Our History

A lot has changed since the our first convention in North Carolina in 1986. Our first president, Linda Robinson and 99 attendees formed an organization that would be focused on the advancement of early childhood music & movement in research and teacher development. What was put into motion over 30 years ago has become known as the Early Childhood Music & Movement Association.

Our VISION

To be a catalyst for meaningful early childhood music and movement practices throughout the world.

Our MISSION

The non-profit Early Childhood Music & Movement Association (ECMMA) believes appropriate, purposeful music and movement experiences enhance early childhood development and seeks to support early childhood music and movement practitioners by providing resources, advocacy, professional development, and collaboration opportunities

Our Leadership


Tiger Robison, Ph.D., is assistant professor of music education at the University of Wyoming where he teaches courses in elementary general music methods, aural theory, and world music. Tiger earned a Ph.D. from the University of Hartford's Hartt School where he was grateful for the mentorship of Drs. Joshua Russell, Vanessa Bond, and John Feierabend among others. Additionally, he holds certification in Kodály, Orff, and First Steps in Music methodologies. Prior to his appointment at UW, Tiger was visiting assistant professor of music education at the University of Maryland. Before his collegiate career, Tiger taught in the Connecticut public schools for ten years where he taught general music to students in grades pre-Kindergarten (aged three and four) to grade four. Currently, Tiger’s research in early childhood music is funded by the UW College of Arts and Sciences, the Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research, and the Wyoming Arts Council.

Amy Rucker

Tiger Robison
President


Su D'Ambrosio

Su D'Ambrosio
Past President

Assunta "Su" D'Ambrosio is Director of Education at South Shore Conservatory in Hingham, MA. She holds an MM in clarinet performance from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, a BA in Music from Smith College, Orff Level III certification from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and training in Music Together, Musikgarten and Gordon Music Learning Theory. At South Shore Conservatory, in addition to administrative duties, she is a preschool and kindergarten classroom music specialist. Previously, she taught general and instrumental music in public schools for 17 years as well as private lessons on clarinet. Su has been with South Shore Conservatory since 2003. Su became interested in early childhood education after the birth of her first daughter in 1997. Watching her daughter listen and respond to music made it clear that these early years are a crucial time for exposure to rhythm and tonal patterns as they are the seeds and foundation for understanding music later in life. She lives in Plymouth, MA with her daughters Maria, Rosa, and her dog Bernie who is a puppy at heart.

I am excited by ECMMA’s potential to make connections between many organizations that serve and focus on early childhood arts education. My focus will be growing membership and making connections between other EC organizations with similar missions.

Institutions and Business Partners

ECMMA recognizes our institutional members and business partners and thanks them for their ongoing support. Please get to know each of our partners, and thank them for supporting the mission of ECMMA.


Join ECMMA as an InstitutionSupport ECMMA as a Business Partner

We want to thank our institutional and business partners for supporting our efforts to develop children through music and movement.