In many schools, classroom teachers are responsible for the music experiences of young children. Children may learn songs, but may not learn "how" to sing. This article outlines simple teaching strategies to help young children develop listening and vocal habits leading to beautiful singing. The article discusses how the kindergarten classes at…

In 1979, MENC President James Mason announced the intention to create a national council on elementary general music education to be organized within the framework of MENC. This action was the first important step toward creating what became the Society for General Music. This article is a brief history of the Society, including description of…

In the previous issue of "General Music Today," the Early Childhood column explored brain-compatible ways of teaching action songs and singing games. This article illustrates the application of brain-compatible ways to teach songs that do not lend themselves to actions or games. There are two ways of teaching songs. One is based on the assumption…

Four-year-olds are still learning through discovery of materials. They are excited to share what they have been doing with their parents. And although they are capable of working together under the direction of the teacher, they are much more excited to share individually. This article illustrates how family day in the 4-year-old music class can…

Teachers of young children probably spend more time teaching songs than any other aspect of music. Song literature is the foundation of music learning. Hundreds of songs, songbooks, and recordings of songs are available for teachers of young children. Two ways have been suggested as appropriate for teaching songs by rote: (1) the phrase-by-phrase…

Music exists in time. One cannot get to the end of the song before going through the song. Is this significant for helping children wait? And can the way we present a singing game activity intensify the delay of what might be a gratifying moment at the end of the song? In this article, the author reflects on whether music can teach delayed…

Several years ago, the author had the opportunity to visit music preschools and elementary music schools in Moscow, Russia. The music education these children received was broad, deep, demanding, and joyful. One of her greatest delights was looking through children's portfolio of pictures they had made of every song they had sung that year. In…

The article presents information on several songs that can be taught to school children and can be used in various learning activities inside the classroom. These include the songs I Wonder Where the Monkey's Gone, The Squirrel and the Corn Farm, Old Joe Clark and His Telephone, and We Go Walking. (Contains 2 footnotes.)

The article considers nursery rhymes as the foundation for learning. It is said that nursery rhymes carry all the parts of language that lead to speaking and reading. Because rhymes are short, they are easy for children to repeat, and become some of the first sentences children utter. The rhymes expand vocabulary, exposing children to words they…

Discusses the importance of music centers in the early childhood class to the development of music abilities of children. Significance of understanding of the fundamental concepts in music including pitch and duration to the musical skills of primary and elementary students; Impact of environment on the learning abilities of children; Role of…