Preschool Music - what if my child just runs around in circles?!
It’s easy to find the benefits of exposing children to music at a young age. One little search will result in pages and pages of articles and sites saying just this. If you have a young child the idea of bringing them along to a music class is wonderful. Surely this is a perfect way to start life, engaged with music?
However, what happens when your child does not sit quietly and beat the drums, or diligently move the scarves in time? What if instead, they jump up and begin to run around in circles? What if this happens through the entire session? What if this happens every single time? - Is music class worth it?
The answer is a resounding YES.
Children are generally ready for formal music lessons between the ages of 5-8. A formal lesson is a private lesson with an instrument and a teacher. The demands of these lessons are high. Students are required to listen, sing, and develop physical technique. They are asked to go home each week and practice. They need fundamental skills to be able to understand all of these concepts and the whole family has to be on board ready to support this commitment.
These are BIG responsibilities. It is not the work for a toddler or preschooler to approach music this way.
This does not mean that music in the early years is any less important. In contrast, it is almost more valuable. Early music lays the foundation for the formality of future study, both for the child and the family. The magic of music class is the musical environment itself. The singing is real - not a recording or a video. The instruments are real - allowing them to feel and experience vibrational frequencies. The happy atmosphere is genuine, children learn that music is joy.
Organised participation in music class is not expected of little children. That is a job for the grownups. It is far more important that adults learn the songs, do the singing, and move in time. Music class is a chance for children to be exposed to music. Exposure at this age is the most important thing. It cannot be underestimated how valuable it is for a young child to HEAR and FEEL musical frequencies in real life. It makes the difference to all of their learning.
What should the accompanying adult do during music class (whether or not their child is running around or sitting quietly)?
Adults should MAKE MUSIC. It doesn’t matter if you are an under confident singer or have absolutely no musical training. Join in, let your child see you sing and make music. Ask questions if you don’t understand a musical idea. Have fun. Your child will see this and will probably try to join in after a while.
Take the music home. The most important part of music class is what happens after. Take the music home with you. Sing the songs, dance, play with instruments at home. Allow music to blossom in your home. In this way, your child will be ready to take on the challenge and delight of formal music training.
When they are older.
When they are ready.
Until then, show them that music is joy.