How We Use Music to Grow Young Minds
At the Australian Girls Choir (AGC), we believe learning extends far beyond the school classroom. It comes to life through music, movement and imaginative play. Long before children formally learn to read and write, they begin developing the foundations of literacy through listening, communicating, imagining and expressing themselves. Our junior@agc program, designed for girls aged 5 to 7, invites children to discover the joy of the performing arts in a fun, supportive environment. Through singing, rhythm, drama and creative play, girls explore language, build confidence and learn to express ideas in meaningful ways. But there’s more happening beneath the surface — read on to discover how our thoughtfully designed curriculum helps grow young minds through the performing arts.
To experience the joy of junior@agc, new students are invited to a free trial class, where they can join in activities alongside our friendly choristers with no preparation required!
Experience an AGC class in action by registering now to attend a free class at our February Open Day.
junior@agc classes
Each week, junior@agc classes offer hands-on opportunities for girls to explore music, singing and dance through playful activities and gentle structure. As choristers sing, move, act and perform, they build confidence, self-expression and early communication skills, while also developing valuable life skills such as teamwork, focus and self-discipline. Weekly classes support every girl to grow as a confident communicator, curious learner and expressive young performer. And the best part – they get to join the ‘big girls’ and showcase their hard work at two concerts each year.
Growing vocabulary through song and story
Language comes alive when it is sung, spoken and embodied. The junior@agc curriculum introduces songs, rhymes and age-appropriate scripts that expose children to rich and varied vocabulary in a way that feels natural and fun. Through lyrics and storytelling, we familiarise girls with new verbs, descriptive words and expressive phrases that expand their language bank.
Singing also supports clear articulation and pronunciation. By learning to shape words accurately and project their voices, junior choristers strengthen diction and clarity, which are all skills that directly support early reading and communication. Our tutors gently model expressive language, encouraging children to listen closely, repeat confidently and use new words with pride.
“Singing gives us the opportunity to have meaningful encounters with language – and singing together allows us to learn with confidence, expression and joy.”
– Jess Huggett, Head of AGC Teaching and Learning
Building phonological awareness through rhythm and rhyme
Phonological awareness, the ability to hear and identify sounds within words, is one of the strongest predictors of future reading success. Here at AGC, we recognise that music is an incredibly powerful tool for developing this skill. In junior@agc classes, girls clap syllables, explore rhyme, echo rhythms and keep a steady beat. These activities help them tune into the patterns of language, recognise sound differences and understand how words are made up of smaller parts. Whether tapping to the beat of a song or listening for rhyming words in lyrics, girls develop essential listening skills in a playful and engaging way. Music also encourages attention, memory and auditory discrimination, which are all critical for early literacy development.
Research shows that children who take part in music training have stronger verbal memory, improved reading ability, better second language pronunciation, enhanced reasoning skills, auditory awareness and motor skills. By beginning their music training early at junior@agc, girls gain a valuable head start in their learning journey, giving them the confidence and skills to thrive both in the classroom and beyond.
Confidence, communication and self-expression
Literacy is more than reading and writing. It’s about having the confidence to express ideas, thoughts and emotions! The AGC provides a safe, supportive space for children to find their voice.
Through singing, movement and performance experiences, girls in junior@agc build self-esteem and learn to express themselves clearly and creatively. Standing tall, using facial expressions, and sharing a song with friends fosters confidence that carries into classroom participation and everyday communication. At the AGC, encouragement and kindness are core values, ensuring every child feels seen, supported and celebrated.
“I love the idea that a song can transport a performer – both musically and thematically – to a completely new artistic world that they may not have explored before. Watching young singers’ faces light up as they discover something new in the music is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.”
– Mark Puddy, AGC Resident Composer and Arranger
Learning through active engagement
Young children learn best when they are actively involved, and arts-integrated learning is at the heart of AGC’s philosophy. In junior@agc classes, girls bring their body, voice and imagination to life as they turn lyrics into stories. Every song, movement and story is designed to capture attention, spark curiosity and inspire confidence, making learning feel like an adventure. It’s a space where children explore, create and grow, all while developing essential skills that will set them up for success both on stage and beyond.
“In our weekly classes, learning happens through doing – using singing, movement and imaginative play to support confident learning and self-expression.”
– Jess Huggett, Head of AGC Teaching and Learning
Beyond supporting early literacy skills, being part of the Australian Girls Choir is an incredibly fun, enriching experience. Girls come together in weekly classes to sing, dance and make music while making new friends who share their interests. Our choristers have the exciting opportunity to perform a range of material on stage at our mid-year Winter Showcase and end-of-year Annual Concert, celebrating their progress through performance.
Interested in joining the Australian Girls Choir? We invite you to experience the benefits of the AGC firsthand. Register to attend a free class at our February Open Day and discover the magic of the AGC! It’s a very good place to start.
