Voices of Influence

Abstract

AbstractMusic is a powerful tool that supports children as they navigate through toddlerhood, an intense developmental period of transformation. In this chapter, the author analyzes toddlers’ private pre-sleep vocalizations called “crib songs” (Sole, 2014/2017) to gain insight into the impact of daily musical practices and exchanges. In their everyday lives, toddlers’ experiences and musical moments are shaped by “voices of influence”: parents, caregivers, teachers, and musical environments. Data shared in this chapter include fully improvised crib songs sung about parents and reflections of musical sharing with caregivers, teachers, and peers. Additionally, the crib song examples highlight musical influences from toddlers’ diverse musical surroundings that are shaped by access to technology. By offering glimpses into a few toddlers’ private musical worlds, we may begin to understand how music supports musical and social-emotional development as well as the impact that musical parenting has on raising children and building and sustaining relationships.