Music can play an important role in early childhood education. However, it is often left to chance whether a child will experience quality music education in their early years of schooling. A great number of classroom teachers will have received minimal music training in their university studies. As a result, teachers may lack the skills and knowledge required to incorporate music into the school day, and as a result, confidence in teaching any form of music is low.
Many studies have shown that children that have had access to consistent, quality music education in their schooling achieve significantly higher scores in high school examinations in the areas of Science, Mathematics and English.
Music is unique and good in itself, and develops a host of skills, including pitch, rhythm, reading, writing, memory, creativity, language, imagination, listening, structure, gross-motor skills, spontaneity, aural imagination, and working with others. Music soothes and settles children and continues to play a role at every stage of life. Singing is the instrument most accessible to all children and singing together forge a bond in people. It develops individuality, concentration, the ability to analyse and act. It energises, and cultivates in children a sense of empathy for others. Music also plays an important role in mood regulation, influencing emotional states, and so assists with the development of long-term positive mental health.
The Cottage Music Foundation mentoring program provides teachers with professional development through demonstration lessons, the provision of class activities, as well as advice regarding the structuring of music activities during the school day. Over time, the teachers develop both skills and the confidence needed to further their pedagogical knowledge.
Cottage Music Foundation’s programs can enhance the child’s educational experience every day.
