Early Childhood Musical Development

Abstract

Musical perception, cognition and behaviour are species-specific capabilities that, like language, originate in basic neurological structures. Musical development in early childhood is a complex product of human potential interfacing with, and being mediated by, socio-cultural influences and opportunities. At any given moment, musical behaviour reflects this interaction and synthesis, creating observable differences between individuals as they follow their own particular developmental 'route' through society's myriad musical 'pathways'. Observed musical behaviour should not be seen as being immutably 'fixed', but open to continued change and development, particularly for those who are within a nurturing educational context (whatever its degree of formalisation). Although development may be faster or slower for particular individuals, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that, with appropriate support, all young children can achieve a degree of mastery in the contemporary musical idioms of their maternal culture.