Understanding children's creative expression in their free musical play

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Published: Dec 22, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/icw.35456
Konstantina Dogani
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, SECEd
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7688-8403
Abstract

Children’s spontaneous musical behaviours that develop in their free play reveal their innate ability to create music on their own terms. These valuable forms of musical expression often go unnoticed and remain unexploited. This study aims to understand and recognise significant instances of children’s musical expression in their free musical play in preschool. The approach draws on child-centred perspectives that recognise children’s ability to shape and give meaning to their everyday experiences. The data were collected through the teachers' observations of children in two preschool classes in public schools and were supported by teachers’ field notes and reflective comments. Children playing either alone or in pairs were considered as distinct case studies throughout the research process. The thematic analysis revealed incidents and musical artefacts that enrich our understanding of children’s independent musical thinking as they frame their musical play based on their interests. Starting from exploration of different ways of playing, they then moved on to imitate or match their playing with that of a co-player. Creativity culminated by enriching and exchanging ideas during musical improvisation with a partner. The findings emphasise children’s active engagement in the construction of meaning through musical associations with the sound sources, their peers, or the teacher. The pedagogical and research acts “observe-understand-interact” seem to encourage interaction in children’s free musical play. By listening carefully and discreetly supporting children's spontaneous musical play, we allow it to unfold.

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