About Us

Music With Kaija

A group of children in a classroom or daycare, participating in an activity guided by a woman dressed in a costume. The children are holding colorful scarves and appear engaged and attentive.
A woman reading a picture book to young children seated on a rug in a classroom setting.

The essence of music is intangible, yet it remains a universal source of joy.

Research shows that music is closely linked to positive emotions, supporting children’s wellbeing and self-regulation.

At Gumnut Gardens childcare centre in Paddington, we are fortunate to offer weekly music sessions with Kaija Upenieks, a Sydney/Wollongong-based cellist and singer, well known for her children’s albums Celebrate the Seasons and Bulli Bay. The songs from these albums form part of her interactive program Sing a Song, Dance Along—a playful and engaging music education experience that fosters key areas of early childhood development through rhythm, melody, song, and movement.

A woman interacts with small children holding stuffed animals inside a cozy room decorated with colorful art and toys.

We believe that singing and dancing are essential for deepening children’s appreciation of music.

Within this holistic program, we also aim to promote diversity by introducing children to a wide variety of musical styles, cultures, dances, songs, and instruments. Using multi-sensory resources, children are encouraged to fully engage, connect, and develop a lifelong love of music.

Through dance, children not only learn to coordinate their bodies but also discover movement as a powerful form of personal, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical expression.