Article in Sydneys Child

Commitment To Music Programs

Songs And Play

Sydneys Child magazine, published monthly, offers families an interesting array of information on child and family related topics.

I was pleased to read the article titled Noteworthy Efforts, Sydney’s Child, August 2007, by Lucinda Bertram, who noted important points regarding music education made by respected people within the music community.

These included:

Dr. Richard Letts, of the Music Council of Australia, who referred to the need for commitment to music programs which were “continuous, sequential and long-term” (cited by Bertram, 2007, p35).

Dr Peter de Vries, university lecturer, suggests parents sing to children from birth and be involved with musical play with their children.

Dr de Vries has also researched the benefits of a music education program over a 6 week period for preschoolers (2004), and noted that music activities:

1. Released energy, in movement activities and when the
     children played percussion.

2. Developed gross motor skills.

3. Provided opportunities for socialisation.

4. Provided opportunities for self expression, including both the
     quiet and the active child.

5. Promoted listening skills throughout the preschool day.

As a child, music was part of my home environment – my dad played the piano accordion, my mum loved singing, and there was always beautiful music playing. My parents encouraged an active participation in music by taking us to singing, piano and guitar lessons.

I still attend singing lessons, and know what joy and benefits it has brought to my life, and I see this in many of the children I teach.

References:

Bertram, L. Noteworthy Efforts, Sydney’s Child, August, 2007, pp. 34 – 36.

De Vries, P. The extramusical effects of music lessons on preschoolers, Australian Journal of Early Childhood, June, 2004, pp. 6 – 10.