RAMSR (Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation) is a program for young children that aims to support their attentional and emotional regulation skills, as well as mental flexibility, inhibition, and working memory (the executive functions).

 

The program was first designed and piloted in 2016 by Associate Professor Kate Williams (Queensland University of Technology) and her music therapy and early childhood music education colleagues. It is based on a number of neurological areas of research, including music therapy, the cognitive benefits of music education, and self-regulation development. Evidence from two studies have found that children who engage in RAMSR with their educators have improved emotional, cognitive, and behavioural self-regulation. Educators involved in the study had no music background at all but gained skills and confidence in using these activities with children.