Music for early childhood : guidelines for parents in the Western Cape

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research for this thesis is presented in the form of a practical guideline for parents andeducators in the Western Cape area. The important role of music in early childhood isemphasised throughout. Research, guidance and practical activities for the music educationand development of the toddler and preschooler, are presented. The author answers anddiscusses the questions frequently asked by parents concerning musical education for theirchildren, namely why, when and how, in the five chapters of the thesis. The importance ofmusic education for children (the question concerning why) is discussed and emphasised bymeans of eleven different reasons supported by research.In Chapter 2, the important role of the parent as the child's first music educator and prenatalstimulation is discussed (the question concerning when).In the two chapters that follow, the author provides parents with information about basic musicconcepts and skills that children should be able to master at specific ages. Throughout thesechapters, practical activities to illustrate these concepts and to practise the relevant skills aresuggested (the how question). Guidelines are presented concerning how play with the childshould be approached and handled, as well as guidelines for the child's first formalinstrumental teaching and for choosing an instrument and a music teacher.The research is concluded with a practical section containing extensive lists of songs (incategories), CDs, DVDs, books and web addresses for the use of parents needing resourcesand further guidance.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University