I haven’t written much on this blog on issues dealing with early childhood music but find it a fascinating area. The New York Times recently reported on the television show Jack’s Big Music Show. I wonder what impact shows such as this have on young children and their music education. Are students watching it passively or do they interact with it in their homes? A quick search on youtube revealed a toddler playing the “drum” while watching the show while another child dances and sings along . While not exactly kindermusik or music together the music shows that young children watch and interact with at home are part of their music education. While some schools include music for pre-k and kindergarten it is rare to find music educators who are well informed in early childhood research. Curious about some of the research that has been done in our field in this area? Why not take a look a report from Early Childhood Music Summit hosted by MENC in 2000? Also consider taking a look back in your Sept, 2000 MEJ for the article “Music and the Baby’s Brain” by Donna Brink Fox and Individual Differences in Music Listening Responses of Kindergarten Children by Wendy L. Sims; D. Brett Nolker in the Journal of Research in Music Education, Vol. 50, No. 4. (Winter, 2002)?
Evan,
As the father of two young girls – who both watch Jack’s Big Music Show – I can tell you that while there are moments of interactivity while they watch the show, they are mostly passive watchers.
I take my younger daughter to MusicTogether every Saturday morning and it is a wonderful experience for both of us. I am teaching my older daughter the piano. It is wonderful to see her progression from week to week.
I would strongly encourage all parents to engage in “live” music-making activities over televised ones. Sitting with your child while watching a “music education” show is not the same as making music with your child.
Jim
So well put! I found it interesting that the show doesn’t seem to encourage music making. I hope parents take your advice and turn the TV off and make music with their children!