To be human is to be rhythmic. The first sense of sound we experience is our mothers’ rhythmic heartbeat, and at the end of life, as our other senses fade, our hearing is the one that remains – our own heartbeat perhaps soothing us with its slowing rhythm. Across the lifespan, beat and rhythm play an incredibly important role in brain, motor, and social-emotional development, and social cohesion. In this seminar, Professor Kate Williams will share some of the fascinating facts on how the human brain and body perceive rhythm, and how we can use this knowledge to support movement, development, and wellbeing for both children and educators. Participants will learn about Kate’s internationally renowned program, Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR), designed specifically to support children’s skills to manage their own emotions, attention, and behaviour.

About the Presenter

Professor Kate Williams

PhD QUT, GradCert(Academic Practice) QUT, MEd(Research) QUT, PGDipMusThy UQ, BMus QUT

Kate Williams is a developmental scientist, intervention designer, evaluator, and leader, working at the intersection of health and education to address inequities that often arise from early childhood. She is recognised as an international expert on social-emotional, self-regulation, executive function, cognitive, and sleep development, and the parenting, educational, and intervention contexts that support such.

Kate is also a Registered Music Therapist and so is interested in the ways that music can be used to support development and wellbeing. Her ARC DECRA fellowship saw Kate develop the Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program, which has been commercialised and is disseminated internationally.

First Thursdays

These regular professional development sessions were originally the brainchild of MTA Member Annette Allerding, who wanted music teachers to be able to meet and share ideas. Originally named Keys, Cakes and Conversation (KCC) the group went online during Covid, and eventually reached numbers often in excess of 50 teachers, meeting each month on Zoom. The Music Teachers' Association of NSW is delighted to bring these sessions into our fold. We want the sessions to continue to be free to our members, but we also believe it is important to pay presenters for their valuable time. So we ask you to consider a giving a donation towards the costs if you are able. You will be given the option to donate when you book your place.