Early Years music making: research
Last month toy distributor Marbel donated 100 vouchers for early years musical instruments to Youth Music Network members. All we asked in return was that you provided us with a top tip, piece of advice or link to a useful article on the web about music-making with early years children (under 5s). Here is some of the academic and methodological research that readers suggested.
TECHNIQUE
A number of Youth Music Network users are fans of the Kodály method, and suggested resources explaining its principles:
"The potential for creative music making with chidren in their early years is great. Introducing structure, theory, a range of instruments and techniques including Kodály and Colourstrings approaches can provide wonderful foundations for music making in the future. See the British Kodály Academy website for more information." Phil, Christchurch
Other methods and techniques which people found useful include those in articles from The Tutor Pages recommended by Joel from Trowbridge and Mani from Leeds. Heather from Manchester enjoyed this Teaching Expertise article on encouraging musical creativity.
Suzanne from Manchester said: "I found this article by Linda Bance to be most informative. Not only does she outline the need for music in early years curriculum, she also outlines the benefits for the children and the activities involved in music making."
VALUE OF MUSIC
At the heart of music education is the belief that music making can have powerful benefits. So we had lots of suggestions of great reports which prove this.
"This is a great article on early years learning. We hope to set up a pre-school class where we can put this in to practice in financially deprived areas." Hannah, Cardiff
"This is a wonderful lecture from the Sydney Conservatorium all about the value of music for Early Years - very inspiring!" Tara, Corsham
Other useful articles about the importance of music making were recommended by Elizabeth, Yaron and Ina, all from London.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Youth Music Network users like to be on the case with the latest research.
Dee from London is looking forward to the forthcoming publication of research on engaging hard-to-reach parents.
Barbara from Swindon recommends Youth Music's early years evidence review.
Ian from Telford found this research for Make Some Noise's early years training programme interesting and Melloney from High Peak was a fan of the University of Exeter's music education research project for under-2s.
Read the practical tips on early years music making Explore the resources for early years music making
Don't forget to add your own suggestions in the comment box below.