How to Teach Music to Preschoolers

Teaching music to young children is something every parent can enjoy doing. You do not have to be a talented musician to help your child listen and respond to music. All you need to do is demonstrate how you respond to music and provide some child-friendly ways to join in. As soon as children begin to use their voices and bodies, they are ready to learn about music. Take an active part in this learning and let the music do the rest.

Things You'll Need

• Radio, music tapes, or records
• Children's musical instruments, bought or homemade

Instructions

1. Sing. Young children learn best by observing and copying others. You don't have to be a singer; you don't even have to be able to carry a tune. Sing with the radio, sing lullabies or sing silly, made-up songs. Children who see and hear their parents making music get the point that they can do it too.

2. Move to the music. Clap, bounce a toddler on your knees and join hands with your child to row, row, row the boat together. You're teaching rhythm; it's the combination of melody and rhythm that create music. Put on a tape and dance. Use your hands, arms, head and feet to respond to the rhythm and you'll have an instant partner.

3. Make music a two-way street. Good children's songs involve participation. Even if your child cannot yet pronounce all the words to "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," he can pitch in on the animal choices and noises. "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" is a favorite because it involves both music and movement. Preschool music teachers use children's names to keep involvement going; a good-morning song that greets each child by name will get even shy children singing.

4. Add instruments for variety. Instruments can range from commercial products to an empty oatmeal box you can tap with a wooden spoon. KItchen cupboards contain a lot of music: measuring spoons to shake; bowls and pots that all make different tones when tapped. Beat a homemade drum fast or slowly, loudly or softly. Music has been described as organized noise. Organize your own noise to make music.

5. Choose a wide variety of music for listening. You may have a favorite radio station, but turn the dial so your child can hear all the kinds of music it plays. Public libraries often carry good tapes and records, letting you add Latin, classical, African and other types of music to your experience.

Tips & Warnings

• The key to teaching music to children is your active participation in making and responding to music. The more enthusiasm and curiosity you express, the more your child will learn. Children are highly sensitive to parental preferences. As your child begins to learn about music, expose her to all types--from classical to rap--regardless of your personal preference. Your child's preferences will develop naturally as he grows.

References

• Music activities