discussions with instructors and peers
3
Essential Course Materials Included
• Full Course Materials
• Live Q&A Session
• Music, Therapy and Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach by Elizabeth Schwartz
Weekly Course Breakdown
WEEK 1
Welcome and Introduction to the course. Orientation to the Sprouting Melodies® approach, training materials, and course expectations.
WEEK 2
Foundations of early childhood development from birth through 60 months. Key developmental milestones and how they inform musical engagement.
WEEK 3
Exploration of musical developmental levels—Awareness, Trust, Independence, Control, and Responsibility. Introduction to song categories in early childhood and embedded songs.
WEEK 4
Creating developmentally appropriate practices. Introduction to Gathering Songs and Transition Songs that help organize sessions for maximum engagement.
WEEK 5
Deep dive into Instrument Songs and Movement Songs. Examination of Sprouting Melodies® foundational principles.
WEEK 6
Class overview for Sprouting Melodies 1 (0-9 months). Exploring bonding songs and how they support attachment and early interaction.
WEEK 7
Class overview for Sprouting Melodies 2 (6-18 months). Songs about self and the surrounding world, supporting emerging autonomy.
WEEK 8
Class overview for Sprouting Melodies 3 (18 months-3 years) and Family Sprouts (birth to 5 years). Tools for multi-age groups and community programming.
WEEK 9
Session planning strategies, successful program implementation, and clinical application. Introduction to Sprouting Melodies® sayings and practical application tips.
WEEK 10
Final integration of the course materials, pathways for growing your early childhood practice, and planning for the next steps in your professional development.
Participant Experiences
Training Investment
One payment of $450
Upcoming Session
FALL 2025
Join our next cohort and bring the transformative power of Sprouting Melodies® to your practice. Space is limited to create a personalized, community-oriented learning environment.
Meet Our Team
SPROUTING MELODIES INSTRUCTORS
Meredith Pizzi
Founder of Sprouting Melodies®, Founder and CEO of Roman Music Therapy Services, and leader in community-based music therapy programs.
Elizabeth Schwartz
Internationally recognized expert in early childhood music therapy, author, clinician, and advocate for developmental music practices.
ONLINE MODERATOR
Erika Svolos
A Sprouting Melodies® trained music therapist, former Sprouting Melodies Provider and online course moderator, offering practical insights and peer support.
A Note From Your Instructors:
We created Sprouting Melodies® Training because we saw a real need. Music therapists were working with young children, but often without the resources or support to feel confident and equipped.
From our own clinical experience, we knew there could be a better way—one that combined developmental knowledge with engaging, meaningful music experiences.
This training is our way of sharing what we’ve learned, so you can feel confident leading early childhood groups and making a lasting impact in your community.
We Can’t Wait to Welcome You,
Meredith & Elizabeth
Bring Developmental Music Experiences to Your Community
Sprouting Melodies® Training is designed to help music therapists create impactful, developmentally grounded, and engaging musical experiences for families. Take this opportunity to strengthen your skills, expand your services, and enrich the lives of children and families in your community!
Sprouting Melodies® Training Learning Objectives
List and describe 10 musical responses
typical in early childhood
(BCD 2025 / Knowledge 2B-5, Task 12)
List and describe 5 key criteria
for selecting developmentally appropriate music for therapeutic use in early childhood
(BCD 2025 / Knowledge 2D-7; 2D-8)
Identify principles and strategies
of the Sprouting Melodies® program
(BCD 2025 / Knowledge 3A-6; 3A-7)
Identify 3 ways to advocate
for the profession of music therapy Provider
(BCD 2025 / Knowledge 5B-9 )
| Last updated: October 2025
FAQ
How does the Online Training Work?
Each Sprouting Melodies Online Training course has a set start date and runs for 10 weeks with new modules released weekly. It is an asynchronous online training designed to be accessible to you wherever and whenever it works for you. The Weekly Modules combine assigned reading, video instruction and written contributions to the class online forum. You are expected to complete the weekly modules within the week they are released.
Once I register can I start that day or do I need to wait for the course's start date?
Your course will launch on the start date provided. Once you register, you will receive information on how to set up your account on the learning platform. On the first day of the course when the first weekly module is released you may begin.
For the online training is this done at my own pace or is there a specific “class time”?
The course runs for 10 weeks. Wednesday mornings at 5:00 am Eastern Time (whether it’s daylight savings or standard) an email is sent notifying you that a new module is available. You have a week to complete each assignment and post to the online forums.
If there is a specific “class time” is it on Wednesday evenings?
The new material is unlocked on Wednesday mornings at 5:00 am Eastern Time (whether it’s daylight savings or standard). Each module outlines the reading and video instruction (including video length) to help you plan your time during the week. You have control over how and when you view the material during the week. It is important for each week’s module to be completed before the next is released.
What is the time commitment each week?
This varies by week. Each Module outlines the reading and videos (including video length) to help you plan your study time. On average you should plan to devote 3-4 hours each week to the course. Weeks 2 and 3 are the most content-heavy weeks of the course. For example, week 2 has 6 videos in total with 103 minutes of video content, plus the reading, plus your posts in the online form. You will need to plan your study time accordingly for working through the course content. As much as possible, try and complete the reading prior to watching the videos.
Are there deadlines?
The only deadlines are to make sure each week’s content is completed before starting the next week. This course is sequential and builds upon itself. You need to know the previous week’s material before moving on to the next week.
Are there live sessions?
There is a class conference call scheduled during the course, typically during Week 8. We highly encourage live attendance. If you are not able to make the call a recording will be made available.
Will I have access to the course content once the course is completed?
You will have access to the course materials for one week following the completion of the training. After that time, the course will expire, and the content will no longer be available.
Is there a required text for the course?
Yes. Music, Therapy, and Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach, by Elizabeth Schwartz, MA, LCAT, MT-BC is the required text for class. It is a comprehensive guide to music therapy with young children, providing a detailed examination of overall development in music from birth to age five. The textbook is included in your registration cost.
What continuing education credits (CMTEs) are available for the course?
The Sprouting Melodies® Online Training is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 23 continuing music therapy education credits (CMTEs). Roman Music Therapy Services, LLC (Provider #P-118) maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.
How does Sprouting Melodies® compare with other early childhood music programs?
Sprouting Melodies is designed to be a flexible, music therapy-based program focusing first on overall development rather than music skill building. It was created by and for music therapists to fill a need in the community for children and families to have access to research-based, developmentally appropriate, and engaging music experiences that nurture connections and promote growth. It is the only early
childhood music program that requires one to be a board-certified music therapist or a music therapy intern. There is no set curriculum. Sprouting Melodies is an open-source model that gives music therapists autonomy and flexibility to tailor and manage their classes to meet the developmental needs of the children and families they serve.
Do I have to use Sprouting Melodies® music or can I use my own songs?
Sprouting Melodies® is an Open-Source Model that builds on your music knowledge as a music therapist. The program teaches what is most effective in music and song composition for early childhood. Songs shared and used in the course are created by Sprouting Melodies and you are welcome to use them. Songbooks are available for purchase if desired. You are encouraged to create and use your own music with the families you serve.
Will I be certified to run Sprouting Melodies groups after completing the course?
You will be able to provide high-quality, music-therapy based early childhood programs upon completion. We do not offer any type of certification for you to provide a “Sprouting Melodies” group or class.
Can I use the Sprouting Melodies name in my practice?
No. You cannot use the Sprouting Melodies name in your practice or to state you provide a “Sprouting Melodies Class.” However, you can state that you have received the Sprouting Melodies training.
What support is available after completing the training?
We are here for you even after the training ends. You are welcome to reach out to us with any questions, comments or concerns. You can contact us by email or phone, and we’ll be glad to provide guidance and support as you continue putting your training into practice.
What music resources are available as I build my library after and during the training?
These resources are available even before you start the class. Please check the resources section of the Raising Harmony website for a list of songbooks, articles, and blog posts to help you build this area of expertise.
Why should I re-take the training if I’ve taken it before?
The Sprouting Melodies Training has been updated with new and refreshed content. Previous participants are invited to enroll again. With an enhanced training platform and revised materials, the program now offers a more interactive and engaging learning experience.
In addition, if you completed the training during your last CBMT cycle, you may re-enroll to refresh your knowledge and apply 23 CMTE credits toward your current 5-year cycle.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Course registrations are non-refundable.
If you cannot attend the course for which you registered, your registration will be applied to the next available training session. This secures you a spot and allows you to take full advantage of the program at a later date. If you do not contact Raising Harmony and are a “no show” for the course, your course fee will be forfeited and will NOT be applied to a future training session.
We kindly ask that you notify Raising Harmony as soon as you know you cannot attend so we can make the appropriate arrangements.
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