University of North Texas 
Philosophy
Our curriculum is designed to prepare children to become musical in three ways:
- Tuneful - To have tunes in their heads and learn to coordinate their voices to sing those tunes.
- Beatful - To feel the pulse of music and how that pulse is grouped in either twos or threes.
- Artful - To be moved by music in the many ways music can elicit an emotional response.
-John Feierabend
The UNT Early Childhood Music Program is designed to create a rich musical environment
for children. Some children will be active participants, while others will prefer
to watch and absorb. Although classes will differ according to the age levels and
readiness of the children, all classes will include songs, chants, movement, and instrument
exploration.
FAQ
1. Why don't you use more instruments?
At the early stage of a child's musical development, fine motor coordination to play
many of the instruments is not yet developed. Also, children seem to respond to the
elements of music more quickly when they are presented by the human voice. Human interaction
is critically important to child development. Throughout the semester, however, we
include some playing of instruments for the children to explore different sounds.
2. I am worried that my child is not participating in class. What should I do?
Not to worry! Your child will participate when he or she is ready. In the mean time,
know that there are some children who learn best from watching and silently absorbing
what we do in class. Observing rather than participating is perfectly normal and is
not indicative of a child's interest or talent. We do not judge children on the basis
of how they perform for us in class. There will be some children who wander around
during class. You can gently encourage your child to join the group, but please do
not force them. Wandering is fine! The teacher will not intervene unless the child
is interfering with learning.
3. Why won't my child sing with me?
Until children are developmentally ready, they will not be able to coordinate their
singing with that of an adult. We sing for the children and then hope that they will experiment with what they have heard at
their own pace and in their own time. As the children mature musically, they will
perform with us when they are ready.
4. What should I do during class and at home?
Parents should participate in class. If the teacher moves to a song in a certain way,
imitate the movement. As you get to know some of the songs, sing along! lease do
not give the children food, drink, or toys during class. This tends to distract the
other children. Anything of this nature should be kept for before or after class.
If you can sing the songs or perform the chants that we do during class, please do
so during the week. Create as rich a musical environment as possible for your child
at home.
