Summary: Music is the Medicine: Unlocking Literacy through Music and Sound Play explores the transformative power of inclusive music in developing foundational early literacy skills. This engaging presentation combines the science of reading, brain-based teaching methods, and interactive sound play activities to equip educators, speech-language therapists, and administrators with tools for improving phonological awareness and language development. Attendees will leave inspired to incorporate inclusive music as an active ingredient in teaching strategies for young learners. Objectives: Evaluate the integration of sound-first and music-based instructional methods for phonological awareness and pre reading skill development using the science of reading and other evidence-based early literacy standards. Extrapolate the implications of sound-first and music-based instructional methods for improving classroom and parent engagement, phonological awareness, and language development systems. Critique the effectiveness of replacing passive screen time with sound-first and music-based instructional methods for fostering pre-reading and communication skills, based on the latest phonological awareness research and best practices. Abstract: Music plays a vital role in early childhood development, particularly in enhancing pre-reading skill development and effectively targeting brain development lags caused by increased levels of passive screen time consumption. This presentation explores the power of inclusive music and sound play as an effective approach to strengthening phonological awareness and language acquisition in young children. Research highlights the critical connection between auditory processing and early literacy, revealing that engaging children in inclusive music activities can strengthen their ability to recognize and manipulate sounds, a fundamental skill for reading. By incorporating rhythm, melody, and sound play, educators can create rich learning experiences that help children build the foundational skills needed for reading success. This session focuses on integrating sound-first, music-based strategies into both classroom and home environments. It emphasizes how these approaches can reduce passive screen time, fostering interactive and meaningful learning moments for children. The presentation will provide practical strategies and activities that engage young learners through music, helping them strengthen phonological awareness, improve listening skills, and develop social-emotional competencies. Participants will explore how this methodology not only supports academic growth but also enhances communication skills and emotional well-being. Through evidence-based practices and interactive demonstrations, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how music impacts early literacy development. The session will include hands-on activities and case studies, showcasing the benefits of a blended learning system that integrates active music-based learning with technology tools that encourage offline, interactive engagement. Ultimately, this session offers participants the tools to incorporate inclusive music into early literacy instruction in a way that aligns with current best practices in language development. By blending the science of reading with the transformative power of music, educators, therapists, and caregivers will leave with actionable strategies to create more engaging, effective, and equitable learning environments for young children, fostering a strong foundation for lifelong literacy. This approach provides an opportunity to not only enhance early literacy outcomes but also advance social and economic equity, ensuring that all children, particularly those from marginalized communities, have access to the tools needed for success.