The musical experience

 

Ireland, Mexico and New Zealand. How can these three countries be incorporated into the performing arts curriculum learning area of Music? It is important for educators to move away from standard early childhood songs that are sung in the classroom, to musical experiences that have depth and meaning where children are able to make meaning of their musical knowledge (Lim & Ching, 2008).

 

To begin the experience, the educator will briefly introduce the three continents that will be incorporated into the learning area of music, Europe, North America and Oceania. After showing the children on a world map, the educator will introduce the specific countries dedicated to that continent. A discussion of what the children already know about these countries can be had, which should introduce and correlate for the children, the topic of performing arts. During this time the educator should model correct terminology of musical instruments displayed around the classroom, as well as discuss the three musical elements of Dynamics, Pitch and Tone and Timbre, which are the main elements that the educator will present to the children through the experiences available to them

 

The educator can they play on the smart board three YouTube clips to inspire the children's imagination and gain their attention:

• Ireland heritage of music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tgtYfwHDuw&list=PLk951Zle0AOdAX7mY6RBwMJ56i3suDHkR

• Native Mexican Tribal music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_58pPUoPvEY (Skip to 3.20)

• The traditional Hakka dance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLmS9e_4m6A

 

After watching the videos the children can discuss with the educator about the topic of diversity and culture, and what each countries musical culture represents.

The children can then explore the classroom, finding aspects of each countries musical differences, through a rotation around the classroom. Within the topic of the countries cultures, the three main musical elements which are the focus of the experience and can be learnt throughout.  The educator can do that by offering ideas and assistance in each experience, and ask open-dended questions to allow the children's mind to think equiatbly. The children can also have the chance to design and create their own cultural costumes to replicate each country.