ECOLOGIES OF EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC IN BURUNDIIn Burundi, the ecologies of early childhood music are rich and deeply rooted in tradition and daily life. In this workshop, I will perform various songs and rhythms, while demonstrating how early childhood music emerges across different environments. Each environment will be illustrated with a specific song to show its impact on children’s musical development.1. Home EnvironmentIhorere nkwinginge is one song every child in Burundi first heard from her/his Mum since birth.Children learn music through lullabies, clapping games, and folkloric songs passed down by parents or grandparents. Music is often part of chores, play, and celebrations.2. Cultural InfluenceAmayaya Played everywhere, Amayaya is part of every child’s identity.Traditional rhythms are central to identity. Music reflects community values, storytelling, and social events (births, weddings, initiations).3. CommunitySebeya Sebeya After performing this song I will show how children are exposed to music everywhere: in churches, local gatherings, and school events.Group singing and drumming are common and communal.Every childhood game has its own song accompanying the process.4. Nature and Environment Cugu WarakozeThis is a song we used to sing, imitating the melody of a pigeon singing. I have been astonished to hear this melody everywhere I go in Africa.This is a Blues harmony I tried to create inspired by this melody.Sounds from rivers, animals and surroundings are naturally part of the child's sonic world as well.We used to play outdoors, using found objects (stones, sticks) to create rhythm.5. School In Montessori or pre-primary settings, music is introduced through sensorial exploration, movement and singing.As a music educator in Primary grades I guide children to explore their talent. They can sing and play instruments like the drum and begin to explore guitar, piano, ukulele, etc.My children and I have made music instruments with bottles containing water.Bottles with different water levels create a scale of musical notes. This is very interesting to the children because they are learning music using materials they are familiar with.In Burundi, early childhood music is not only taught - it's lived! It flows through everyday life, shaped by culture, nature, and community.