Play Based Music is a structured transition model for music schools. It connects early childhood music education and instrumental teaching into one continuous learning pathway — so that children start instrumental lessons well prepared, motivated and with confidence.

Play Based Music is built in three connected stages. In the Early Childhood stage (ages 4–6), children develop musical foundations through play. In the Bridge stage (ages 5–7), they connect those foundations to a specific instrument. From there, they enter classical instrumental lessons with a solid base already in place.

The Play Based Music Early Childhood programme begins at around age 4. The PBM Bridge — the transition to an instrument — starts at around age 5, depending on the child's individual development.

No. Play Based Music is not a replacement — it is a bridge. The model prepares children specifically for classical instrumental lessons and ensures that the start succeeds.

Play Based Music is instrument-independent. The Early Childhood programme and the Bridge build general musical competencies — rhythm, pitch awareness, note orientation — that transfer to any instrument. PBM is most commonly used in piano teaching, but also with guitar, flute, violin and other instruments.

Children who go through Play Based Music enter instrumental lessons with a musical foundation already in place. They understand what they are playing, not just how to reproduce it. This reduces frustration, builds motivation and leads to more stable long-term engagement.

The PBM Bridge is the middle stage of the model — the step that is typically missing at most music schools. It connects the playful learning of early childhood music with the structured demands of instrumental teaching. Children learn to follow notes, recognise musical patterns and play their first complete pieces on a real instrument.

PBM has been developed since 2021 and tested at various music schools and educational institutions in Germany, France and Switzerland.

Every collaboration is tailored to the specific needs of the music school — in terms of size, instrument range, existing early childhood programmes and desired duration. The first step is a personal conversation.

Play Based Music was founded in 2021 by Janine Feuermann, a music educator with over 15 years of experience in early childhood music and instrumental teaching.

Yes. If you teach young beginners and are looking for a structured, play-based approach to bridge the gap between early childhood music and instrumental lessons, PBM can support your teaching. Whether you work independently or within a music school, get in touch — I'd love to hear about your situation and explore how PBM could fit into your practice.

PBM was designed as a professional teaching model, but there are elements that parents can use to support their child's musical journey at home. My YouTube channel and Rainbow Song Sheets are a great starting point — they offer practical, playful activities you can try with your child. If you are looking for a PBM-trained teacher or music school in your area, feel free to contact me.

Very much so. PBM shares core principles with Montessori education: learning through hands-on experience, self-correcting materials, following the child's developmental pace and building independence. The method was inspired in part by the Montessori idea that play is the work of the child. PBM integrates naturally into Montessori environments and has been used in Montessori-oriented settings.

Yes. While PBM was primarily developed for music schools, core elements of the method — especially the Early Childhood stage — work well in kindergartens, preschools and primary school settings. Educators without a formal music background can use PBM's visual, play-based approach to bring meaningful music activities into their classrooms. If you are an educator interested in integrating PBM, let's talk about what would work for your setting.

Not necessarily. The PBM Early Childhood materials are designed to be accessible, visual and intuitive. Many of the activities — such as the Rainbow Song Sheets and rhythm games — can be used by educators and parents without a formal music background. For the Bridge stage and instrumental teaching, a musical background is needed.

PBM has been developed and tested in Germany, France and Switzerland. Collaborations with music schools and educational institutions in other countries are welcome. If you are interested, reach out — the model is designed to be adaptable to different school systems and cultural contexts.