An Attempt to Modify the Musical Preferences of Preschool Children

Abstract

DLESPITE ALMOST UNANIMOUS agreement among educators as to the importance of music in the preschool education program there remains a paucity of evaluative studies. It is widely believed that music when used effectively is capable of providing a number of functional contributions to the general development of the preschool child. Among such contributions have been listed an enhancement of capacity for self-expression (4) (9), promotion of the ability to listen intelligently (1) (2), general facilitation of social development (8) (10), and introduction to cultural traditions and changes (5). It is interesting to note that the one common thread which links most opinion on the values of music in the preschool setting deals with the modus operandi, i.e., not the instrument, but the importance of a variety of musical experiences. Heffernan and Todd (4) are representative in their statement that one of the major purposes, or functions, of all music in preschool programs is to help the children to come into broader contact with different types of music. One reason for requiring variety in exposure is suggested in the observation by Taubman (10) that children must build a frame of reference so that the various music types can be related to their own lives and to their surrounding environment. Intrinsic to this line of reasoning is the matter of individual taste for music. Krone and Miller (6) have noted that children enjoy some types of music immediately, whereas other types of music must be heard many times in order to be appreciated. It has also been noted (1) that musical taste is determined in large part by familiar music, and that the usual method of becoming familiar with music is to hear it over and over. Garretson (2) has advised that the child's standards of taste may often be dependent upon limited musical experience and therefore the teacher should seldom accept the standards of what a group of children or an individual child initially likes best. A review of the literature suggests that appreciation for a variety of music is paramount if music is to contribute maximally to the develop-