From Silence and Stillness to Collaborative Musical Play: Reflections on Early Childhood Music Education

This study explores the role of music in children’s cultures (Sarmento, 2021) and in the educational context, positioning music as a potential driving force for active citizenship (Fernandes, 2019) in school. The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from Music Education and Childhood Studies, and raises the assumption that music is not only a means of expression but also a key element in children’s understanding of the world around them (Madalozzo, 2024). Considering that music encompasses diverse means of artistic expression and movement centered on corporeality (Cubasch, 1995), important questions arise: are music and movement effectively a part of children’s daily routines in school? And does musical creativity truly perform a significant role in children’s education? Through an analysis of student reports from a Music Education teacher training program in southern Brazil, the research uncovered situations that represented a mismatch between the initial assumptions and the actual experiences of children in school. These included episodes where children were required to remain silent and motionless, and scenes where opportunities for discovery and creativity were lacking, even during art classes. Based on these findings, the discussion addresses two dimensions: theoretical and methodological outcomes. On the theoretical level, the study reexamines the concepts mentioned, advocating for a children-and-their-peers centered education, with active involvement from teachers in a collaborative musical play (Delalande, 1984). The methodological implications for future practices underscore the importance of teachers being attentive to children’s expressions, acknowledging that children’s musical cultures are more complex than an a verticalized gaze might suggest. Finally, the findings highlight the relevance of a shift from teachers “teaching how to” make music, to a model where teachers “make music with” children.