Rhythmic Training for Musical Development of Early Childhood Educators

As the key educational figures in preschools, early childhood educators are expected, among other responsibilities, to integrate music into the preschool curriculum. Nevertheless, many of them communicate a sense of inadequacy with regard to their own musical aptitude and a lack of confidence regarding their ability to lead musical activities. This book describes a novel approach for musical development of early childhood educators, presenting results of research following its implementation. The program focuses on rhythm, the fundamental element of music, and includes activities, such as: body percussion, chanting, movement, playing pitched and un-pitched educational percussion instruments and a gradual process of learning to play a Mediterranean goblet shaped hand drum (Darbuka). The research findings indicate that it is definitely possible to develop musical abilities of early childhood educators and to reinforce confidence in their own musical abilities through a one-year music course, focusing on rhythm. The findings also show that learning to play a musical instrument constitutes a significant factor in strengthening educators' confidence regarding their own musical aptitude.