Birth to 18 Months > Toddler to Preschooler > Elementary School > Middle School to Highschool

Music education starts before the first formal lessons. Children acquire 'musical competence' as Music Together folks say, by listening to music and beginning to move their bodies in time with the rhyth

2-3

• Mommy and Me music classes are a good choice at this age. Although you can certain start earlier, toddlers are generally more mood and nap stable than babies, so you’re more likely to make it to class consistently with a toddler.

• Start singing nursery rhymes and simple songs with your child. Anything with finger plays or simple music games, or song books featuring short rhymes with accompanying pictures are a good choice. Be prepared to repeat them frequently, often many times in a row, as your child forms favorites. Singing them in informal environment, such as in the car, while shopping or even as a surprise sneak up behind their ear is a sure-fire way to keep your children engaged in music as an all-the-time joy.

• Memory and hand-eye coordination can be enhanced by toddlers moving their bodies in time to music. Even if you consider yourself a terrible dancer, it is important that you teach your child enthusiasm and the willingness to explore new things by modeling some dance moves yourself.

• Unconscious awareness of the technical structure of music will emerge: awareness of beat, rhythm, fast and slow, loud and quiet.

• Small instruments such as egg shakers, drums and bells along with music help children explore their ability to make music and receive social recognition for their efforts.

3-4

• An awareness of pitch and rhythm will emerge at this time, and is greatly helped by lots of time spent singing and dancing. Vocal chords further their development now.

• Dance classes are good idea at this stage, as children can handle the opportunity to learn more advanced dance steps and follow in time to the music. Look for classes that set reasonable expectations (pre-ballet instead of ballet, for example) and that have narrow age ranges. Unless your preschooler is very outgoing, a class that spans ages 3-6 might be too intimidating for both the peer group and the pace.

• Continue to introduce new music, including carefully chosen adult music, to broaden their experience of music.

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