Meet Anne — The Heart Behind Branch Into Music
Helping families and educators use music to build connection, confidence and joyful learning in the early years.
Branch Into Music exists to make meaningful music accessible, enjoyable and purposeful - for babies, young children, the adults who care for them, and the educators who support them.
Why Branch Into Music?
Anne Belcher (B.Mus, B.A (Psychology), Dip.Ed) has been a teacher for over 20 years and is the mum of two boys, now aged 16 and 18.
She lives just outside Ballarat, in regional Victoria, with her husband Steve, their boys, their much-loved kelpie Clancy, and a small collection of sheep and chooks - a setting that reflects the calm, grounded values at the heart of Branch Into Music.
Anne’s work brings together her background in music, psychology and education, along with many years of real-world experience supporting families and early childhood educators.
How It All Began
Branch Into Music was born in 2008, when Anne was a brand-new mum and her first baby simply would not settle.
With a Music degree, a Psychology major and years of teaching experience, Anne was astonished by the power of music to calm and soothe her baby - through singing, rocking to the beat, and moving her body to music that helped her feel relaxed and grounded.
What began as instinct soon became insight.
Anne shared her experiences with other mums at playgroup, practised with friends and their children, welcomed another baby into the family - and slowly, naturally, Branch Into Music began to grow.
From a Lounge Room to a Community
Branch Into Music started with a few friends in Anne’s lounge room and grew organically as her boys grew up.
Eighteen years later, Anne has supported hundreds of local families and early childhood educators to feel confident using music to promote key areas of early childhood development - including connection, communication, emotional expression and wellbeing.
Her work has always been grounded in real relationships, practical experience, and a deep respect for children and those who care for them.
Working With Educators Across Australia
Anne regularly presents professional learning workshops for educators on behalf of:
Early Learning Association of Australia (ELAA)
Early Childhood Australia (ECA)
Community Early Learning Australia (CELA)
Playgroup Victoria
She also teaches early childhood music and movement to pre-service teachers at Federation University, within the Master of Early Childhood Education program.
Sharing Music Beyond Our Local Community
During Victoria’s extended COVID lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, Anne moved her programs online - opening up new ways to support families and educators.
She is now delighted to share Branch Into Music programs and resources with families and educators around the world, while continuing to offer face-to-face experiences locally.
You’re Welcome Here
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, carer or educator, Branch Into Music is here to support you in making music a joyful, meaningful part of everyday life.
