In Focus

Music Week 4

So far Early Childhood music expert Julie Logan, told us how to develop the musical potential in babies as well as how to make music a part of your day with children aged 1 to 3. This week we look at singing, saying, dancing and playing music for 3-6 year olds.

Singing, saying, dancing, playing

Music for 3-6 year olds

The best instruments for young children to use are their voices and bodies. By moving to different styles of music, singing songs and chanting rhymes and finger plays they develop an understanding of the foundations of music. That is, beat (the pulse we like to tap our feet to), rhythm (the way the words go) and pitch (the tune or melody). Children this age are also ready to imitate and name contrasting aspects of music such as dynamics (loud or soft), tempo (fast or slow) and pitch (high or low sounds).

Preschool age children enjoy creating their own versions of words or actions to known songs. These ‘compositions’ should be encouraged and will often be enjoyed by all the family for years to come! Try to record your children singing these songs – you will be amazed how much their voices change as they grow.

Playing percussion instruments will become more synchronized with recorded music as children approach the age of five. Encourage them to play the steady beat and experiment with matching the dynamics, playing louder or softer with the music. Sing songs to explore the musical contrasts but only use one pair at a time or children will confuse them. For example, many children confuse ‘louder’ with ‘faster’!? Here are some more ideas to play around with at home:

• Use well-known songs such as London Bridge to play contrasts -Johnny's playing very loud, very loud, very loud.
• In addition to tapping along to the steady beat, children may be able to echo your rhythm patterns (think of the clapping patterns people use at sporting events). Then you can imitate a pattern your child makes up. Keep these patterns short at first.
• Singing silly songs or making up your own words to songs will have great appeal at this stage. Also try to include some songs with only a few notes. This will encourage more in tune singing. The tune for “I’m the King of the Castle” is a good one.
• Move to action songs (like in the Wiggles) but also play around creating your own movements to different musical styles. Try some classical, jazz, country, etc. The ABC Bookshop has a series of recordings of these styles for children.
• Look for books that can be sung – there are a number of nursery song board books available but songs with repetitive words may also be sung to a made up tune.
• Join an early childhood music group to expand your repertoire and nurture your child’s positive attitude to making music.

The Jingle Jive, Music from 0-5 is a booklet which outlines what to expect musically at each stage of development from birth to five years. It provides simple ideas for parents about how to use their voices, together with playful movement and games to nurture your child’s musical development.

$15.00 + $2.00 postage (proceeds support music programs for children with special needs).

The do-re-mi music for children program develops the children’s enjoyment of all aspects of music whilst leading them towards reading and writing music (once in school) through a carefully researched curriculum. The children are exposed to a range of singing games, movement and playing percussion and orchestral instruments throughout the program which is sequenced for children from 6 months – 8 years.

 

The do-re-mi music for children program develops the children’s enjoyment of all aspects of music whilst leading them towards reading and writing music (once in school) through a carefully researched curriculum. The children are exposed to a range of singing games, movement and playing percussion and orchestral instruments throughout the program which is sequenced for children from 6 months – 8 years.

For more information please contact: JULIE LOGAN 4963 2026 www.do-re-mi.com.au

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