Early Elementary Music
Post-kindergarten kids, ages 7 through 11, start to understand their world differently. During this time, they start thinking systematically and generally problem-solve mentally, as long as the situation is something related to some concrete situation that’s a common part of their immediate reality. This is what led rise to Piaget calling this the concrete operational stage of development.
Musically, this ability to think logically helps young people to learn music notation and concepts of rhythm and harmony. They can sustain melody or rhythm in their head, without being distracted by different melodies or rhythms. This allows the children to perform different parts, such as one group of students sustaining a musical descant while others sing a melody, or one group playing a particular rhythm on one set of percussion instruments while the other plays a complementary one.
At this stage, the self-centered worldview of the preoperational stage starts to give way to a greater ability to socialize. Community involvement and socialization outside of the home and classroom are valued events for the child, whether this is Girl Scouts, community baseball or soccer teams, or other recreational activities. Musical activities, such as folk dancing or children’s choirs and orchestras offer opportunities for for cooperation and group involvement. They develop a sense of group pride as they prepare for and present concerts. Success in such activities results in the development of healthy self-esteem, driven by accomplishment instead of social standing.
Musical activities and dance also help refine the motor skills children normally develop by age seven. Folk dances require gross motor control and action sequencing. Playing musical instruments whether symphonic (strings, woodwinds, brass) or social (guitar, ukulele, piano), develop fine motor skills. Unfortunately, in many school districts in the United States elementary school programs, especially instrumental ones, are being dropped due to budgetary concerns.
This is a sad state of affairs. Within the concrete operations stage, musical activities provide an effective focal point for fostering social interaction and group cooperation. They also provide ample opportunities for developing motor function and emotional resiliency as children overcome challenges and gain a sense of personal achievement while mastering musical skills.
