Chapter 6: Music in Early Childhood

Dynamics

The volume of sounds; soft or loud

Harmony

The blending of sounds

Melody

The tune of music

Pitch

The highs and lows of musical sound patterns

Rhythm

The beat of music including; tempo and meter

Timbre/Tempo

The tone of sound

Musical Development for Infants

Responds to rhythm and tone

Musical development for Toddlers

Imitate sounds, move to music

Musical Development for Preschoolers

Sing simple songs, explore instruments

Goals for Music

Foster enjoyment, support language and motor development, and encourage creativity and cultural awareness

Components of Music

rhythm, melody, timbre, and form

Musical Genres

Nursery rhyme, lullabies, folk/traditional, and chants

Music Center’s

Areas with instruments, listening stations, and movement props that encourages exploration and expression

Benefits of Listening and Playing Music

Enhances memory, coordination, and emotional expression, which helps build auditory discrimination and language skills