Week 7 Reflection

I really enjoyed experimenting with different instruments this week and learning the names of and how to play new instruments.

Games and songs that we played and sung included the Kye Kye Kule African song, music on marimba’s by John Madin and The Welcome Song, which we sung with an ostinato, creating a musical canon.

The songs and games we played have many benefits, both musical and non-musical for children. The musical learning from these games is plentiful and rich. By experimenting with non-tuned percussion like triangles, woodblocks and maracas that have a fixed pitch, like we did in class this week, children are able to learn basic percussion elements and focus on creating beats and maintaining rhythm. Contrastingly, by using tuned percussion such as marimbas, children can learn how they can create different pitches, and use notes to create melodies. The songs and games we played have many benefits, both musical and non-musical for children.

The non-musical learning from these games are plentiful as well. Children learn how to take turn sharing instruments, how to share instruments and turns, how to count (for example counting the beats, or counting people), and learn confidence from being allowed to play or sing by themselves, and learn to listen to other’s when it is their turn to stand out. These are important, essential life skills that can be taught and strengthened through musical games.

There were lots of opportunities to be creative and experiment with the instruments and while singing the songs in class this week. Allowing children creativity with music making and experiment is extremely important. According to developmental psychologists Malloch and Trevarthen allowing children to make music supports their ability to communicate with others (Wright, 2011). The music and musical games played in class this week are great ways of allowing children creativity and allow them to better communicate with others.

Art Experience:
2-4 year olds.

Take out an array of percussion instruments for children in a circle: Eg, tambourines, triangles, maracas, castanets etc.

Also include some tuned-percussino instruments including glockenspiel, chime bar, wood block.

Children can rotate around the circle and experiment with the different instruments. We can ask them questions such as what sort of noise does that make? what does that instrument remind you of? how does that sound make you feel? have you heard that instrument before?

Children will be let to experiment and 'play' freely with their instruments to explore and familiarise themselves with them. The teacher might show children how some instruments are played, or show them an example of a melody, or a rhythm that can be created on an instrument and ask children to make up their own!