Philosophy
Music is learned in much the same way that language is learned. Just as children
learn to speak from being in a rich, language-filled environment, children become
musical through exposure to a rich, music-filled environment. Like language acquisition,
musical development occurs sequentially, moving through stages of listening, vocal
exploration, and music babble, which eventually lead to beat competency and accurate
singing.
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. Many of the songs and chants performed in class will be without words,
because we want the children to focus on the musical content rather than their natural
tendency to focus on words.
FAQ
1. Why do you do so many songs and chants without words?
The goal of the early Childhood Music Program is to maximize children's musical learning
opportunities. Some theories suggest that when songs and chants are presented with
words, children tend to focus on the text rather than the musical content. Therefore,
we perform many songs and chants without words so that the children can focus on tonal
and rhythmic characteristics.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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! Please
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.
![Early Childhood Music Program at the University of North Texas College of Music](/music-education/sites/default/files/music_play.jpg)