Young children's responses to characteristics of music

What is it about?

Young children's ability to identify aspects of music through singing or listening

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Why is it important?

Young children can demonstrate and respond to aspects of music (tempo and articulation) best through imitation, less well in responding to listening, least well in response to verbal instructions (e.g., "sing choppy," "sing fast," etc.). In responding to listening and verbal instructions, young children were much more successful responding to one aspect that to two. Music teachers should present new concepts one at a time and with clear, contrasting examples. Children should experience them first, then apply to listening examples, then work on using them in producing music.