Can pre-readers learn music? YES!
Music lessons traditionally are aimed toward children and adults who know how to read.
Reading requires the ability to see a symbol and understand its meaning, and then to translate
it into sound. Similarly, reading music involves the process of seeing a symbol and
understanding its meaning, then playing the indicated note on an instrument. For very young
children, that mental process has not yet developed. Reading music will be more challenging
for them. So does this mean that music lessons have nothing to offer young children?
Absolutely not!
Many of the elements of music can be taught to pre-readers. Keeping a steady beat, rhythm,
dynamics (loud and soft), familiarity with the keyboard, musical symbols and their meanings,
ear training, and more can be taught to these eager young learners. This gives them a head
start as they enter into the world of music!
One of the most important things that music lessons provide for children is a love of music. It is
so exhilarating for children to use their bodies, voices, and energy to create sound! Especially
in the context of a group, learning music is so fun! The joy is contagious!