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Why I picked this Photo:  The Sailing Song

As a header for our February 2023 E-News:

I wanted to share a sample of the very nicely created song books that are provided to parents who sign on for a Music Together class.

The photo here is a toddler no doubt singing/exploring the Sailing Song with mom.   The song is one of many that populate Music Together’s nine song collections.  Each collection is accompanied by picture song books and access to the music online or via CD.  Other than the fact that the books are very nicely produced, the songs are all multi-cultural, selected for specific learning content.  Rhythms within each song collection include both traditional and irregular meters.  Tonality spans not just our traditional, western tradition of major and minor, but many of the other modes common to folk music from around the world.  (Think Indian or Chinese music – different modes that sound different than western music.)

The Sailing Song is a slow, swaying style in 6/8 (an underlying feeling of 3’s grouped as two, rather than 2’s, for instance, grouped as 4’s).  This particular song is used by teachers to help children feel the sway of the music, building full body coordination through movement.   Scarves or a parachute are often used to connect everyone in the classroom to the motion of the music.  Music connects us emotionally as children learn different ways to express themselves and their feelings. No words needed!

Why one line of music in the songbook?  Few children read as toddlers, and fewer still read music as toddlers.  The notated music is really there for mom.   EXCEPT, as children we process everything around us and that includes, at some level, visuals on a printed page.  How do young children learn to read books?  Usually, by following along.  In the same way, young children can slowly begin to recognize music patterns and symbols – simply by following along, over time.

I’m not suggesting that we train children to read music at an early age.  Developing our pitch accuracy through singing and rhythmic abilities through movement is where we all need to start.    I do think the books are wonderful and having just a simple outline of a melody is laying a subconscious foundation for music reading in the future.

I grew up hearing music in our house.  The radio always played classical music.  My mom sang and hummed along.  When it came time for me to learn to play recorder, I don’t remember struggling with music reading or anyone really explaining it to me.  It just made sense.  The patterns of music – both written and heard-  are beautiful.  How music notation evolved is also really interesting (but that is conversation for another day).

Most importantly, the music of Music Together’s folk based curriculum is beautiful.  Folk music is the natural foundation on which every culture has built its own music traditions.  Folk music is always quality music – it has survived the test of time, passed from generation to generation.  If you have a young child and are not yet enrolled, please consider a class for your child.  You may not fully know how much your child will learn.    You’ll just be having fun.

Then, keep signing up, keep singing, every year until school begins.  Its nice to try different activities, but sustained participation and repetition throughout early childhood is how we lay the foundation – for success with music in school and beyond; and for success with everything else we learn through music.  Memory, reading, pattern recognition, coordination, appropriate outlets for self-expression, pitch recognition and sensitivity, holding a steady beat, becoming rhythmically “flexible”, improvising.  Making friends with music.  The gift of music is very much for life.

Happy singing!  as you sail your way through music with Music Together.

Sincerely, Sarah Smongeski, Executive Director (and flutist)