Nursery World - Sound it out

Children's constant exposure to recorded music can enhance their appreciation of this art form, but creating their own music can be even more beneficial. Dr Susan Young explains how In daily life, when we shop, eat out, drive, relax or clean the house, the likelihood is that music will be part of each experience, enhancing and adding to it. Music is an important part of contemporary life, woven into all kinds of activities. So how does this contemporary use of music translate into what we provide for children in the Foundation Stage?

In daily life, when we shop, eat out, drive, relax or clean the house, the likelihood is that music will be part of each experience, enhancing and adding to it. Music is an important part of contemporary life, woven into all kinds of activities. So how does this contemporary use of music translate into what we provide for children in the Foundation Stage?

The bonus of this instant availability is that adults and children hear enormous amounts of music and from this exposure, absorb extensive understanding of how music works. The downside is that we are involved in music as listeners, 'consumers' if you like, and not as active participants. Music-making is becoming increasingly distant, controlled by others and it remains somewhat mysterious.

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