This study explores ways to develop focused musical listening skills with six- to eight-year-olds. Groups of children listened to short musical extracts and decided upon a best-fit match from a selection of patterns, colours and textures. At all times their ‘expert’ status was emphasised to keep self-esteem as high as possible and maximise response levels. In requiring children to make an ‘expert judgement’ it was hoped that concentrated listening could be better sustained and actively fostered. Results suggest that listening skills were developed, musical self-esteem enhanced and verbal responses scaffolded. The greatest measurable progress was made by the less able musicians and those with low self-esteem.