The workshop includes a short theoretical background, techniques and many examples of group music facilitation, music plays and Greek "song dances". It is designed for teachers and facilitators with or without musical background. We suggest a method that facilitates the learning of Greek songs and dances, guided by the development of sung movements that can help participants of all ages. It is a process that involves listening to and performing music and is creatively completed with lyrics that direct concrete movement (Theodorides, 2017). Techniques and methods are supported by scientific literature on the importance of action over conceptual understanding in the early children's lives, the praxial nature of music education, and the cheerfulness/joy which is the essence of play.

Particular emphasis is placed on the role of animation/facilitation, the motivation and management of the group or sub-groups, the creation and subversion of routine, as well as on the profile, the readiness and the flexibility of the facilitator, both in the classroom and in pedagogical-artistic programmes with children, such as open events, etc. (Kokkidou, 2015).

Artistic activities, such as music, allow for deeper knowledge of oneself and others, while facilitating group bonding. They are a fertile ground for the development of pluralism, respect for the individuality of others, imagination and creativity. Individuals, by participating with their senses, body and emotions, are able to express themselves and motivate their creative potential. The holistic motivation of the organism is a positive experience, in the sense that there is a flow instead of freezing (Bakirtzis, 2002).

Regarding the content, in the workshop we will deal with the familiarization, learning and performing of typical genres of dance songs of Greece, such as the Kerkyraikos, the Kynigitos (of Eastern Rumelia), the Ikariotikos, the Antikristos (9/8) or the Kalamatianos (7/8). Learning of basic steps - movements/figures of each dance is achieving by listening to songs, singing the movement instructions and sound movements. Additionally, there is the opportunity for live performance of the songs in collaboration with other members of the Kroustophono, that they will be present in the conference.

As a further application, it is suggested that the proposed model can be transferred and adapted to the teaching needs of any music teacher, physical education teacher, classroom teacher or facilitator in any place or country where they work, both with traditional material of the local culture and cross-culturally.

• Meaningful musical experiences
• Lifelong learning for music educators
• Music and communities

Nikos Theodoridis holds a PhD in Music Pedagogy and is a researcher in the field of music education effectiveness, preschool teacher training in music pedagogy, and the organization of music-educational programs for children. He has taught at the Department of Early Childhood Education of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.) and the Faculty of Education at the University of Western Macedonia. He has published books with CDs and articles on music pedagogy and has curated music theater performances and interactive educational projects for all ages. He is a founding member of Elate na Paixoume, Kroustofono, Paichnidiatores tou Pyrgou , and the Greek Society for Music Education (GSME).

Despina Kalantaridou is a kindergarten teacher - musician/music pedagogy teacher, with MeD in "Environmental Education". She has participated as an adult trainer, in matters of music, preschool education and sustainability, in the IEP, in PEK and in collaboration with school counselors and other agencies in various regions of Greece. She has published several articles in scientific journals and conferences. She is a member of the Board of GSME and Director of the working group for preschool and primary Music Education of GSME. Also, she is a member of the Children's stage of Kroustophono and animator of educational and artistic events.

Vasiliki Bandela is gymnast and teacher of traditional dances. She is a graduate of the University of Thessaloniki with specialization in Greek traditional dances. She has attended numerous seminars on traditional dance by distinguished lecturers. She has taught traditional dances both in full-time elementary schools as an hourly teacher and in cultural associations. For the last 10 years she has been teaching in two children's classes at the cultural club "The Macedonians" in Kozani. She has been a member of the children's scene of the Kroustophono (Musical Play Theatre) since 2004, with significant activity in singing, creating and presenting music and music-pedagogical performances for children and in animating educational and artistic events.