Because intuitive aptitude for music stabilizes at about age 9 years, the early childhood years are critical to the development of children's potential for comprehending and producing music. This literature review centers on studies that have expanded knowledge of how young children perform, perceive, and create music and thus develop their natural inclination to make music. The review summarizes findings from research of music performance, including vocal development and song acquisition and rhythm and movement. Also discussed are findings from research on music perception and cognition, focusing on pitch and rhythm. The affective development of children's musical inclinations is also examined, including appreciation, attitudes, interests, and preferences. Findings are presented from research on musical creativity and play. The review notes that research findings provide vital information for sequencing early childhood music curricula in which young children develop musical perception and cognition, and acquire music skills and musical values. The review maintains that some areas are underresearched, such as the development of preferences for popular music, the relationship between conceptual/cognitive development and skill development, and the transition from elemental musical play to refined creative performance. The review concludes with a glossary of music terms. (Contains approximately 143 references.) (KB)