Musical early education

When does early music education make sense?

Early music education is offered at most music schools for children as young as three or four years of age. It is advisable to start with the support at this age, as the children are now able to first observe exercises or actions and then imitate them independently. It is also at this age that the development of social interest begins, which is further encouraged by the course with peers. The early musical education makes it its task to promote the children holistically and to convey to them the joy of making music, singing and dancing together. The courses, which take place weekly and usually last 60 minutes, offer the little ones a varied program without any pressure to perform.

What is the goal of early music education?

The first simple rhythm exercises on instruments, movement games, singing and painting are part of each of these courses. In addition, a first feeling for the grading system of the music is conveyed with the help of notation boards. It is important that early musical education is not only open to particularly gifted children, but that all children can take part. The contents of the courses promote memory, concentration and sensitivity, no matter how talented the children are in the actual musical sense.

Learning to listen is also an important part of early musical education. The little ones should learn to distinguish between high and low tones and loud and quiet noises, as well as fast and slow melodies. Instruments such as glockenspiel, drums or rattles are used to gain initial experience of making music in a group and the children learn to express themselves through music. Through movements, instrument sounds or singing, the children learn a new form of communication with each other and can let off steam. During painting exercises or imaginative journeys, they become calmer again and can concentrate on themselves.

Early musical education: Singing as a basis

Singing together with the children forms the basis of early musical education. Here they should learn to sing short, easy pieces by heart and to get to know and try out their innate instrument, the voice. Children experience the sound of their body or of the instruments in a special way. They often describe the sounds of instruments with feelings or try to sing or imitate them. This results in a connection between music, movement and language, which forms the foundation of early musical education.

Early musical education strengthens self-confidence

Early musical education uses your child’s impartiality. The little ones dare a lot and want to try everything. They still don’t know the limits of their singing and their movements. They identify completely with the instrument to be played and take the tasks assigned to them very seriously. They proudly present their first sense of achievement in inventing melodies or rhythms to the other children, the group leader or the parents.

In general, early music education offers a good basis for subsequent music lessons at school and for learning an instrument. In the course, your child can get to know a wide variety of instruments very early on and test their preferences. This helps him to cope better later in dealing with music and to play a part in a choir or an orchestra with certainty and self-confidence, for example.

How expensive is early music education?

In general, early music education is part of the program of a music school, but more and more kindergartens are also offering a corresponding course once a week for interested children for an additional charge. In the kindergarten, the costs are quite different, but it is usually cheaper here than in the music school. The courses there cost about 30 euros per month. In addition, your child usually needs colored pencils and a pad when painting in the course. The latest programs run over two years and often require the purchase of a triangle or a xylophone in the second year of the course.