Music plays a huge role in preschool. It fills the hearts of children and inspires them to ‘be’, to open up and express their feelings. They dance to music and soak up the feeling it gives them. While young children are naturally expressive, language and words often come later. They tell us how they feel in other ways; music is often the catalyst to open their door.
“Where words fail, music speaks.”
~Hans Christian Andersen~
Honestly, this is a thread throughout life. Don’t we all remember ‘that song’, the one that makes us truly feel?
The beginning is grounded in early childhood. Children who listen to music – all kinds of music – are better in tune (pun intended) with others. They have a greater depth of empathy and understanding. That’s the core for goodness and becoming a good citizen.
Stay with me…
In March, we prepare for an annual Art Show. Big Deal! It’s displayed for the whole community. At this point in the school year, children love art, and have been exposed to all mediums. What they haven’t been exposed to is ‘real art’, the art of the masters.
I introduce them to impressionism and cubism, Monet and Picasso. I introduce them to ‘Starry Night’. Their favorite is often ‘Large Blue Horses’ by Franz Marc. That always makes me smile, because it’s one of the art pieces that inspired Eric Carle as a teenager in Nazi Germany. His nod to Franz Marc was the blue horse in his book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear.
Large Blue Horses, by Franz Marc
Eric Carle’s Blue Horse
I introduce them to real artist paints in tubes, squeezed onto pallets.
What makes all these elements come alive? Music! Music inspires art. It gives children a wave of joy, and inspires them to create art.
Since children are hands-on learners, I bring in my old record player and record albums. I take a long time, putting the record player on the rug and asking, “What is that?”, then showing them how it works – spinning the turntable and rubbing the needle on the arm to make a sound.
At this point, it’s the coolest new toy, the best technology.
But wait…it makes music! When I put on a record album and play the music, it’s pure magic. Children listen like they’ve never heard music before. I start with Beethoven and Mozart. I play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Handel’s Water Music
I wish every child could hear this music, played on a record player.
Children need to hear all kinds of music. I play The Beatles and The Supremes. This year The Supremes were a big hit.
The children say I’m the one in the middle.
I introduced them to musicals, Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, played on my record player, of course. We sang and danced. ‘Feel Good’ was the mood of the day.
What did all this music do? It inspired children to create their own art, their ‘masterpiece’. Music and art = win-win.
Stay tuned for the Art Show.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I totally agree with you Jennie, music affects life all life long.my worry is that your style of teaching will not survive long in the current political climate. Hugs.
Thank you David. When I see how powerful it is with children (well, with all of us), I know in my heart I’m doing the right thing, and will ‘never give up.’ Hugs.
Music and art will now remain with the children throughout their lives, regardless of what path they choose for their future.
I hope so, GP. Thank you!
I didn’t have the Supremes album but I did have Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. Talk about taking me back in time…
I’m so glad this ‘took you back’ Ally!
Jennie, you are so right, they are so intertwined, and I love that you’re introducing all kinds of music to the children. they will hold onto this forever. I never knew that about the blue horse, I’m always learning from you too. I’m so excited to see a glimpse into the art show!
Yes, they’re very intertwined, and go together like burgers and fries. I wish all children could be exposed to all music. The records and record player really make music come alive. When I learned about Eric Carle being shown abstract art, and how that changed his life, I was thunderstruck. He has paid homage to those artists – like the blue horse in Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Just wonderful!
We frame the art this week and have children title each masterpiece. Then we hang the art on Saturday, and have a field trip to see the show the following week. Whew!
Definitely music has gotten me through many hard battles!
I think that’s true for many of us!
It’s interesting for younger generations to hear music on a record player. I thought my son would be blaise about it. He loves his records, jokes that he doesn’t understand why we went to cassettes.
And of course you son is right! Our son feels the same way. He begged me for a few of my albums, and I caved. 🙂
Love that. With my K-8 students, I let them answer test questions with words, music, or art, as long as they communicate the answer. There are clever kids out there!
That’s a great idea! Yes, so many clever kids, especially those who have been exposed to music and art. I’m glad you enjoyed this, Jacqui.
I love that you show little ones a record player. I sometimes ask my 7th graders if they’ve ever seen or heard one, very few have.
True, very few have seen one. Maybe you could bring one to school- they’d love it!
Sometimes I just want to transport myself back in time, just to be a child in your class.
Best wishes, Pete.
That would be just wonderful! Thank you, Pete. 🥰
As a musician I couldn’t agree more. Art can also inspire music – like “Vincent (Starry Starry Night)” by Don McLean.
I have the quote “Where words fail, music speaks.” on my wall right in front of me.
You are so right! I’m glad you have the quote, too. Many thanks!
Kids are so lucky to have teachers like you who see the greatness in music and art and share that with them.
Thank you, Cathy! 🥰
So good, Jennie! I love that you’re playing such iconic, inspirational and mood boosting music of all sorts! And I chuckled seeing the album covers from The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. I remember those. Cheers to you for all that you do! 🥰💕🥰
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Vicki. All kinds of music is the way to go with children. Yes, those old album covers, and playing the records over and over again. Both Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music were very popular! 😍
You’re amazing! 🥰
Fabulous post, Jennie. I would love to come ans sit cross legged on the floor and listen to your record player. Your children are so fortunate.
I would love that, too!! Thanks so much, John. I’m so glad you liked this. 🥰
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Music makes such a huge impression on children. I remember our teacher playing Tschaikovsky’s Peter and the Wolf. It was a beautiful way to learn about the instruments. I listened intently for each change of character and was so pleased when I recognized them in the music: the strings for Peter, the oboe for Sonja the duck, the bassoon for the grandfather, the flute for Sasha the bird, the clarinet for the cat, French horns for the wolf, and the timpani for the hunters.
Just the other day the Captain and I were listening to some music and he asked what instrument I thought that was. I said, “It sounds like Sonja the duck, so … an oboe?” We looked it up later and sure enough, it was an oboe.
I think when you attach music to learning, the information and memory sticks better.
You’re on the right track Jennie. Good for you! The kids will still love you for it decades later.
I have the same memories of listening to Peter and the Wolf! I love your story of describing the oboe as Sonja the duck.
Yes, music really does make a difference in learning- things stick! Many thanks, Anneli.
I’m looking forward to seeing the art! Music has always inspired my writing.
Thanks, Annabelle. This week I frame all the art, and next week the Art Show will be displayed. I think you’ll enjoy it! I’m glad you find music inspires your writing.
Music is so important in all of our lives. It’s so wonderful that you introduce your students to all kinds of music and on a record player. My kids have my special albums. Elvis Presley Blue Hawaii was my first album and I played it over and over. I look forward to seeing this year’s art.
I remember that album! My first one was Meet the Beatles, and I still have it. Yes, music is so important. I love bringing it to life with a record player, and the kids do, too. Many thanks, Darlene.
I love this time of year in the Aqua Room! My mother made sure music was an important part of my brother’s and my growing up years. It really made a difference.
Me too!
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I’m so glad you do, Liz! Lucky you that your mom played music. My mom played plenty of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, which I fondly remember.
She liked show tunes in particular, although she did get us records with educational songs, such as why cows give milk and why the sky is blue.
Rodgers and Hammerstein were big in our house (not educational records.) My sister and I stayed up late in high school to watch the movie that came on after the 11:00 news. One night it was Carousel, and our mother came downstairs to watch it with us. She cried; it was the first time we had ever seen our mother cry.
That’s a wonderful memory, Jennie. Thank you for sharing it with me. Here is one of the educational records: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ja9CnBfP2E
Thank you, Liz! I would have loved this as a child. I think I need to / have to write more on music.
You’re welcome, Jennie! I hope you do write more on music.
I did, and hope you like it. Best to you, Liz.
Thanks, Jennie. I’m sure I will.
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My parents raised with music and art… ALL of us are musical and artistic, as a result – they were too – the folks that is.
Now, that’s really wonderful! Thanks, Annette.
Jennie, thank you for this wonderful, joyful post. I would loved to have watched their reactions to hearing music like the examples you gave for the first time. And you are definitely one of the super Supremes. 😀 Big hugs.
Aww…I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Teagan. Thanks for your kind words. Yes, children’s reactions ranged from surprise to joy- always a delight to see. Now, if only I had a pair of those orange pants that the Supreme in the middle (aka, me) is wearing! 😅
I think it’s fabulous that you expose children to so many types of music. I can think of more than a few kids who stayed in school because of their love of music.
I wish you could be there, sitting on the floor as I put an album on and play it. It’s such a wonderful experience for children. Yes, it takes all kinds of music to inspire children. I also know a few who stayed in school because of music. Many thanks, Pete.
In this day and age, your space (The Aqua Room) & teaching offers the limitless options of different music, art, ways of being…all in such a non-techie way! (he)art to (he)art that’s what it’s all about IMHO.
Thank you, Laura. I feel the same way, but sadly most teachers champion the techie side. Many think my methods are old fashioned. What they don’t realize is that even though the world is and has changed – children have not; they’re still the same, needing hands-on versus the screen. Okay… what is IMHO?
HA! One of the very first texting acronyms I learned in the early 2000s: InMyHumbleOpinion.
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Awwww Jennie I wish you had been my teacher…x
Thank you, Carol. That would have been wonderful! 💕
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You are giving the children a wonderful gift, Jennie by linking these creative concepts. I remember seeing the art show and being amazed by your children’s work. It’s good to know that the inspiration was carefully planned and orchestrated (yes, pun also intended). I hope you have a wonderful week.
Thank you, Dan. This seems so natural to me, since creativity is linked. I can’t wait to introduce children to creativity, because they are naturally creative (adults take notice). Yes, I remember that you saw the Art Show! It’s something else. 🙂. Love the pun!
Amazing initiative Jennie. Music makes everything better. And what a royal treat for the youngsters who had no idea what a record player was. Everything comes back! ❤
Yes, everything comes back, and what a thrill to share it with children. Music really does make everything better. Thank you, Debby. 💕
Super fun, Jennie. Music and art go hand in hand in creativity and fun. Your kids are so happy to have you.
They really do. Thanks so much, Diana!
Can you still get needles for your record player’s arm? I used to play Mozart and Vivaldi while my children did their homework. They complained but, I notice my son still listens to it now all grown up! Daughter not so much.
You’re an inspiration, Jennie! I’m going to play some while I paint today and see if I can get unstuck. My creativity seems to be in limbo.
You can get most anything on Amazon. I’d Google the record player brand first to get all the info, then order the needle on Amazon. Google probably has a ‘how to’ video in replacing the needle.
How wonderful that your son still listens to the Mozart and Vivaldi records you played for them. You made a difference! Your daughter will, when the time in her life is right.
I hope music will get you inspired and unstuck when you paint, Deborah. It can do wonders. Thank you for your kind words!
Music is good for the soul and for children listening to beautiful music is good for them. Thanks a lot for your valuable post Jennie
Yes, it is! Thank you, Kamal!
So agree!
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You are always welcome dear Jennie 💕
I also have a record player and all my mom’s records. Also some from my childhood like Sparky’s magic piano.
Yes! That’s wonderful, Robbie.
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I loved both of those albums as a child, I also had Winnie the Pooh. I could sing every song and danced all the time. I love how you use music and art together for your students to create. I am looking forward to seeing their masterpieces this year.
Wonderful, Carla!