Youth Music - BongoClub.org.uk

Methodologies

Music is a key communication tool, especially in our early years. Musical concepts such as pitch & rhythm provide an inclusive language, accessible to all, regardless of age, disability or culture. There are many different methods that early years pratitioners can incoporate into their music making activities:

• Colourstrings - This method developed by the Hungarian Szilvay brothers is an approach to music teaching that trains children on musical concepts in their early stages, developing their inner hearing and equips them to study at a conservatoire level.

• Dalcroze – This method developed by composer, teacher and performer Emile Jaques-Dalcroze is based on the understanding that children love movement and through it gain enjoyment, fun and a love of music. Through the interaction of movement and music, children, regardless of their needs, can develop communication, concentration and listening skills.

• Kinder Music - Developed by early childhood music educators using research on child development, this method believes that every child is musical, every parent is the child's most important teacher and the home is the most important place for learning to take root and grow.

• Kodály - developed from the work of philosopher Zoltán Kodály, the voice is seen as the major instrument and the belief is that all children can sing and be successful. In sessions children are trained to sing, play instruments and dance from memory as well as perform, listen to, and analyse the great art music of the world. Through these experiences they achieve mastery of musical skills.

• Orff Schulwerk - This method, developed by composer Carl Orff and his associate Gunild Keetman, is based on the traditional music and folklore of each country in which it is used. The approach uses poems, rhymes, games, songs, and dance to enhance listening skills. Orff happens in a non-competitive atmosphere where one of the rewards is the pleasure of making good music with others.

• Suzuki - Developed from the work of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, this approach believes that all children have musical potential if they are given the proper training and learning environment. The Suzuki Method includes aspects such as listening, step-by step mastery, observation, repetition, group activity, delayed reading, and parental involvement. Parents are encouraged to attend every lesson and direct the practice at home.

From MusicLeader.net, Youth Music's UK-wide training and professional development initiative for music leaders at every stage of their career.

Author's credit: "Music and early years" has been written by Bernadette Duffy & Margareta Burrell.

Funding for music activities

If you're a practitioner looking for funding for music activities, your project could be eligible for funding from Youth Music's First Steps programme.

MusicLeader