Music value and participation: An Australian case study of music provision and support in Early Childhood Education. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barrett, Margaret S.; Flynn, Libby Maree; Welch, Graham F.
• Is Part Of: Research studies in music education. Volume 40:Number 2(2018:Dec.)
• Page Start: 226
• Page End: 243
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: early childhood education -- music development -- music early learning -- music participation -- provision; Music -- Instruction and study -- Research -- Australia -- Periodicals; Music -- Instruction and study -- Research -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; Music -- Instruction and study -- Research -- East Asia -- Periodicals; Music -- Instruction and study -- Research -- Southeast Asia -- Periodicals; 780.7105
• DOI: 10.1177/1321103X18773098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1321-103X

Abstract

There is a growing body of evidence that early engagement in active music-making impacts beneficially on children's wider development. Recent research indicates that individual and shared music-making in family settings contributes to positive parenting practices and identity development in young children. Children who participate in shared music-making at age 3 are better prepared for school experiences at age 5. These findings suggest music should be a compulsory requirement in any early childhood programme. This article reports the findings of a case study investigation of the provision of music in an Australian Early Childhood Education Centre. Findings suggest that music provision is best supported when there is a high value for music amongst staff, there is a range of value-added as well as integrated uses of music, and there is sustained music professional development for all staff.