Music and movement

The term Music and movement often especially denotes the use of rhythmic song and dance in education, thought of as beneficial for childhood development. Research has shown that even infants can appreciate music and dance, illustrating a connection between body movement, rhythm and awareness.^[1]

The BBC ran a Schools Music Department from the 1940s to the 1970s and broadcast the radio programme Music and Movement twice weekly: it was much used in the British primary education system. It was for a long time introduced by Ann Driver, consisted of various descriptive and dramatic exercises to music, and is remembered by pupils of the era with sentiments ranging from affection to horror.^[2]

Benefits

Music

Studies indicate a positive correlation between music lessons/participation and memory,^[3] mathematical achievement, reading ability,^[4] intelligence ratings, grades and test scores.^[5][6][7]

A number of researchers have suggested a link between music and the ability to understand inter-relationships. Musical activity such as playing an instrument requires the same neural firing patterns needed in other forms of reasoning. These firing patterns can be enhanced through repeated use so music can be used to strengthen connections in the brain, particularly in young children.^[8] Researchers have also found that listening to words as they are sung improves ability to distinguish linguistic patterns, suggesting that music can facilitate language learning and encourage the development of auditory discrimination. Similar areas of the brain are activated when listening to or playing music and speaking or processing language.^[9] Additionally, music training can help individuals perceive emotions in speech which may increase their ability to interpret human behavior.^[10]

Movement

Physical movement helps balance, coordination, self-esteem and body awareness.^[11] Movement associated with drama leads to improvements in adaptive social behavior,^[12] body movement and gestures help children absorb ideas better^[13] and can act as memory aids.^[14] both in learning and recalling one's personal past.^[15]

In combination

Teachers often implement music and creative movement to help young children count, remember the alphabet, days of the week etc. The Kodály Method and the Kindermusik programme were designed to encourage children to explore the world creatively through music and movement. The whole notion of using whole-body movement in the service of music was codified initially and put into practice by pre-eminent music educator Émile Jaques-Dalcroze (1865-1950). Practitioners of the Dalcroze approach continue to lead the way in movement and music education, ensuring that the meticulous standards Jaques-Dalcroze required of his teachers are maintained to this day through rigorous training and assessment of teachers.

See also

• Music education for young children
• Music education

References