Chapter 1. Introduction -- Chapter 2. The development of a teaching and learning space at the ELC -- Chapter 3. Theoretical and pedagogical underpinning of The Yarra Songs project -- Chapter 4. The child protagonists in the ELC projects -- Chapter 5. The evolution of the lyrics and composition of The Yarra Songs -- Chapter 6. The life cycle of the ‘Black Swan’ song -- Chapter 7. Language and the arts in early childhood.

This book explores the narratives of a group of four-year-old children in a composition project in an Australian early learning centre. The participants, centre staff and a composer, Stephen Leek, contributed a number of music sessions for the children, including five original songs. The book showcases young children’s communicative ability and sensitivity to wider issues. The staff in the centre have a strongly voiced philosophy that is enacted through arts-based pedagogy and incorporates significant themes including a respect for Aboriginal culture and custodial responsibility towards a sustainable future for the earth. Examples of adult and children’s ideas are illustrated through music making, singing, dancing, words, drawings and paintings, which provide insights into a world where children are viewed as active citizens and the arts have rights. The book describes the context of the centre, the history of projects and details one project as an example of “lifeworthy learning”. Aleksandra Acker is a practicing musician, lecturer and researcher at RMIT University, Australia. Berenice Nyland is an Adjunct Professor at RMIT University, Australia. Jan Deans was the Director of Early Learning Centre at The University of Melbourne, Australia. Kylie Payman is the specialist music teacher at The University of Melbourne’s Early Learning Centre. Suzana Klarin is an educational leader at The University of Melbourne’s Early Learning Centre.