Karen specialises in working in Early Childhood Music. As such she is currently working as a mentor to early years music practitioners in Devon and Essex, leading sessions and training non-specialist practitioners.
Karen favours working collaboratively in partnership with organisations to develop and implement innovative projects. A recent example of this is her involvement in the MusicStart Early Years Music project with Devon arts organisation DAISI (2016/17), including ongoing sessions, mentoring and training in schools and early years settings across Devon, and creation of a repository of popular early years songs and activities: DAISI Early Years Resources
Karen and her husband, professional musician Mike Eaves, have created and continue to manage a range of early years music projects, each of which endeavour to blend educational and musical elements to create optimum musical learning environments:
Music For Baby Record Label – creating high quality recorded music for early childhood featuring real instruments across a number of genres. CDs are available through a number independent retailers and online via Musical Leaves. All recordings are also available on iTunes, and all other major digital download and streaming services.
Music For Baby Classes – private sessions for 0-5 year olds and their carers. Run by Karen, and other early years music practitioners mentored by Karen these sessions range from groups for newborns, through to pre-schoolers, and sessions in early years settings.
MamaSing – Baby friendly choirs with a wellbeing focus. Weekly singing sessions with parents and babies singing a broad repertoire. As a social enterprise MamaSing are actively seeking grants and funding to develop their work in maternal singing for wellbeing.
Ukulele Kids – A licensed programme of afterschool activities for instrumental teachers of 4-8 year olds, including training, teaching materials and resources