IS YOUR LITTLE ONE MUSICAL?

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22723, 8 November 1935, Page 18

IS YOUR LITTLE ONE MUSICAL?

Dancing is generally taught to children at a very early age, but music is mostly left until the poor little budding musician can in some measure struggle with the technical side of things with a teacher and a book —often a “ destruction ” book (says an English magazine). A child is never too young to express his feelings, and musical feelings are present in every child to a greater or lesser degree. . Now that “home music,” like many other old-fashioned things, is coming back again, why not try a little “ home-made ” self-expression for your little ones? By that I mean try to encourage a little selfexpression, for it is a thing that can neither be bought nor taught. Kiddies like to feel that they are " doing something,” not just looking on. They delight in clapping or marching to music (played in strict time, of course), and it is one of the best means of drawing their attention to music without overcrowding their little brain. In fact, doctors agree that it is very good for the brain. , Take a short hymn tune and play it for the toddlers, asking them to clap to the music. It will soon find its way to their understanding, when they will notice the throb, and clap to it. If you piny it a few times they will know where it is going to end, and if you ask them to sit down at “home” (the end) they will 6.0 80. Then play a short melody and ask them to dap it through to you after you have played it. When they know a tune, break off near the end and leave them to clap the rest. Thus, without any expense, .you will help to develop a feeling for rhythm and phrase which will bear fruit later on, when music lesson time comes.' If you find Betty or John has outstanding talents —i.e., strong sense of rhythm or pitch, of course you can consult a specialist teacher who takes “ Musicianship ” classes in your district; and you will have paved the way, perhaps, for great things. But I am writing for the average healthy toddler, who is eager for something to do and some way of expressing hia exuberance. Try these simple games and you will be surprised at the pleasure you will give and the lasting effect it will have.

If you have more than one tot to play with, yon will be sowing the seed for " team-work ” —so important in even the nursery schools to-day. If you cannot play yourself, use simple tunes on the gramophone (but not jazz) or the “ light music ’ of the wireless, but whatever you do do not try to teach notation. That would undo all you have done and completely spoil the fun of things. If Peter and Joan never learn to play themselves, they will at least be able to understand better the music they listen to, and you will have greatly enhanced their pleasure in it. A good listener, yon know, is next best to a good player. These musicianship games are a good way of finding out if little folk are musical, and will perhaps help to decide a vital question —whether they should learn or not.