MUS 6524 - MUSIC IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Dr. Bonnie Blu Williams
Aven 210, Phone 925-3443, e-mail: bwilliam@mc.edu
www.mc.edu/faculty/bwilliam
SPRING 2013
II. NO PREREQUISITE
III. COURSE DESCRIPTION - Methods, materials, and research regarding the young child and
music. Focus on curriculum design, development of musical concepts, and aural ability and
discrimination.
IV. COURSE RATIONALE - Research indicates that it is essential for children to experience
music in early childhood to help build foundational skills in rhythm, melody, form, timber,
harmony, and expressive elements. More and more public and private school programs are
adding music classes for children in early childhood.
V. LEARNING OBJECTIVES - The students will be able to
A. Identify relevant research available in the music education community on early
childhood.
B. Describe the development of skills and aural ability of young children.
C. List appropriate song and multi-cultural materials for young children.
D. Improvise and/or create appropriate activities for young children following musical
conceptual development at this age.
E. Write and/or adapt appropriate curriculum for music and young children.
VI. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY - Mississippi College is an institution based on Christian
principles, it is therefore assumed that all students taking this course will conduct themselves
with the highest regard for personal ethics, integrity, and honesty.
VII. COURSE CONTENT & TOPICS Research on music and early childhood, Kindermusik, Music Together, Suzuki, and
Musicgarten methodologies, curriculum development, musical development including cognitive,
affective, & psychomotor domains, appropriate materials and equipment, technological
resources, play and the young child, and physical, psychological, and emotional development of
the young child.
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VIII. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION Lecture, class discussions both large and small group, class participation in all singing,
playing instruments, movement, singing games, listening activities, peer teachings,
video/DVD/internet viewing, & writing curriculum and lesson plans.
IX. REQUIRED COURSE PRACTICES & ASSIGNMENTS
Reading of the text, music education journal articles, supplementary materials, internet
resources, and presentation of relevant information to the class. Preparation for peer teachings,
student observations of early childhood music programs, written lesson plans and curriculum,
and written reports on videos/DVDs/Internet viewing, and classroom observations.
X. EVALUATION
Major Exam, 75 pts
Final Exam, 75 pts
Lesson plans, curriculum, Peer teaching, and class assignments – 150 Points
Grading Scale:
A= 94 to 100 = 282 to 300 points
B = 86 to 93 = 258 to 281 points
B+ = 274 to 281 points
C = 75 to 85 = 225 to 257 points
C+ = 247 to 257 points
D = 70 to 74 = 210 to 224 points
F = Below 210 points
XI. TEXT – Musical Growth and Development Birth Through Six. Dorothy T. McDonald
& Gene M. Simons, 1989.
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