Examples of Musical Techniques and Activities Used at The Practice School of Hacettepe University

Abstract

Music is one of the most effective and significant techniques supporting all areas of development and used in the education of all children needing normal and special education in the preschool period. The aims of musical education includes those related with communication awareness and language development, and those related with motor and mental development as well as creative and emotional aims. The five techniques frequently used in musical education are as follows: Listening to sounds and distinguishing between them; rhythm activities; breathing exercises and singing activities; musical stories; creative movement and dancing activities. Various definitions of music have been and are still being made for preschool age children. The most important points in music education during the preschool period are hearing, listening, focusing attention on sounds and responding propely. Because listening has great significance in communication, activities in listening to sounds and sound production form the basis of musical activities. Music is the best way to listen and to learn to listen. Music is one of the most effective and significant techniques supporting all areas of development used in the education of preschool age children needing normal and special education (Andress, 1986). The aims of musical education can be classified as follows, considering the areas of development: 1.The aims related to communication, awareness and language development, 2. The aims related to motor development, 3.The aims related to mental development, 4.Creative and emotional aims.