Music and movement — Music, 4–6 years
Music can suggest a way of moving, while movement can help us show what we hear. Children explore this link without needing to copy one single correct action.
Hearing with the body
When we hear music, our bodies may want to sway, step, turn or freeze. The music does not force one movement, but its speed, shape and changes can suggest choices. Moving is one way to show what we notice in the sound.
Why move to music?
Long before written musical notes, people used voices, steps and gestures together. Moving helped groups share actions, celebrate and remember songs. Today, movement is also a way to make listening active: we pay attention to what changes and when it changes.
Showing two sounds
Listen to two short sounds. For the first, stretch your arms wide and slowly turn once. For the second, make a small quick step and stop. Play them again and choose the same movements. You have made two different sounds visible with your body.
The common mix-up
It is reasonable to think that one piece of music has one correct dance, because some dances have taught steps. But listening movement can be personal and still respond carefully to the music. Two people may move differently while both noticing the same change.
Where music and movement meet
Music and movement meet in dancing, parades, games and exercise. A group may walk in time to a drum, or dancers may use a change in the music to change direction. In everyday life, a song can also help people move together during a celebration.
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